Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
The form which "thankfulness" (Colossians 3:15) ought to take.
Let the word of Christ—the Gospel word by which ye have been called.
richly— (Colossians 2:2; Romans 15:14).
in all wisdom—ALFORD joins this clause with "teaching," etc., not with "dwell in you," as English Version, for so we find in Colossians 1:28, "teaching in all wisdom," and the two clauses will thus correspond, "In all wisdom teaching," and "in grace singing in your hears" (so the Greek order).
and . . . and—The oldest manuscripts read "psalms, hymns, spiritual songs" (see on Ephesians 5:19). At the Agapæ or love-feasts, and in their family circles, they were to be so full of the Word of Christ in the heart that the mouth should give it utterance in hymns of instruction, admonition, and praise (compare Deuteronomy 6:7). TERTULLIAN [Apology, 39], records that at the love-feasts, after the water had been furnished for the hands and the lights had been literally, according as any had the power, whether by his remembrance of Scripture, or by his powers of composition, he used to be invited to sing praises to God for the common good. Paul contrasts (as in Ephesians 5:18-19) the songs of Christians at their social meetings, with the bacchanalian and licentious songs of heathen feasts. Singing usually formed part of the entertainment at Greek banquets (compare James 5:13).
with grace—Greek, "IN grace," the element in which your singing is to be: "the grace" of the indwelling Holy Spirit. This clause expresses the seat and source of true psalmody, whether in private or public, namely, the heart as well as the voice; singing (compare Colossians 3:15, "peace . . . rule in your hearts"), the psalm of love and praise being in the heart before it finds vent by the lips, and even when it is not actually expressed by the voice, as in closet-worship. The Greek order forbids English Version, "with grace in your hearts"; rather, "singing in your hearts."
to the Lord—The oldest manuscripts read, "to God."
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing Colossians 3:16:
Exodus 40:38
Ephesians 5:19
Colossians 1:28
Colossians 4:6
1 Timothy 3:16
Titus 3:6
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