Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

COLOSSIANS 3:9KJV
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Colossians 3:9 (KJV)

What does Colossians 3:9 mean?

Colossians 3:9 tells believers not to lie to each other, because they have set aside their old, sinful ways and the behaviors that went with them. The verse connects honest living with the idea that followers of Jesus have left behind their former selves and habits.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Colossae, urging them to live differently now that they belong to Christ. The instruction not to lie is part of a larger section where Paul describes how believers should “put off” their old way of life and “put on” new qualities that reflect their new identity. The verse uses the image of taking off old clothes to describe leaving behind past behaviors.

The Greek behind Colossians 3:9

  • "Lie" (ψεύδομαι, pseudomai): This word means to speak falsely or deceive. Paul’s use of it highlights that honesty is a key part of the new life believers are called to live.
  • "Old" (παλαιός, palaios) and "man" (ἄνθρωπος, anthrōpos): Together, these refer to the “old self” or “old person,” meaning the former way of living before following Jesus. The phrase paints a picture of leaving behind an entire way of being, not just a few bad habits.
  • "Put off" (ἀπεκδύομαι, apekduomai): This word means to strip off or take away, like removing clothing. Paul uses it to show that leaving behind the old self is a decisive, intentional act.

Why Colossians 3:9 matters

  • Colossians 3:9 clarifies that honesty is not just a moral rule, but a sign of a changed life for Christians—lying belongs to the “old self” that has been set aside.
  • The verse connects personal behavior (truthfulness) to a bigger spiritual reality (being made new in Christ), showing that faith is meant to affect everyday relationships.
  • This verse fits into Paul’s wider teaching in Colossians 3, where he contrasts old and new ways of living, helping readers see that following Jesus involves a complete transformation, not just surface changes.

Where else these words appear

“off” Greek G554 · used in 2 verses

  • Colossians 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

“deeds” Greek G4234 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
  • Luke 23:51 (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.
  • Romans 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

“Lie” Greek G5574 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
  • Romans 9:1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,
  • Hebrews 6:18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

“old” Greek G3820 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 9:16 No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.
  • Mark 2:22 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.
  • 1 Corinthians 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: