But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

COLOSSIANS 3:25KJV
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Colossians 3:25 (KJV)

What does Colossians 3:25 mean?

Colossians 3:25 says that a person who does wrong will face the consequences of that wrong. The verse also says that a person’s standing will not win special treatment: there is “no respect of persons.”

The words “receive for the wrong” picture a person receiving what corresponds to the wrong done. Following the promise of a reward in verse 24, Paul adds a warning about wrongdoing.

The Greek behind Colossians 3:25

  • “receive” — κομίζω (komizō): This word can mean to receive or get back something due. Here it carries the sense of receiving a response to what one has done.
  • “persons” — προσωπολημψία (prosōpolēmpsia): This word means favoritism or partiality. The KJV phrase “respect of persons” refers to giving someone an advantage because of who that person is.

Why Colossians 3:25 matters

  • The warning sits within instructions to people with unequal standing. Paul has been addressing enslaved people, and he turns to masters in Colossians 4:1; the statement about wrongdoing comes between those instructions.
  • The verse points to a response that fits the conduct. The phrase “for the wrong which he hath done” ties what a person receives to the wrong that person committed.

Where else these words appear

“persons” Greek G4382 · used in 4 verses

  • Romans 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.
  • Ephesians 6:9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
  • James 2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.

“receive” Greek G2865 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 25:27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
  • Ephesians 6:8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
  • Hebrews 11:39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

“wrong” Greek G91 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 20:13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
  • 1 Corinthians 6:7 Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?
  • Revelation 6:6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.