New International VersionSince, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
New Living TranslationSince you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.
English Standard VersionIf then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Berean Standard BibleTherefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Berean Literal BibleIf then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God.
King James BibleIf ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
New King James VersionIf then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
New American Standard BibleTherefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
NASB 1995Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
NASB 1977If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Legacy Standard BibleTherefore, if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Amplified BibleTherefore if you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, sharing in His resurrection from the dead], keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Christian Standard BibleSo if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Holman Christian Standard BibleSo if you have been raised with the Messiah, seek what is above, where the Messiah is, seated at the right hand of God.
American Standard VersionIf then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God.
Contemporary English VersionYou have been raised to life with Christ. Now set your heart on what is in heaven, where Christ rules at God's right side.
English Revised VersionIf then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationSince you were brought back to life with Christ, focus on the things that are above-where Christ holds the highest position.
Good News TranslationYou have been raised to life with Christ, so set your hearts on the things that are in heaven, where Christ sits on his throne at the right side of God.
International Standard VersionTherefore, if you have been raised with the Messiah, keep focusing on the things that are above, where the Messiah is seated at the right hand of God.
NET BibleTherefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
New Heart English BibleIf then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God.
Webster's Bible TranslationIf ye then be raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Weymouth New TestamentIf however you have risen with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, enthroned at God's right hand. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleTherefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
World English BibleIf then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionIf, then, you were raised with the Christ, seek the things above, where the Christ is, seated on the right hand of God;
Berean Literal BibleIf then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God.
Young's Literal Translation If, then, ye were raised with the Christ, the things above seek ye, where the Christ is, on the right hand of God seated,
Smith's Literal TranslationIf therefore ye be risen with Christ, seek things above, where Christ is sitting on the right hand of God. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleTherefore, if you be risen with Christ, seek the things that are above; where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God:
Catholic Public Domain VersionTherefore, if you have risen together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
New American BibleIf then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
New Revised Standard VersionSo if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleIF you then are risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishIf therefore you are risen with The Messiah, seek that which is above, the place where The Messiah sits at the right side of God. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentIf, then, you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where the Christ sits at the right hand of God;
Godbey New TestamentIf then ye are risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting on the right hand of God;
Haweis New TestamentIF ye then be risen with Christ, seek the things which are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Mace New TestamentIf then you are risen with Christ, seek the things, that are above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God.
Weymouth New TestamentIf however you have risen with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, enthroned at God's right hand.
Worrell New TestamentIf, therefore, ye were raised up with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God.
Worsley New TestamentIf ye then be risen with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Putting on the New Self1Therefore,sinceyou have been raised withChrist,strive forthe thingsabove,whereChristisseatedatthe right handof God.2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.…
Cross References Ephesians 2:6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,
Philippians 3:20-21But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, / who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.
Romans 6:4-5We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life. / For if we have been united with Him like this in His death, we will certainly also be united with Him in His resurrection.
Ephesians 1:20-21which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, / far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
Romans 8:34Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us.
1 Corinthians 15:20-22But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. / For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. / For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
2 Corinthians 5:17Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!
Galatians 2:20I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
Hebrews 12:2Let 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.
John 14:2-3In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? / And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am.
1 Peter 1:3-4Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, / and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you,
Matthew 6:19-21Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
John 17:24Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, that they may see the glory You gave Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world.
Acts 1:9-11After He had said this, they watched as He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. / They were looking intently into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. / “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.”
1 John 3:2Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.
Treasury of Scripture If you then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. risen. Colossians 2:12,13,20 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen withhim through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead… Romans 6:4,5,9-11 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life… Galatians 2:19,20 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God… seek. Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presenceis fulness of joy; at thy right handthere are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 17:14,15 From menwhich are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world,which have their portion inthis life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hidtreasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of theirsubstance to their babes… where. Psalm 110:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. Matthew 22:44 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? Matthew 26:64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Jump to Previous AttentionChristEnthronedGod'sHandHeavenHoweverLifeNewRaisedRightRisenSeatedSeekSeekingSittethSittingTogetherJump to Next AttentionChristEnthronedGod'sHandHeavenHoweverLifeNewRaisedRightRisenSeatedSeekSeekingSittethSittingTogetherColossians 3 1.He shows where we should seek Christ.5.He exhorts to holiness;10.to put off the old self, and put on Christ;12.exhorting to charity, humility,18.and other duties.Therefore, since you have been raised with ChristThis phrase indicates a transition from the theological foundation laid in the previous chapters to practical application. The word "therefore" connects the reader to the preceding discussion about the believer's union with Christ in His death and resurrection ( Colossians 2:12-13). Being "raised with Christ" signifies the believer's new life and identity in Him, echoing Romans 6:4-5, where Paul discusses being united with Christ in His resurrection. This concept is central to understanding the believer's spiritual transformation and the call to live in accordance with this new reality. strive for the things above
The call to "strive" suggests an active, ongoing effort to focus on heavenly realities rather than earthly concerns. This aligns with Jesus' teaching inMatthew 6:19-21, where He instructs His followers to store up treasures in heaven. The "things above" refer to spiritual values and priorities that reflect God's kingdom, contrasting with the temporal and often sinful nature of earthly pursuits. This exhortation encourages believers to align their thoughts and actions with their heavenly citizenship (Philippians 3:20). where Christ is seated at the right hand of God
This phrase emphasizes the exalted position of Christ, drawing fromPsalm 110:1, a messianic prophecy frequently cited in the New Testament (e.g.,Hebrews 1:3,Acts 2:33). Christ's position at the right hand of God signifies authority, honor, and completion of His redemptive work. It assures believers of His ongoing intercession and sovereign rule (Romans 8:34). The imagery of Christ seated also contrasts with the earthly priesthood, where priests stood to perform their duties, indicating that Christ's sacrificial work is finished (Hebrews 10:12). This truth provides a foundation for the believer's hope and motivation to pursue a life that reflects their union with the risen and reigning Christ. Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of the letter to the Colossians, writing to encourage and instruct the believers in Colossae. 2. ColossaeAn ancient city in Asia Minor, where the recipients of this letter resided. It was a community of early Christians facing various doctrinal challenges. 3. ChristCentral to this verse, Christ is depicted as resurrected and exalted, seated at the right hand of God, symbolizing authority and completion of His redemptive work. 4. GodThe Father, whose right hand is a place of honor and authority, where Christ is seated. 5. The Right Hand of GodA metaphorical place of power and authority, indicating Christ's divine status and His role in interceding for believers. Teaching Points Raised with ChristUnderstand that being "raised with Christ" signifies a spiritual resurrection, marking a new identity and life in Him. Seek Things AboveBelievers are called to focus on heavenly values and priorities, rather than earthly concerns. Christ's AuthorityRecognize the significance of Christ being seated at the right hand of God, affirming His authority and our security in Him. Heavenly MindsetCultivate a mindset that prioritizes eternal truths and aligns with God's kingdom purposes. Identity in ChristEmbrace the transformation that comes from being united with Christ, living out this new identity in daily life. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Colossians 3:1?
2.How can we "seek the things above" in our daily lives today?
3.What does being "raised with Christ" mean for our spiritual identity?
4.How does Colossians 3:1 connect with Romans 6:4 about new life in Christ?
5.In what ways can we set our hearts on "things above"?
6.How does focusing on Christ's position influence our earthly decisions and priorities?
7.What does "seek the things above" mean in Colossians 3:1?
8.How does Colossians 3:1 challenge materialistic worldviews?
9.What historical context influenced the writing of Colossians 3:1?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Colossians 3?
11.How do we reconcile Colossians 3:1–4’s call to “set your hearts on things above” with modern scientific understanding that life and consciousness are purely physical?
12.What does "Raised with Christ" mean?
13.What does 'Fullness of God' mean?
14.What defines elemental spirits?What Does Colossians 3:1 Mean Therefore- “Therefore” links this verse to the truths just stated inColossians 2:12–23. Because the debt of sin has been nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14) and the believer has died with Christ to the world’s principles (Colossians 2:20), a new way of living logically follows. - Scripture often uses “therefore” to move from doctrine to application—seeRomans 12:1 andEphesians 4:1, where solid teaching leads directly to a call for changed conduct. - The verse is not suggesting optional advice; it is showing the necessary outcome of what God has already done.
since you have been raised with Christ- This speaks of a present reality, not a future hope. Believers share in Christ’s resurrection life right now (Romans 6:4–5;Ephesians 2:5–6). - The old self was buried; the new self lives in union with the risen Lord (Galatians 2:20). - Because this raising is a work God has already completed, our striving is a response to grace, never an attempt to earn it.
strive for the things above- “Strive” means an active, ongoing pursuit. We set the compass of our hearts toward heaven’s values. • Priorities: Seek first His kingdom (Matthew 6:33). • Desires: Treasure what cannot fade (1 Peter 1:4). • Goals: Press on toward the upward call (Philippians 3:14). - This pursuit involves conscious choices—turning from earthly distractions (1 John 2:15–17) and investing in what builds eternal reward (2 Corinthians 4:18).
where Christ is seated at the right hand of God- The focus of our striving is a Person, not a place. Christ reigns in authority and victory (Psalm 110:1;Hebrews 1:3). - His seated position signals finished redemption (Hebrews 10:12) and ongoing intercession for us (Romans 8:34). - Fixing our minds on the ascended Christ anchors us in confidence and fuels holy living (Hebrews 12:2).
summaryBecause God has already raised us with His Son, we respond by intentionally aiming our thoughts, affections, and actions toward heaven’s priorities. Our motivation is rooted in Christ’s completed work and present reign, assuring us that the same power that lifted Him now empowers us to live for what truly lasts. III. (1-4) As the partaking of the death of Christ taught the negative lesson of death to the Law, so the partaking of His resurrection teaches the positive lesson of the spiritual life. We observe that this celebrated passage occupies a place at the close of the doctrinal portion of the Epistle, exactly corresponding to the even greater passage on the unity of the Church in God in the Epistle to the Ephesians (Ephesians 4:1-16). It is unlike that passage, because, summing up the main teaching of this Epistle, it dwells simply on the close personal relation of all souls to God in Jesus Christ, who is at once "the image of God," and the one Mediator between God and man. It is like it (and like other passages of the Epistles of the Captivity) because it passes on from Christ risen to Christ in heaven: it takes for granted our being risen with Christ, and bids us in heart to ascend to heaven now, and look forward to the bliss of heaven in the hereafter. (1)If ye then be risen (rather,ye rose)with Christ.--In these words is marked the beginning of the spiritual life, referred evidently to baptism. (SeeColossians 2:12.) It is a "resurrection with Christ" and in Christ; as such it is dwelt upon in detail inRomans 6:1-14. We may note that this phrase, implying a sudden passing from death unto life, accords more exactly with the idea of adult baptism, accepted in conscious faith, and leading at once to a new life; while the later phrase, "regeneration" (Titus 3:5), which speaks of the soul as passing, indeed, at once into a new condition, but as having only the undeveloped germ of the new life, corresponds more closely with the idea of the infant baptism, which gradually superseded the other. Here this spiritual resurrection is taken for granted, and the Apostle goes on at once to the next stage of the spiritual life. Christ.--The name, four times repeated, has in all cases the article prefixed to it. Evidently it used emphatically to refer to our Lord, as our Mediator--our Prophet, Priest, and King. . . . Verses 1-17. - SECTION VII. THE TRUE CHRISTIAN LIFE. The apostle, having delivered his attack on the system of error inculcated at Colossae, now passes from the controversial to the more practical purport of his letter. There is no break, however, in the current of his thought; for throughout this chapter he urges the pursuit of a practical Christian life in a sense and in a manner silently opposed to the tendencies of Gnosticizing error. How much more congenial was the task to which he now addresses himself we may judge, perhaps, from the ease and simplicity which mark the language of this chapter, as compared with the abrupt and seemingly embarrassed style of the last section. We may analyze the hortatory section of the Epistle ( Colossians 3:1-4:6) as follows: (a)Colossians 3:1-4, urging the Colossians to maintaina lofty spiritual life; (b) vers. 5-8,to put off their old vices,impurity, malice, falsehood; (c) vers. 9-14,to put on the new Christian virtues, especiallygentleness, forgivingness, love; . . .
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Therefore,οὖν(oun)Conjunction
Strong's 3767:Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.sinceΕἰ(Ei)Conjunction
Strong's 1487:If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.you have been raised withσυνηγέρθητε(synēgerthēte)Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4891:To raise along with. From sun and egeiro; to rouse in company with, i.e. to revivify in resemblance to.Christ,Χριστῷ(Christō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547:Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.strive forζητεῖτε(zēteite)Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2212:To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot.the thingsτὰ(ta)Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.above,ἄνω(anō)Adverb
Strong's 507:Up, above, up to the top, up to the brim, things above, heaven, the heavenly region. Adverb from anti; upward or on the top.whereοὗ(hou)Adverb
Strong's 3757:Where, whither, when, in what place. Genitive case of hos as adverb; at which place, i.e. Where.ChristΧριστός(Christos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547:Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.isἐστιν(estin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.seatedκαθήμενος(kathēmenos)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2521:To sit, be seated, enthroned; I dwell, reside. From kata; and hemai; to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside.atἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.[the] right handδεξιᾷ(dexia)Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1188:On the right hand, right hand, right. From dechomai; the right side or hand.of God.Θεοῦ(Theou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.
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NT Letters: Colossians 3:1 If then you were raised together (Coloss. Col Co) |
