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

3praying at the same time for us also, that God may open to us a door of the word to speak the mystery of Christ, on account of which also I am bound, 4to the end that I may make it manifest as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom towards those without, redeeming opportunities. 6[Let] your word [be] always with grace, seasoned with salt, [so as] to know how ye ought to answer each one. 7Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow-bondman in [the] Lord, will make known to you all that concerns me;

Colossians 4:5 word by word

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

• Walkπεριπατέωperipateō · to walkG4043
• wisdomσοφίαsophia · wisdomG4678

Cross-references for Colossians 4:5

• Colossians 3:16Let the word of the Christ dwell in you richly, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another, in psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to God.
• Psalms 90:12So teach [us] to number our days, that we may acquire a wise heart.
• Matthew 10:16Behold, I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves; be therefore prudent as the serpents, and guileless as the doves.
• Romans 16:19For your obedience has reached to all. I rejoice therefore as it regards you; but I wish you to be wise [as] to that which is good, and simple [as] to evil.
• 1 Corinthians 14:19but in [the] assembly I desire to speak five words with my understanding, that I may instruct others also, [rather] than ten thousand words in a tongue.
• Ephesians 5:15See therefore how ye walk carefully, not as unwise but as wise,
• James 1:5But if any one of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all freely and reproaches not, and it shall be given to him:
• James 3:13Who [is] wise and understanding among you; let him shew out of a good conversation his works in meekness of wisdom;
• 1 Corinthians 5:12For what have I [to do] with judging those outside also? ye, do not ye judge them that are within?
• 1 Thessalonians 4:12that ye may walk reputably towards those without, and may have need of no one.
• 1 Timothy 3:7But it is necessary that he should have also a good testimony from those without, that he may fall not into reproach and [the] snare of the devil.
• 1 Peter 3:1Likewise, wives, [be] subject to your own husbands, that, even if any are disobedient to the word, they may be gained without [the] word by the conversation of the 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