A.T. Robertson Commentary Colossians 3:8

A.T. Robertson Commentary

Colossians 3:8

1863–1934
Southern Baptist
A.T. Robertson
A.T. Robertson

A.T. Robertson Commentary

Colossians 3:8

1863–1934
Southern Baptist
SCRIPTURE

"but now do ye also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, railing, shameful speaking out of your mouth:" — Colossians 3:8 (ASV)

But now (νυν δε). Emphatic form of νυν in decided contrast (to ποτε in verse 7) in the resurrection life of 2:12; 3:1.

Put ye also away (αποθεσθε κα υμεις). Second aorist middle imperative of old verb αποτιθημ, to put away, lay aside like old clothes. This metaphor of clothing Paul now uses with several verbs (αποθεσθε here, απεκδυσαμενο in verse 9, ενδυσαμενο in verse 10, ενδυσασθε in verse 12).

All these (τα παντα). The whole bunch of filthy rags (anger οργην, wrath θυμον, malice κακιαν, railing βλασφημιαν, shameful speaking αισχρολογιαν). See somewhat similar lists of vices in Col 3:5; Galatians 5:20; Ephesians 4:29–31. These words have all been discussed except αισχρολογιαν, an old word for low and obscene speech which occurs here only in the N.T. It is made from αισχρολογος (αισχρος as in 1 Corinthians 11:6 and that from αισχος, disgrace). Note also the addition of "out of your mouth" (εκ του στοματος υμων). The word was used for both abusive and filthy talk and Lightfoot combines both ideas as often happens. Such language should never come out of the mouth of a Christian living the new life in Christ.