and have put on the new selfThis phrase signifies a transformation that occurs in a believer's life. The imagery of "putting on" suggests a deliberate action, akin to changing clothes, symbolizing a departure from the old sinful nature and embracing a new identity in Christ. This concept is echoed in
Ephesians 4:24, where believers are encouraged to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. The "new self" represents a regenerated nature, aligning with the teachings of Jesus about being born again (
John 3:3). This transformation is not merely external but involves a profound internal change, reflecting the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
which is being renewed in knowledge
The renewal process is ongoing, indicating that spiritual growth and maturity are continuous throughout a believer's life. The term "knowledge" here refers to a deep, experiential understanding of God and His will, rather than mere intellectual assent. This renewal is facilitated by the Holy Spirit and involves a transformation of the mind, as described inRomans 12:2. The Greek word for "knowledge" (epignosis) implies a full, discerned understanding, suggesting that believers are called to grow in their comprehension of divine truths. This aligns with the call to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).
in the image of its Creator
This phrase points back to the original creation of humanity in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). The fall of man marred this image, but through Christ, believers are being restored to reflect God's character and attributes. The "image" here is not a physical likeness but a spiritual and moral resemblance to God, emphasizing holiness, righteousness, and love. This restoration process is a fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, as believers are conformed to the likeness of His Son (Romans 8:29). The ultimate goal is to reflect Christ's character, as He is the perfect image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul the ApostleThe author of the letter to the Colossians, Paul writes to the church in Colossae to address false teachings and to encourage believers in their faith.
2.
ColossaeAn ancient city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) where the church to whom Paul is writing is located. The city was known for its diverse cultural influences, which may have contributed to the false teachings Paul addresses.
3.
The Colossian ChurchThe recipients of Paul's letter, a group of early Christians who are being instructed in the true gospel and encouraged to live out their faith authentically.
Teaching Points
The New Self in ChristAs believers, we are called to put on the new self, which signifies a complete transformation of our identity in Christ. This involves a conscious decision to live according to the values and principles of the Kingdom of God.
Continuous RenewalThe phrase "being renewed" indicates an ongoing process. Our spiritual growth and renewal in knowledge are continuous as we seek to know God more deeply and conform to His image.
Knowledge and Image of the CreatorThe renewal is in knowledge, which suggests that understanding and wisdom are crucial in our spiritual journey. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but transformative, aligning us with the image of our Creator.
Practical Implications of RenewalThis transformation should be evident in our daily lives, affecting our thoughts, actions, and interactions with others. We are to reflect Christ in all we do, demonstrating His love and truth.
Living Out Our New IdentityEmbracing our new identity in Christ means rejecting the old ways of sin and embracing a life of righteousness and holiness. This is a daily commitment to live out the gospel in practical ways.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Colossians 3:10?
2.How can we "put on the new self" in our daily lives?
3.What does it mean to be "renewed in knowledge" according to Colossians 3:10?
4.How does Colossians 3:10 connect with Ephesians 4:24 about the new self?
5.In what ways can we reflect God's image in our actions today?
6.How can renewing our minds help us grow spiritually and morally?
7.What does "put on the new self" mean in Colossians 3:10 for personal transformation?
8.How does Colossians 3:10 relate to the concept of spiritual renewal in Christianity?
9.In what ways does Colossians 3:10 challenge our understanding of identity in Christ?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Colossians 3?
11.What does being made in God's image mean?
12.Who is the new man in the story?
13.What is God's purpose for creating humans?
14.What is the meaning of Theosis?What Does Colossians 3:10 Mean
And have put on the new selfPaul speaks as though the wardrobe change has already happened. The instant we trusted Christ, God dressed us in a brand-new identity.
• “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
• In the same vein,Ephesians 4:24 urges us to “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
What used to define us—sin, shame, and separation—has been replaced with Christ’s righteousness, acceptance, and intimacy. The old clothes no longer fit; we simply learn to live in the outfit we already wear.
Which is being renewedThe new self is alive, continually growing. The grammar points to an ongoing process, not a one-time tweak.
•2 Corinthians 4:16 says, “Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day.”
•Romans 12:2 adds, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
God’s Spirit keeps sanding away the rough edges:
– Through Scripture that corrects and trains us (2 Timothy 3:16).
– Through fellowship that sharpens us “as iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17).
– Through trials that refine our faith like gold (1 Peter 1:6-7).
In knowledgeRenewal happens as we come to know God more deeply. This is relational knowledge, not trivia.
• Jesus defined eternal life as “that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3).
•Hosea 4:6 warns, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge,” underscoring why Paul stresses learning Christ.
Practical on-ramps:
– Daily intake of the Word (Psalm 1:2-3).
– Meditating on what we learn so truth sinks from head to heart (Joshua 1:8).
– Obeying the light we already have, which opens the door to more (John 7:17).
In the image of its CreatorThe destination is nothing short of reflecting the character of the One who made us.
•Genesis 1:26-27 records humanity’s original design: “Let Us make man in Our image.” Sin marred that image; salvation restores it.
•Colossians 1:15 calls Jesus “the image of the invisible God.” As He remakes us, we begin to mirror Him (2 Corinthians 3:18).
•Romans 8:29 promises we are “predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.” Every renewal cycle chisels us closer to Christ’s likeness—His love, purity, wisdom, and power.
summaryColossians 3:10 celebrates what God has done and is doing. He has already clothed us with a new self, and He keeps renewing that self through a growing, relational knowledge of Him, aiming to restore the full, radiant image of our Creator in us. The verse invites us to live each day conscious of our new identity, cooperating with His ongoing work, and anticipating the moment we will perfectly reflect Christ.
(10-17) In these verses we have the corresponding positive exhortation, connected with the idea of resurrection with Christ, through which we put on the new man, holding Christ to be our all in all. Of the new nature there are two marks--towards man love in all its various forms, towards God thanksgiving and living to His glory.
(10)The new man, which is (being)renewed.--There are here the same two different words which are found in the parallel passage. (See Notes onEphesians 4:22-24). "The new man" is here properly theyouthful man "which is renewed," that is, to which is given a nature really fresh and new.
Verse 10. -
And having put on the new (man),
which is being renewed unto (full)
knowledge, after (the)
image of him that created him (
Ephesians 4:23, 24;
Ephesians 2:15;
Romans 6:4;
Romans 7:6;
Romans 8:1-4;
Romans 13:12-14;
2 Corinthians 5:17;
Galatians 6:15;
Colossians 1:9;
Colossians 2:2, 3;
Genesis 1:26-28;
Matthew 5:48;
Hebrews 12:10;
1 Peter 1:16;
Romans 8:29). New (
νέος) is "young," "of recent date" (compare the "once," "but now" of vers. 7, 8; also
Colossians 1:5-8;
1 Peter 2:1, 2). whose birth was well remembered, and which presented so vivid a contrast to the "old man with his deeds." "Being renewed" (
ἀνακαινούμενον, derived from the adjective
καινός) sets forth the other side of this newness, its
novelty of quality and condition (compare "newness of life,"
Romans 6:4). And this participle is in the present tense (continuous), while the former is in the aorist (historical). So the notions are combined of
a new birth taking place once for all, and a new
character in course of formation. In
Ephesians 4:23, 24 these ideas are in the same order (see Trench's 'Synonyms'). "Full knowledge" was one purpose of this renewal, the purpose most necessary to be set before the Colossians. The nature and objects of this
knowledge have been already specified (
Colossians 1:6, 9, 27, 28;
Colossians 2:2, 3, 9, 10: comp.
Ephesians 1:18, 19;
Ephesians 3:18, 19;
Philippians 3:8-14;
1 Corinthians 1:18-31; and on
ἐπίγνωσις, see note,
Colossians 1:6). "After (the) image" is clearly an allusion to
Genesis 1:26-28; so in
Ephesians 4:24 ("after God"). It is adverbial to "renewed," not to "knowledge." Man's renewal in Christ makes him what the Creator at first designed him to be, namely, his own image (compare note on "reconcile,"
Colossians 1:20). Chrysostom and others take "Christ" as "him that created," in view of
Colossians 1:15, 16; but then it is said that all things "were created
in...
through...
for Christ," not absolutely that
Christ created them. But "the image of God after which" man was created and is now recreated, is
seen in Christ (
Romans 8:29;
2 Corinthians 3:18;
2 Corinthians 4:4;
John 1:18).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.have put onἐνδυσάμενοι(endysamenoi)Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1746:To put on, clothe (another). From en and duno; to invest with clothing.theτὸν(ton)Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.new [self],νέον(neon)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3501:(a) young, youthful, (b) new, fresh.which isτὸν(ton)Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.being renewedἀνακαινούμενον(anakainoumenon)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 341:To renew, make new again. From ana and a derivative of kainos; to renovate.inεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.knowledgeἐπίγνωσιν(epignōsin)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1922:From epiginosko; recognition, i.e. full discernment, acknowledgement.inκατ’(kat’)Preposition
Strong's 2596:A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).[the] imageεἰκόνα(eikona)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1504:An image, likeness, bust. From eiko; a likeness, i.e. statue, profile, or representation, resemblance.ofτοῦ(tou)Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.[its]αὐτόν(auton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.Creator.κτίσαντος(ktisantos)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2936:To create, form, shape, make, always of God. Probably akin to ktaomai; to fabricate, i.e. Found.
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NT Letters: Colossians 3:10 And have put on the new man (Coloss. Col Co) 
