Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

COLOSSIANS 3:16KJV
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Colossians 3:16 (KJV)

What does Colossians 3:16 mean?

Colossians 3:16 calls believers to let the message about Christ fill their lives so completely that it shapes their wisdom, teaching, and encouragement of one another, especially through songs and heartfelt praise to God. The verse highlights the importance of sharing spiritual truth together, using music and gratitude as ways to build each other up in faith.

Paul writes this letter to the Christians in Colossae, encouraging them to center their community on the teachings of Jesus. He urges them to teach and correct each other with wisdom, and to use psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs as practical ways to express and reinforce their shared faith. This verse shows that worship, learning, and encouragement are meant to be woven into everyday life together.

The Greek behind Colossians 3:16

  • The word "dwell" (ἐνοικείτω, enoikeitō) means to live in or take up residence. Paul is urging that the message about Christ should not just visit occasionally, but should make its home in the hearts and lives of believers.
  • "Admonishing" (νουθετοῦντες, nouthetountes) carries the sense of gently warning or correcting one another, not just teaching facts but helping each other stay on the right path.
  • "Psalms" (ψαλμοῖς, psalmois), "hymns" (ὕμνοις, hymnois), and "spiritual songs" (ᾠδαῖς πνευματικαῖς, ōdais pneumatikais) refer to different types of songs used in worship—some from the Old Testament, some newly composed, all meant to express faith and encourage the community.
  • "Grace" (χάριτι, chariti) here suggests singing with thankfulness or a gracious spirit, not just outward performance but genuine gratitude in the heart.

Why Colossians 3:16 matters

  • Colossians 3:16 clarifies that Christian teaching and encouragement are not just for leaders or special occasions, but are meant to be shared among all believers in daily life.
  • The verse emphasizes that music and singing are not just for worship services, but are practical ways to teach, encourage, and express faith together.
  • This verse connects the idea of wisdom and gratitude, showing that true understanding of Christ leads naturally to thankful, joyful living and mutual support.

Where else these words appear

“hymns” Greek G5215 · used in 2 verses

  • Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

“richly” Greek G4146 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Timothy 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
  • Titus 3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
  • 2 Peter 1:11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

“Let” Greek G1774 · used in 5 verses

  • Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
  • 2 Timothy 1:5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

“songs” Greek G5603 · used in 5 verses

  • Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
  • Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
  • Revelation 14:3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.