Colossians 3
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Commentaries
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If ye then - Ει ουν· Seeing then that ye are risen with Christ; this refers to what he had said, Col 2:12 : Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him. As, therefore, ye have most cordially received the doctrine of Christ; and profess to be partakers of a spiritual religion, that promises spiritual and eternal things; seek those things, and look to be prepared for the enjoyment of them.
Open source ↗EXHORTATIONS TO HEAVENLY AIMS, AS OPPOSED TO EARTHLY, ON THE GROUND OF UNION TO THE RISEN SAVIOUR; TO MORTIFY AND PUT OFF THE OLD MAN, AND TO PUT ON THE NEW; IN CHARITY, HUMILITY, WORDS OF EDIFICATION, THANKFULNESS; RELATIVE DUTIES. (Col. 3:1-25) If . . . then--The connection with Col 2:18, Col 2:23, is, he had condemned the "fleshly mind" and the "satiating to the full the flesh"; in contrast to this he now says, "If then ye have been once for all raised up (Greek, aorist tense) together with Christ" (namely, at your conversion and baptism, Rom 6:4). seek those things . . . above-- (Mat 6:33; Phi 3:20). sitteth--rather, as Greek, "Where Christ is, sitting on the right of God" (Eph 1:20). The Head being quickened, the members are also quickened with Him. Where the Head is, there the members must be. The contrast is between the believer's former state, alive to the world but dead to God, and his present state, dead to the world but alive to God; and between the earthly abode of the unbeliever and the heavenly abode of the believer (Co1 15:47-48). We are already seated there in Him as our Head; and hereafter shall be seated by Him, as the Bestower of our bliss. As Elisha (Kg2 2:2) said to Elijah when about to ascend, "As the Lord liveth . . . I will not leave thee"; so we must follow the ascended Saviour with the wings of our meditations and the chariots of our affections. We should trample upon and subdue our lusts that our conversation may correspond to our Saviour's condition; that where the eyes of apostles were forced to leave Him, thither our thoughts may follow Him (Mat 6:21; Joh 12:32) [PEARSON]. Of ourselves we can no more ascend than a bar of iron lift itself up' from the earth. But the love of Christ is a powerful magnet to draw us up (Eph 2:5-6). The design of…
Open source ↗If ye then be risen with Christ,.... The apostle having observed in the former chapter, that the believing Colossians were dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, were buried with him in baptism, and were risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, argues from hence how much it became them to regard a new and spiritual life, and to seek after superior and heavenly things, and treat with neglect and contempt carnal and earthly ones. For he does not here call in question their being risen with Christ, but takes it for granted that they were, and makes use of it as an argument for his present purpose. They were risen with Christ as their head, and as members in union with him representatively, when he rose from the dead; and emblematically in their baptism, when having gone down into the water, and being baptized, they emersed from it; and spiritually in conversion, when they were raised from a death of sin, to a life of grace, by Christ, as the resurrection and the life, the efficient cause of it, and in virtue of his resurrection from the dead: wherefore being thus raised again in every sense, it highly became them to seek those things which are above; the better and heavenly country, the continuing city, which is above the heavens, whose builder and maker is God; Christ, who is in heaven, and salvation alone by him without the works of the law; all spiritual blessings, such as pardon, peace, righteousness, life, and glory, which are in heavenly places in him; doctrines and ordinances, which come from heaven, and are the means of supporting a spiritual and heavenly life; especially that bread of life which came down from heaven, and gives life unto the world, and of which if a man eats, he shall never die, but live for ever; and particularly glory…
Open source ↗The apostle, having described our privileges by Christ in the former part of the epistle, and our discharge from the yoke of the ceremonial law, comes here to press upon us our duty as inferred thence. Though we are made free from the obligation of the ceremonial law, it does not therefore follow that we may live as we list. We must walk the more closely with God in all the instances of evangelical obedience. He begins with exhorting them to set their hearts on heaven, and take them off from this world: If you then have risen with Christ. It is our privilege that we have risen with Christ; that is, have benefit by the resurrection of Christ, and by virtue of our union and communion with him are justified and sanctified, and shall be glorified. Hence he infers that we must seek those things which are above. We must mind the concerns of another world more than the concerns of this. We must make heaven our scope and aim, seek the favour of God above, keep up our communion with the upper world by faith, and hope, and holy love, and make it our constant care and business to secure our title to and qualifications for the heavenly bliss. And the reason is because Christ sits at the right hand of God. He who is our best friend and our head is advanced to the highest dignity and honour in heaven, and has gone before to secure to us the heavenly happiness; and therefore we should seek and secure what he has purchased at so vast an expense, and is taking so much care about. We must live such a life as Christ lived here on earth and lives now in heaven, according to our capacities. I. He explains this duty (Col 3:2): Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth. Observe, To seek heavenly things is to set our affections upon them, to love them and let our desires…
Open source ↗3:1-11 Paul summons the Colossians to a new way of thinking that results in a new lifestyle. 3:1 set your sights on the realities of heaven: Christians live on earth, but because they have been raised with Christ, their true being is oriented to the spiritual realm over which Christ rules. In contrast, the rules and regulations of the false teachers focused on the earthly realm (2:22).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
εἰ (ei, G1487) — if, whether, that, etc. συνεγείρω (synegeírō, G4891) — to rouse (from death) in company with, i.e. (figuratively) to revivify (spirtually) in… οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus ζητέω (zētéō, G2212) — to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by Hebraism) to worship (God), or (in a… ἄνω (ánō, G507) — upward or on the top οὗ (hoû, G3757) — at which place, i.e. where ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are κάθημαι (káthēmai, G2521) — and (to sit; akin to the base of G1476 (ἑδραῖος)); to sit down; figuratively, to remain,… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. δεξιός (dexiós, G1188) — the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes) θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
Open source ↗φρονέω (phronéō, G5426) — to exercise the mind, i.e. entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to… ἄνω (ánō, G507) — upward or on the top μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… γῆ (gē, G1093) — soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe…
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ἀποθνήσκω (apothnḗskō, G599) — to die off (literally or figuratively) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you ζωή (zōḗ, G2222) — life (literally or figuratively) κρύπτω (krýptō, G2928) — to conceal (properly, by covering) σύν (sýn, G4862) — with or together (but much closer than G3326 (μετά) or G3844 (παρά)), i.e. by… Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
Open source ↗ὅταν (hótan, G3752) — whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively… Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us ζωή (zōḗ, G2222) — life (literally or figuratively) φανερόω (phaneróō, G5319) — to render apparent (literally or figuratively) τότε (tóte, G5119) — the when, i.e. at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution) ὑμεῖς (hymeîs, G5210) — you (as subjective of verb) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… σύν (sýn, G4862) — with or together (but much closer than G3326 (μετά) or G3844 (παρά)), i.e. by… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. δόξα (dóxa, G1391) — glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or…
Open source ↗νεκρόω (nekróō, G3499) — to deaden, i.e. (figuratively) to subdue οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you μέλος (mélos, G3196) — a limb or part of the body ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… γῆ (gē, G1093) — soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe… πορνεία (porneía, G4202) — harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry ἀκαθαρσία (akatharsía, G167) — impurity (the quality), physically or morally πάθος (páthos, G3806) — properly, suffering ("pathos"), i.e. (subjectively) a passion (especially concupiscence) κακός (kakós, G2556) — worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas G4190 (πονηρός) properly refers to effects), i.e.… ἐπιθυμία (epithymía, G1939) — a longing (especially for what is forbidden) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… πλεονεξία (pleonexía, G4124) — avarice, i.e. (by implication) fraudulency, extortion
Open source ↗διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ὀργή (orgḗ, G3709) — properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e. (by analogy),… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… υἱός (huiós, G5207) — a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively,… ἀπείθεια (apeítheia, G543) — disbelief (obstinate and rebellious)
Open source ↗ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ὑμεῖς (hymeîs, G5210) — you (as subjective of verb) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… περιπατέω (peripatéō, G4043) — to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively,… ποτέ (poté, G4218) — indefinite adverb, at some time, ever ὅτε (hóte, G3753) — at which (thing) too, i.e. when ζάω (záō, G2198) — to live (literally or figuratively) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. νυνί (nyní, G3570) — just now ὑμεῖς (hymeîs, G5210) — you (as subjective of verb) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἀποτίθημι (apotíthēmi, G659) — to put away (literally or figuratively) πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole ὀργή (orgḗ, G3709) — properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e. (by analogy),… θυμός (thymós, G2372) — passion (as if breathing hard) κακία (kakía, G2549) — badness, i.e. (subjectively) depravity, or (actively) malignity, or (passively) trouble βλασφημία (blasphēmía, G988) — vilification (especially against God) αἰσχρολογία (aischrología, G148) — vile conversation ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you στόμα (stóma, G4750) — the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations);…
Open source ↗ψεύδομαι (pseúdomai, G5574) — to utter an untruth or attempt to deceive by falsehood μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ἀλλήλων (allḗlōn, G240) — one another ἀπεκδύομαι (apekdýomai, G554) — to divest wholly oneself, or (for oneself) despoil παλαιός (palaiós, G3820) — antique, i.e. not recent, worn out ἄνθρωπος (ánthrōpos, G444) — from G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι)); man-faced, i.e. a human being σύν (sýn, G4862) — with or together (but much closer than G3326 (μετά) or G3844 (παρά)), i.e. by… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… πρᾶξις (prâxis, G4234) — practice, i.e. (concretely) an act; by extension, a function
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐνδύω (endýō, G1746) — to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively) νέος (néos, G3501) — "new", i.e. (of persons) youthful, or (of things) fresh; figuratively, regenerate ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) ἀνακαινόω (anakainóō, G341) — to renovate εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ἐπίγνωσις (epígnōsis, G1922) — recognition, i.e. (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… εἰκών (eikṓn, G1504) — a likeness, i.e. (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation,… κτίζω (ktízō, G2936) — to fabricate, i.e. found (form originally) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the…
Open source ↗ὅπου (hópou, G3699) — what(-ever) where, i.e. at whichever spot ἔνι (éni, G1762) — impersonally, there is in or among οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not Ἕλλην (Héllēn, G1672) — a Hellen (Grecian) or inhabitant of Hellas; by extension a Greek-speaking person,… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… Ἰουδαῖος (Ioudaîos, G2453) — Judæan, i.e. belonging to Jehudah περιτομή (peritomḗ, G4061) — circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively) ἀκροβυστία (akrobystía, G203) — the prepuce; by implication, an uncircumcised (i.e. gentile, figuratively, unregenerate)… βάρβαρος (bárbaros, G915) — a foreigner (i.e. non-Greek) Σκύθης (Skýthēs, G4658) — a Scythene or Scythian, i.e. (by implication) a savage δοῦλος (doûlos, G1401) — a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a… ἐλεύθερος (eleútheros, G1658) — unrestrained (to go at pleasure), i.e. (as a citizen) not a slave (whether freeborn or… ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus
Open source ↗ἐνδύω (endýō, G1746) — to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively) οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) ἐκλεκτός (eklektós, G1588) — select; by implication, favorite θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very ἅγιος (hágios, G40) — sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἀγαπάω (agapáō, G25) — to love (in a social or moral sense) σπλάγχνον (splánchnon, G4698) — an intestine (plural); figuratively, pity or sympathy οἰκτιρμός (oiktirmós, G3628) — pity χρηστότης (chrēstótēs, G5544) — usefulness, i.e. morally, excellence (in character or demeanor) ταπεινοφροσύνη (tapeinophrosýnē, G5012) — humiliation of mind, i.e. modesty πρᾳότης (praiótēs, G4236) — gentleness, by implication, humility μακροθυμία (makrothymía, G3115) — longanimity, i.e. (objectively) forbearance or (subjectively) fortitude
Open source ↗ἀνέχομαι (anéchomai, G430) — to hold oneself up against, i.e. (figuratively) put up with ἀλλήλων (allḗlōn, G240) — one another καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… χαρίζομαι (charízomai, G5483) — to grant as a favor, i.e. gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue ἑαυτοῦ (heautoû, G1438) — him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other… ἐάν (eán, G1437) — a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other… τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… μομφή (momphḗ, G3437) — blame, i.e. (by implication), a fault πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… καθώς (kathṓs, G2531) — just (or inasmuch) as, that Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you οὕτω (hoútō, G3779) — in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole τούτοις (toútois, G5125) — to (for, in, with or by) these (persons or things) ἀγάπη (agápē, G26) — love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast ὅστις (hóstis, G3748) — which some, i.e. any that; also (definite) which same ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are σύνδεσμος (sýndesmos, G4886) — a joint tie, i.e. ligament, (figuratively) uniting principle, control τελειότης (teleiótēs, G5047) — (the state) completeness (mentally or morally)
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace,
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.
Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves with purses that will not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.”