Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

COLOSSIANS 4:5KJV
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Colossians 4:5 (KJV)

What does Colossians 4:5 mean?

Colossians 4:5 urges believers to act wisely in how they live around those outside their faith community, making the most of every opportunity. The verse encourages thoughtful, intentional behavior toward non-believers, with an awareness of time and chances that should not be wasted.

Paul, writing to the Christians in Colossae, is giving practical advice for daily life, especially in how they interact with people who do not share their beliefs. The instruction comes as part of his closing guidance, focusing on how Christians should conduct themselves in the wider world, not just within their own group.

The Greek behind Colossians 4:5

  • "Walk" (περιπατεῖτε, peripateite): This Greek word often means to live or conduct oneself. Paul is not talking about literal walking, but about a way of living or behaving in daily life.
  • "Wisdom" (σοφίᾳ, sophia): Here, "wisdom" means practical good sense, not just knowledge. Paul is urging believers to be thoughtful and discerning in their actions toward outsiders.
  • "Redeeming" (ἐξαγοραζόμενοι, exagorazomenoi): This word means to buy up or make the most of something. In this context, it suggests making full use of every moment or opportunity, especially in interactions with those outside the faith.
  • "Time" (καιρόν, kairon): The Greek word used here refers to a specific, opportune moment, not just time in general. Paul is highlighting the importance of recognizing and seizing the right opportunities.

Why Colossians 4:5 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Christian wisdom is meant to be visible in everyday interactions, especially with those who do not share the same beliefs, rather than being kept private or only within the church.
  • The phrase "redeeming the time" is often misunderstood as simply being busy or efficient, but the Greek points to making the most of meaningful opportunities, particularly in relationships and conversations.
  • Colossians 4:5 connects to the surrounding verses, which focus on prayer, speech, and conduct, showing that Paul sees wise living as a key part of how believers represent their faith to the world.

Where else these words appear

“redeeming” Greek G1805 · used in 4 verses

  • Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
  • Galatians 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
  • Ephesians 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

“wisdom” Greek G4678 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 11:19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
  • Ephesians 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

“without” Greek G1854 · used in 64 verses

  • Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
  • Luke 8:54 And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.
  • Acts 5:34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;

“time” Greek G2540 · used in 82 verses

  • Matthew 8:29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
  • John 5:4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
  • Ephesians 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: