Colossians 3:14
12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
13 Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.
- KJV
- And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
- WEB
- Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection.
- ASV
- and above all these things [put on] love, which is the bond of perfectness.
- DARBY
- And to all these [add] love, which is the bond of perfectness.
- BLB
- And over all these, [put on] love, which is the bond of perfection.
- ÅB
- Men over alt dette iklæ dere kjærligheten, som er fullkommenhetens sambånd.
- OTB
- Og fremfor alt dette, omfavn kjærligheten, som forener dem alle i fullkommen harmoni.
- B1930
- Men over alt dette iklæ eder kjærligheten, som er fullkommenhetens sambånd.
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Read in contextEphesians 5:2
and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.
Read in context1 Corinthians 13:1–13
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal.
Read in contextColossians 2:2
that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ,
Read in contextJohn 13:34
A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another.
Read in contextRomans 13:8
Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
Read in contextEphesians 4:3
and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Read in context1 Timothy 1:5
The goal of our instruction is the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith.
Read in context