Colossians 3:5 (KJV)

What does Colossians 3:5 mean?

Colossians 3:5 tells readers to put to death their earthly behaviors, specifically listing sexual immorality, impurity, uncontrolled passion, evil desire, and greed, which is called idolatry. The verse urges a decisive break from these harmful actions, treating them as things that should no longer have a place in a believer’s life.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Colossae, encouraging them to live differently now that they follow Christ. The verse uses strong language—“mortify” means to put something to death—to stress how seriously these behaviors should be rejected. Paul lists specific actions and attitudes that were common in the surrounding culture, highlighting that greed (covetousness) is a form of idolatry because it puts desire for things above God.

The Greek behind Colossians 3:5

• “Mortify” (νεκρώσατε, nekrosate) means to put to death or make dead. Paul uses this strong word to show that these behaviors should not just be avoided but actively killed off in one’s life.
• “Members” (μέλη, melē) refers to parts of the body, but here it points to aspects of a person’s life or actions that are tied to earthly, sinful behavior.
• “Covetousness” (πλεονεξία, pleonexia) is described as idolatry (εἰδωλολατρία, eidōlolatria). The Greek makes clear that greed isn’t just wanting more, but is seen as worshipping something other than God, giving it ultimate importance.

Why Colossians 3:5 matters

• Colossians 3:5 clarifies that following Christ involves a real and practical change in behavior, not just beliefs or feelings.
• The verse highlights that greed is not a minor fault but is spiritually dangerous, equated with idolatry, which helps readers see the seriousness of unchecked desire.
• This instruction connects to the wider passage, where Paul describes putting off the “old self” and living in a new way, showing that faith affects everyday actions and choices.