And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

COLOSSIANS 3:10KJV
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Colossians 3:10 (KJV)

What does Colossians 3:10 mean?

Colossians 3:10 describes putting on a "new man," meaning taking on a new way of living and thinking that is being renewed in knowledge to reflect the image of the Creator. The verse points to a transformation that involves growing in understanding and becoming more like the one who made us.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Colossae, encouraging them to leave behind their old habits and adopt a new identity shaped by God’s character. The focus here is on an ongoing renewal—a process of learning and change—so that their lives increasingly resemble what God intended when He created humanity.

The Greek behind Colossians 3:10

  • The word for "new" is καινός (kainos), which often means new in quality or kind, not just recent. This suggests a fresh, transformed nature rather than simply a newer version of the old self.
  • "Renewed" comes from ἀνακαινόω (anakainoō), meaning to make new again or to restore. This highlights that the change is not a one-time event but a continual process of being made new.
  • "Knowledge" is ἐπίγνωσις (epignōsis), which refers to a deep, full, and growing understanding, not just surface-level information. The verse emphasizes that this renewal happens as believers gain a richer knowledge of God.
  • The phrase "after the image" uses εἰκών (eikōn), meaning likeness or image, pointing back to the idea from Genesis that humans were created to reflect God’s character. Paul is saying this renewal restores that original purpose.

Why Colossians 3:10 matters

  • Colossians 3:10 clarifies that the Christian life is not just about following rules but about an inner renewal that changes how a person thinks and lives.
  • The verse connects personal growth to knowing God more deeply, showing that transformation is tied to learning and understanding, not just outward behavior.
  • By mentioning the image of the Creator, Paul links this renewal to the original design for humanity, reminding readers that their new life is about reflecting God’s character in the world.

Where else these words appear

“renewed” Greek G341 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

“created” Greek G2936 · used in 12 verses

  • Mark 13:19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.
  • Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
  • Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

“new” Greek G3501 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 9:17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.
  • Luke 15:13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
  • 1 Timothy 5:2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.

“knowledge” Greek G1922 · used in 20 verses

  • Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
  • Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
  • Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;