Colossians 4:5

Colossians 4:5 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
• New International Version (NIV)Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
• English Standard Version (ESV)Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.
• New King James Version (NKJV)Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.

Context of Colossians 4:5

3withal praying for us also, that God may open unto us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds; 4that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. 6Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer each one. 7All my affairs shall Tychicus make known unto you, the beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord:

Colossians 4:5 word by word

Ἐν σοφίᾳ περιπατεῖτε πρὸς τοὺς ἔξω τὸν καιρὸν ἐξαγοραζόμενοι.Read the interlinear

• Walkπεριπατέωperipateō · to walkG4043
• wisdomσοφίαsophia · wisdomG4678
• timeκαιρόςkairos · time/right timeG2540

Cross-references for Colossians 4:5

• Colossians 3:16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God.
• Psalms 90:12So teach us to number our days, That we may get us a heart of wisdom.
• Matthew 10:16Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
• Romans 16:19For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I rejoice therefore over you: but I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple unto that which is evil.
• 1 Corinthians 14:19howbeit in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.
• Ephesians 5:15Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise;
• James 1:5But if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
• James 3:13Who is wise and understanding among you? let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom.
• 1 Corinthians 5:12For what have I to do with judging them that are without? Do not ye judge them that are within?
• 1 Thessalonians 4:12that ye may walk becomingly toward them that are without, and may have need of nothing.
• 1 Timothy 3:7Moreover he must have good testimony from them that are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
• 1 Peter 3:1In like manner, ye wives, bein subjection to your own husbands; that, even if any obey not the word, they may without the word be gained by the behavior of their wives;
• Ephesians 5:16redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Commentaries on Colossians 4:5

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 5Walk in wisdom - Act wisely and prudently in reference to them who are without - who yet continue unbelieving Gentiles or persecuting Jews. The Church of Christ was considered an enclosure; a field, or vineyard, well hedged or walled. Those who were not members of it, were considered without; i.e. not under that especial protection and defense which the true followers of Christ had. This has been since called "The pale of the Church," from palus, a stake…Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 5Walk in wisdom - That is, conduct uprightly and honestly. Deal with them on the strictest principles of integrity, so that they may not have occasion to reproach the religion which you profess. Toward them that are without - Without the pale of the church, or who are not professing Christians; see the notes at 1 Corinthians 5:12. They were surrounded by pagans, as Christians now are by men of the world. The injunction is one that requires us to act with…Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 2-6Verses 2-6 No duties can be done aright, unless we persevere in fervent prayer, and watch therein with thanksgiving. The people are to pray particularly for their ministers. Believers are exhorted to right conduct towards unbelievers. Be careful in all converse with them, to do them good, and recommend religion by all fit means. Diligence in redeeming time, commends religion to the good opinion of others. Even what is only carelessness may cause a lasting…Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 5redeeming the time (literally buy up the time): Just like people buy up a product at a good price, Christians should take advantage of every opportunity God gives them to share the good news and serve others.Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 55. (See on Ep 5:15, 16.) in wisdom--practical Christian prudence. them ... without--Those not in the Christian brotherhood (1Co 5:12; 1Th 4:12). The brethren, through love, will make allowances for an indiscreet act or word of a brother; the world will make none. Therefore be the more on your guard in your intercourse with the latter, lest you be a stumbling-block to their conversion. redeeming the time--The Greek expresses, buying up for yourselves, and…Read the comment

Topics related to Colossians 4:5

• Prudence
• Zeal, Religious

In the dictionaries

• Ephesians, Epistle to
• Fervently
• Greet
• Colossians, Epistle to the
• Sacrifice

Commentaries on Colossians 4

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Calvin’s Commentaries
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Illustrated New Testament
• Burkitt’s Expository Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Family Bible Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• The People’s New Testament
• Robertson’s Word Pictures
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings