3:9b–10

The phrases in 3:9b–10 are similar to those in Ephesians 4:22–24. You should compare your translations of these two passages to make sure you have translated them in a similar way.

3:9b

since: Paul was explaining to the Colossians why they should not act in these evil ways. 3:9b–10 is connected not only to 3:9a but also to 3:8.

have taken off the old self: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates taken off literally refers to removing clothes. Paul used it as a figure of speech to mean that just as people take off old, dirty clothes, so a Christian has taken off his old nature.

the old self: The old self means the way the Colossians behaved in the past, the way they used to be before they became believers, their old sinful nature.

This is similar to what Paul said in 2:11b (“putting off your sinful nature”) and 2:20a (“you have died with Christ”). See the notes on these verses. Paul was saying, “you have stopped being the person you used to be.”

its practices: This means “the ways you used to behave.”

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