What does Colossians 3:19 mean?

Explanation

The verse "Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them" from Colossians 3:19 conveys a directive to husbands within the Christian faith to exhibit love towards their wives.

This instruction emphasizes the quality of love that is gentle and patient, as opposed to being harsh or resentful.

The admonition to avoid bitterness suggests that negative feelings should not take root in the relationship, but instead, the relationship should be characterized by affection and understanding.

Historical Context

Colossians is one of the epistles (letters) of the Apostle Paul, written to the early Christian church in the city of Colossae.

The society of the time often viewed women as inferior to men, and marriages were sometimes based on convenience or social standing rather than mutual affection.

Paul’s teachings in this verse were counter-cultural, as they called for husbands to practice a selfless love in a mutual and reciprocal relationship, departing from societal norms that often endorsed a patriarchal model where women had little say or worth in a marriage.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse can be seen as an extension of Christian teachings about love and mutual respect. It reflects the broader Christian ethos of selfless love as exemplified by Christ, urging husbands to love their wives in a Christ-like manner.

This verse is also interpreted to reinforce the concept of the marital bond as a significant spiritual and covenantal relationship that mirrors the relationship between Christ and the Church.

Practical Applications

In terms of practical application, this verse serves as a foundational principle for Christian marriage.

It suggests that husbands should prioritize the emotional well-being of their wives, demonstrating love through actions and words.

Avoiding bitterness implies effective communication, forgiveness, and empathy.

This can manifest in everyday life through active listening, sharing responsibilities, making sacrifices for one another, and maintaining kindness even in times of disagreement or stress.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 5:25: "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;"
• 1 Peter 3:7: "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered."
• Ephesians 4:32: "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

Language Study

The original Greek term used for 'love' in this verse is "agapate," derived from "agape," which denotes a selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love.

The word "bitter" in Greek is "pikrainesthe," rooted in "pikros," which can mean sharp, pointed, or piercing, metaphorically referring to a sharp or harsh attitude.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this verse to other cultural and religious traditions, one would find similarities and contrasts.

For instance, ancient Greek and Roman philosophies often emphasized self-mastery and virtue in personal relationships, but didn't typically hold to the same high value of mutual selfless love within marriage.

In contrast, Jewish customs from which Christianity emerged had provisions for marital love and obligations, but the emphasis on mutual and selfless love is particularly highlighted in the Christian New Testament.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, modern psychological studies suggest that positive and affectionate relationships contribute significantly to emotional well-being and mental health.

The injunction against bitterness and the promotion of loving behavior align with findings that supportive marriages can lead to better stress management, greater overall happiness, and even improved physical health.

Commentaries

Various biblical commentaries expound that this verse sets a high standard for Christian husbands, encouraging them to emulate the love Christ has for the church.

The Matthew Henry Commentary notes that love should be sincere and should restrain from any severity or harshness.

John Gill's Exposition of the Bible emphasizes that kindness and affection should prevail over the bitterness that might arise from the provocations and imperfections of life.

Contemporary commentaries highlight the relevance of this instruction in modern marriages, promoting equality, mutual respect, and the cultivation of a loving relationship free from resentment.