Ἐνδύσασθε οὖν, ὡς ἐκλεκτοὶ τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἅγιοι καὶ ἠγαπημένοι, σπλάγχνα οἰκτιρμοῦ, χρηστότητα, ταπεινοφροσύνην, πρᾳότητα, μακροθυμίαν, (Colossians 3:12)
Robed in Mercy: The Language of Spiritual Clothing
Colossians 3:12 calls believers to a wardrobe change — but not of outer garments. Paul uses vivid clothing language in a grammatical construction that reaches deep into the Christian soul. This verse is rich with imperatives, adjectival modifiers, and an especially meaningful use of the middle voice in Greek: Ἐνδύσασθε — “Clothe yourselves.”
We’ll explore how the grammar not only commands action but also reflects identity, drawing attention to what it means to live as God’s beloved.
1. The Middle Imperative: Ἐνδύσασθε
At the heart of the verse is the verb Ἐνδύσασθε:
- Ἐνδύσασθε – Aorist Middle Imperative, 2nd Person Plural
- From ἐνδύω – “to put on,” “to clothe”
The middle voice is important. It expresses that the subject both performs and participates in the action — here, putting something on oneself. Paul isn’t saying “dress others,” but:
“You yourselves, put on…”
The aorist imperative form implies a decisive action — a spiritual dressing that must be undertaken intentionally, as one would rise and dress for a new day.
2. The Identity Clause: ὡς ἐκλεκτοὶ τοῦ Θεοῦ
This clause gives the basis for the command:
- ὡς – “as,” introducing a comparison or ground
- ἐκλεκτοὶ τοῦ Θεοῦ – “chosen of God,” Nominative Masculine Plural
- ἅγιοι καὶ ἠγαπημένοι – “holy and beloved,” predicate adjectives describing their state
Paul reminds believers who they are before telling them what to do. The participle ἠγαπημένοι is perfect passive — “those who have been and continue to be loved.”
This identity shapes their response:
“As God’s chosen, holy, and beloved people, clothe yourselves…”
3. The Garments of the Heart
Paul lists five virtues to “put on.” Each is in the accusative case because they are the objects of the implied clothing metaphor:
| Greek Word | Translation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| σπλάγχνα οἰκτιρμοῦ | compassionate hearts | “σπλάγχνα” = bowels/inner organs, figuratively “affections”; with “mercy” (οἰκτιρμοῦ) it means deep compassion |
| χρηστότητα | kindness | A general moral goodness or gentleness |
| ταπεινοφροσύνην | humility | Literally “lowliness of mind” — often mocked in Greek culture but exalted in Christian ethics |
| πρᾳότητα | gentleness | Not weakness, but controlled strength — closely tied to meekness |
| μακροθυμίαν | patience | Endurance in relationships; long-suffering |
Each of these nouns is singular, feminine, and in the accusative case. Together, they represent the internal virtues that should adorn those made holy and beloved by God.
Grammar That Dresses the Soul
This verse does more than give moral instructions. Through the middle voice, Paul underscores personal involvement. Through aorist imperative, he commands a decisive action. And through a series of accusative nouns, he paints a picture of inner garments that reflect divine love.
Dressing Daily with Christlike Character
Colossians 3:12 is a call to conscious, spiritual self-dressing. Just as we don’t leave the house unclothed, so we should not meet the world without compassion, humility, gentleness, and patience.
The grammar teaches us:
Holiness is not only who we are — it’s how we dress our inner life.
