OET interlinear COL 3:12

uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: grammar-connect-words-phrases

οὖν

therefore

Here the word Therefore introduces an exhortation based on what Paul has already told the Colossians in 3:9–11 about putting off the old man, putting on the new man, and the effects of this. Use a word or phrase in your language that introduces an exhortation based on what has already been said, and you could refer back to what Paul has already said. Alternate translation: [Because you have put off the old man and put on the new man]

Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

ἐνδύσασθε

dress_in

The phrase put on uses the same words Paul used in 3:10 for “having put on” the new man. Here, he uses the same clothing metaphor to show the Colossians that “putting on” the new man means that they also must put on the character traits he lists here. This means that they must consistently behave in ways that show mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. If possible, translate put on as you did in 3:10. Alternate translation: [step into new virtues, including]

Note 3 topic: grammar-connect-logic-result

ὡς

as

Paul uses the word as to introduce his description of who the Colossians are. He describes them in ways that will give them a reason to “put on” the virtues he lists. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this idea by using a word or phrase that gives a reason or basis for a command. Alternate translation: [because you are]

Note 4 topic: figures-of-speech / possession

ἐκλεκτοὶ τοῦ Θεοῦ

/the/_chosen ¬the ˱of˲_God

Paul here uses the possessive form to indicate that the Colossians are chosen ones because God chose them. If your language would not use the possessive form to express that idea, you could express the idea by translating chosen with a verb such as “chose,” with God as the subject. Alternate translation: [ones whom God has chosen]

Note 5 topic: figures-of-speech / abstractnouns

σπλάγχνα οἰκτιρμοῦ, χρηστότητα, ταπεινοφροσύνην, πραΰτητα, μακροθυμίαν;

hearts ˱of˲_compassion kindness humility gentleness patience

If your language would not use abstract nouns to express these ideas, you could: (1) translate the abstract nouns as verbs. Alternate translation: [the character traits of showing care to others, treating them nicely, not thinking highly of yourselves, considering others more important than yourselves, and not being easily annoyed] (2) translate the abstract nouns as adjectives. Alternate translation: [the merciful, kind, humble, gentle, and patient new man]

Note 6 topic: figures-of-speech / idiom

σπλάγχνα οἰκτιρμοῦ

hearts ˱of˲_compassion

Greek speakers could refer to the inner parts as the location of emotions, especially emotions related to love or empathy for another person. The inner parts of mercy, then, refers to having mercy where one experiences emotions. In this sentence, inner parts is connected with an of only to mercy, not to any of the other character traits. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an alternate metaphor or express the idea plainly. Alternate translation: [a heart of mercy] or [a merciful heart]

Note 7 topic: translate-unknown

χρηστότητα

kindness

The word kindness refers to the character trait of being good, kind, or helpful to others. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable word or express the idea with a short phrase. Alternate translation: [a generous attitude toward others]

Note 8 topic: translate-unknown

πραΰτητα

gentleness

The word gentleness describes the character trait of being considerate of and gentle with others. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable word or express the idea with a short phrase. Alternate translation: [a considerate attitude]

Note 9 topic: translate-unknown

μακροθυμίαν

patience

In this context, the word patience refers to the ability to remain calm and even-tempered even when others do things that provoke one to anger. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable word or express the idea with a short phrase. Alternate translation: [and forbearance] or [and the ability to remain calm]