Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
The form which 'thankfulness' (Colossians 3:15) ought to take.
Let the word of Christ - the Gospel word, by which ye were called. Having exhorted to thankfulness, he also shows the way.
Richly (Colossians 2:2 ; Romans 15:14 ) in all wisdom Alford joins with "teaching," etc.; for so Colossians 1:28 has "teaching in all wisdom:" the two clauses thus correspond, 'In all wisdom teaching,' and 'in grace singing in your hearts' (so Greek order). The participles mark the outgoing in word and deed of 'Christ's word dwelling within' (Romans 8:11; 2 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 1:14).
And ... and. 'Aleph (') B C Delta G f g read 'psalms, hymns, spiritual songs' (note, Ephesians 5:19). In their family circles they were to be so full of the Word of Christ in the heart that the mouth should utter hymns of instruction, admonition, and praise (cf. Deuteronomy 6:7). Tertullian ('Apology' 39) records that at the love-feasts х agapai (G26)], after the water had been furnished for the hands, and the lights lit, according as any had remembrance of Scripture, or could compose, he was invited to sing praises to God for the common good. Paul contrasts the songs of Christians at social meetings with the bacchanalian, licentious songs of pagan feasts. Singing formed part of the entertainment at Greek banquets (cf. James 5:13).
With grace, х en (G1722) tee (G3588) chariti (G5485)] - 'IN grace, the element in which singing is to be: 'the grace of the indwelling Spirit. This expresses the seat of true psalmody, whether private or public-namely, the heart as well as the voice (cf. Colossians 3:15); the psalm of love being in the heart before it finds vent by the lips, and even when not actually expressed, as in closet-worship. The Greek order forbids translating, "with grace in your hearts;" rather, 'singing in your hearts.'
To the Lord. 'Aleph (') and the oldest authorities read 'to God.'