Colossians 3:6 Meaning and Explanation
“For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →This warning gives weight to Paul's call to put earthly sins to death. The surrounding commands concern desires, habits, speech, and relationships that can become familiar in ordinary life. Verse 6 reminds us that God sees their true character and that his holy judgment is never indifferent to the destruction sin brings.
Colossians 3:6 warns that God's wrath comes because of the sins named in the preceding verse. Sin is morally serious before God, and persistent disobedience belongs under his righteous judgment.
The Context of Colossians 3:6
Paul writes to believers whom he has described as risen with Christ, their life hidden with Christ in God. After directing their minds toward things above, he names practices that belong to the old earthly way of life: sexual sin, uncleanness, uncontrolled desire, evil desire, and covetousness. Verse 6 gives the reason these things must be put to death. Verse 7 then recalls that the readers once walked in such ways, while verses 8 through 17 call them to put off corrupt conduct and put on the renewed life marked by mercy, forgiveness, peace, gratitude, and the word of Christ.
What Does Colossians 3:6 Mean?
The opening words, "For which things' sake," point back to the sins of verse 5. Paul does not treat them as private matters without consequence. Fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness oppose the life God gives. Covetousness receives special attention because Paul calls it idolatry: it gives created things a place of devotion and rule that belongs to God. "The wrath of God" speaks of God's holy and righteous response to evil. His judgment arises from his own goodness and faithfulness. The verse therefore calls us to see sin as God sees it, with sobriety, honesty, and a willingness to turn from what damages communion with him and with one another.
"Cometh" presents God's wrath as a real judgment, not an empty threat. Paul does not explain every timing or form of that judgment here. He firmly joins evil conduct with divine accountability. The expression "children of disobedience" describes people characterized by disobedience, people whose course of life is shaped by refusal of God's will. Verse 7 immediately prevents the warning from becoming a reason for pride: the Colossian believers also once walked in these things when they lived in them. Paul's argument moves from their former way of life toward the new humanity renewed after the Creator's image. God's judgment exposes the gravity of the old way, while God's renewing work calls people into a different pattern of life.
The verse stands beneath the larger hope of the chapter, where Christ is the believers' life and will appear in glory. Christ's lordship gives Paul's moral instruction its center. We do not merely exchange one list of habits for another; we seek a life that accords with the risen Lord. The New Testament also declares that God has acted through Christ to address sin and reconcile those who receive him. That mercy never makes sin harmless. It gives a true ground for repentance, forgiveness, and renewed obedience. In this chapter, the fruit of that renewal appears in patient forbearance, forgiveness after the pattern of Christ, charity, peace, thanksgiving, and deeds done in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Bible Verses Related to Colossians 3:6
“Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.”
- Ephesians 5:6
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;”
- Romans 1:18
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:”
- Colossians 3:5
“In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.”
- Colossians 3:7
Where Colossians 3:6 Echoes in Scripture
Ephesians 5:6 closely echoes Colossians 3:6, joining deceptive words, disobedience, and the coming wrath of God. The parallel confirms that Paul gives this warning as part of practical instruction for a holy way of life. In both passages, the warning is surrounded by calls to walk differently, so divine judgment and transformed conduct remain closely connected.
How to Apply Colossians 3:6 Today
This verse invites a clear examination of the desires and practices that are gaining rule in our lives. We may bring hidden habits, resentments, greed, sexual temptation, and dishonest speech before God without pretending that they are small matters. Confession can be specific. Repentance can include a concrete change: ending a compromising pattern, seeking wise help, making restitution where possible, or choosing gratitude over covetousness. The chapter also directs us toward life-giving practices: letting Christ's word dwell richly among us, forgiving one another, and doing ordinary work in the Lord's name. God's warning can awaken reverence and move us toward the mercy he provides.
Reflection & Prayer
Where have we grown casual about a desire or practice that God calls us to put away? Let this warning lead to honest prayer rather than concealment or despair. A suggested prayer: "Holy God, show us what resists your will. Grant us repentance, guard our hearts from disobedience, and form in us the renewed life that honors the Lord Jesus. Amen."