Colossians 3:1
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Colossians 3:1 in other translations
| BSB | Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. |
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| WEB | If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. |
| ASV | If then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. |
| YLT | If, then, ye were raised with the Christ, the things above seek ye, where the Christ is, on the right hand of God seated, |
| DARBY | If therefore ye have been raised with the Christ, seek the things which are above, where the Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God: |
| BBE | If then you have a new life with Christ, give your attention to the things of heaven, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. |
| Webster | If ye then be raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. |
What does Colossians 3:1 mean?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
Col 3:1-25. 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.
1. If ... then--The connection with Col 2:18, 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, Ro 6:4). seek those things ... above--(Mt 6:33; Php 3:20). sitteth--rather, as Greek, "Where Christ is, sitting on the right of God" (Ep 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 (1Co 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 (2Ki 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 (Mt 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 (Ep 2:5, 6). The design of the Gospel is not merely to give rules, but mainly to supply motives to holiness.Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain
Barnes' Notes
ANALYSIS OF THE CHAPTER
IN the previous chapter, the apostle had showed what a true Christian ought not to follow after. He had warned the Colossians against the dangers of false philosophy, and the doctrines of erroneous teachers. In this chapter, he teaches them what they ought to pursue and to seek. He therefore enjoins various duties in the different relations of life, which they ought to perform in such a way as to show that true religion had a controlling influence over their hearts, he specifies the following:
(1.) The duty of setting the affections on things above, Col 3:1-4. They were risen with Christ, Col 2:12; they were dead to sin, Col 3:3; they were soon to be like Christ, Col 3:4; and they should, therefore, fix their affections on heavenly things.
(2.) The duty of mortifying their corrupt passions and carnal propensities, Col 3:5-8.
(3.) The duty of speaking the truth, since they had put off the old man with his deeds, Col 3:9-11.
(4.) The duty of kindness, gentleness, charity, and the spirit of peace, Col 3:12-15.
(5.) The duty of edifying one another by psalms and songs of praise, Col 3:16,17.
(6.) The duty of wives, Col 3:18;
(7.) of husbands, Col 3:19;
(8.) of children, Col 3:20;
(9.) of fathers, Col 3:21;
(10.) of servants, Col 3:22-25. There is a very striking similarity between this chapter and the fifth and sixth chapters of the epistle to the Ephesians, and a full exposition of the principal subjects adverted to here may be found in the Notes there.
Verse 1. If ye then be risen with Christ. The apostle in this place evidently founds the argument on what he had said in Col 2:12. Col 2:12. The argument is, that there was such an union between Christ and his people, that in virtue of his death they become dead to sin; that in virtue of his resurrection they rise to spiritual life; and that therefore, as Christ now lives in heaven, they should live for heaven, and fix their affections there.
Seek those things which are above. That is, seek them as the objects of pursuit and affection; strive to secure them.
Where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Mk 16:19. The argument here is, that since Christ is there, and since he is the object of our supreme attachment, we should fix our affections on heavenly things, and seek to be prepared to dwell with him.
(a) "risen with Christ" Col 2:12 (b) "Christ sitteth" Ro 8:34
Albert Barnes, 1834 · public domain
Adam Clarke's Commentary
Introduction
The apostle exhorts the Colossians to heavenly-mindedness after the example of Christ, that they may be prepared to appear with him in glory, Col 3:1-4. Exhorts them also to mortify their members, and calls to their remembrance their former state, Col 3:5-7. Shows how completely they were changed from that state, and gives them various directions relative to truth, compassion, meekness, long-suffering, forgiveness, charity, Col 3:8-14. Shows that they are called to unity and holiness; and commands them to have the doctrine of Christ dwelling richly in them; and how they should teach and admonish each other, and do every thing, in the name of the Lord Jesus, Col 3:15-17. The relative duties of wives, Col 3:18. Of husbands, Col 3:19. Of children, Col 3:20. Of fathers, Col 3:21. Of servants, Col 3:22. He concludes by showing that he that does wrong shall be treated accordingly, for God is no respecter of persons, Col 3:23-25. Verse 1 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.Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on Colossians 3:1-4
Chapter Outline
The Colossians exhorted to be heavenly-minded; (1-4) to mortify all corrupt affections; (5-11) to live in mutual love, forbearance, and forgiveness; (12-17) and to practise the duties of wives and husbands, children, parents, and servants. (18-25) Verses 1-4 As Christians are freed from the ceremonial law, they must walk the more closely with God in gospel obedience. As heaven and earth are contrary one to the other, both cannot be followed together; and affection to the one will weaken and abate affection to the other. Those that are born again are dead to sin, because its dominion is broken, its power gradually subdued by the operation of grace, and it shall at length be extinguished by the perfection of glory. To be dead, then, means this, that those who have the Holy Spirit, mortifying within them the lusts of the flesh, are able to despise earthly things, and to desire those that are heavenly. Christ is, at present, one whom we have not seen; but our comfort is, that our life is safe with him. The streams of this living water flow into the soul by the influences of the Holy Spirit, through faith. Christ lives in the believer by his Spirit, and the believer lives to him in all he does. At the second coming of Christ, there will be a general assembling of all the redeemed; and those whose life is now hid with Christ, shall then appear with him in his glory. Do we look for such happiness, and should we not set our affections upon that world, and live above this?Matthew Henry, 1706 · public domain
Colossians 3:1 in the original Greek
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Cross references for Colossians 3:1
- Romans 8:6
For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
- Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
- 2 Corinthians 4:18
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
- Colossians 3:2
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
- Matthew 6:20
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
- Psalms 73:25-26
Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
- Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
- Galatians 2:19-20
For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
- Luke 12:33
Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
- Psalms 16:11
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
- Philippians 3:20-21
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
- Ephesians 2:5-6
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
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Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
5 He exhorts to mortification;
10 to put off the old man, and put on Christ;
12 exhorting to charity, humility, and other several duties.
risen.
2:12,13,20; Ro 6:4,5,9-11; Ga 2:19,20; Eph 1:19,20; 2:5,6
seek.
2; Ps 16:11; 17:14,15; 73:25,26; Pr 15:24; Mt 6:20,33; Lu 12:33
Ro 8:6; 2Co 4:18; Php 3:20,21; Heb 11:13-16
where.
Ps 110:1; Mt 22:44; 26:64; Mr 12:36; 14:62; 16:19; Lu 20:42; 22:69
Ac 2:34; 7:55; Ro 8:34; Eph 1:20; 4:10; Heb 1:3,13; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2
1Pe 3:22
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (Samuel Bagster, c. 1836) · public domain
Context
- Colossians 3:1
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
- Colossians 3:2
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Colossians 3:1 in other languages
| Spanish Reina-Valera 1909 | SI habéis pues resucitado con Cristo, buscad las cosas de arriba, donde está Cristo sentado á la diestra de Dios. |
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| French Bible J.N. Darby 1885 | Si donc vous avez été ressuscités avec le Christ, cherchez les choses qui sont en haut, où le Christ est assis à la droite de Dieu; |
| German Elberfelder 1871 | Wenn ihr nun mit dem Christus auferweckt worden seid, so suchet, was droben ist, wo der Christus ist, sitzend zur Rechten Gottes. |
| Latin Clementine Vulgate | Igitur, si consurrexistis cum Christo: quæ sursum sunt quærite, ubi Christus est in dextera Dei sedens: |