Col 3:5-8 | RWP | e4.org | Mortify ( νεκρωσατε ). First aorist active imperative of νεκροω , late verb, to put to death, to treat as dead. Latin Vulgate mortifico , but "mortify" is coming with us to mean putrify. Paul boldly applies the metaphor of death ( ; ) pictured in baptism ( ) to the actual life of the Christian. He is not to go to the other Gnostic extreme of license on the plea that the soul is not affected by the deeds of the body. Paul's idea is that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit ( ). He mentions some of these "members upon the earth" like fornication ( πορνειαν ), uncleanness ( ακαθαρσιαν ), passion ( παθος ), evil desire ( επιθυμιαν κακην ), covetousness ( πλεονεξιαν ) "the which is idolatry" ( ητις εστιν ειδωλολατρια ). See the longer list of the works of the flesh in , though covetousness is not there named, but it is in ; .

‏ Colossians 3:5-8

Mortify ( νεκρωσατε ). First aorist active imperative of νεκροω, late verb, to put to death, to treat as dead. Latin Vulgate mortifico, but "mortify" is coming with us to mean putrify. Paul boldly applies the metaphor of death (2:20; 3:3) pictured in baptism (2:12) to the actual life of the Christian. He is not to go to the other Gnostic extreme of license on the plea that the soul is not affected by the deeds of the body. Paul's idea is that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1Co 6:19). He mentions some of these "members upon the earth" like fornication ( πορνειαν ), uncleanness ( ακαθαρσιαν ), passion ( παθος ), evil desire ( επιθυμιαν κακην ), covetousness ( πλεονεξιαν ) "the which is idolatry" ( ητις εστιν ειδωλολατρια ). See the longer list of the works of the flesh in Gal 5:19-21, though covetousness is not there named, but it is in Eph 4:19; 5:5.

Cometh the wrath of God ( ερχετα η οργη του θεου ). Paul does not regard these sins of the flesh as matters of indifference, far otherwise. Many old MSS. do not have "upon the sons of disobedience," genuine words in Eph 5:6.

Walked aforetime ( περιεπατησατε ποτε ). First aorist (constative) indicative referring to their previous pagan state.

When ye lived ( οτε εζητε ). Imperfect active indicative of ζαω, to live, "ye used to live" (customary action). Sharp distinction in the tenses.

But now ( νυν δε ). Emphatic form of νυν in decided contrast (to ποτε in verse 7) in the resurrection life of 2:12; 3:1.

Put ye also away ( αποθεσθε κα υμεις ). Second aorist middle imperative of old verb αποτιθημ, to put away, lay aside like old clothes. This metaphor of clothing Paul now uses with several verbs ( αποθεσθε here, απεκδυσαμενο in verse 9, ενδυσαμενο in verse 10, ενδυσασθε in verse 12).

All these ( τα παντα ). The whole bunch of filthy rags (anger οργην, wrath θυμον, malice κακιαν, railing βλασφημιαν, shameful speaking αισχρολογιαν ). See somewhat similar lists of vices in Col 3:5; Ga 5:20; Eph 4:29-31. These words have all been discussed except αισχρολογιαν, an old word for low and obscene speech which occurs here only in the N.T. It is made from αισχρολογος ( αισχρος as in 1Co 11:6 and that from αισχος, disgrace). Note also the addition of "out of your mouth" ( εκ του στοματος υμων ). The word was used for both abusive and filthy talk and Lightfoot combines both ideas as often happens. Such language should never come out of the mouth of a Christian living the new life in Christ.