King James Version

What Does Colossians 3:1 Mean?

Colossians 3:1 in the King James Version says “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” — study this verse from Colossians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 · KJV

Context

1

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

2

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. affection: or, mind

3

For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

Read Colossians 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Chapter 3 transitions from doctrinal foundation to practical application. "If ye then be risen" (ei oun synēgerthēte, εἰ οὖν συνηγέρθητε) uses first-class condition assuming truth: "since you were raised." Union with Christ's resurrection (2:12-13) demands corresponding conduct. Those raised to new life must live accordingly.

"Seek those things which are above" (ta anō zēteite, τὰ ἄνω ζητεῖτε) commands active pursuit of heavenly realities. Present imperative indicates continuous action—ongoing heavenly focus, not occasional spiritual interest. "Where Christ sitteth" locates these realities: Christ's exalted position "at the right hand of God" (en dexia tou theou, ἐν δεξιᾷ τοῦ θεοῦ), the place of supreme authority and honor (Psalm 110:1), proves His victory and believers' security.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The ancient world divided reality into earthly and heavenly realms. Paganism focused on earthly prosperity; Greek philosophy sought to escape material existence; Judaism anticipated earthly kingdom restoration. Christianity uniquely combines present earthly existence with heavenly citizenship and hope, living in both realities simultaneously. Christ's ascension and session at God's right hand grounds Christian hope in historical event, not philosophical abstraction.

Reflection Questions

  1. What percentage of your daily thoughts focus on earthly versus heavenly realities?
  2. How does Christ's position at God's right hand affect your confidence in His current authority and future victory?
  3. What practical steps help you 'seek things above' while fulfilling earthly responsibilities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
Εἰ1 of 17

“If”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

οὖν2 of 17

“then”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

συνηγέρθητε3 of 17

“be risen”

G4891

to rouse (from death) in company with, i.e., (figuratively) to revivify (spirtually) in resemblance to

τῷ4 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Χριστός5 of 17

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

τὰ6 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄνω7 of 17

“those things which are above”

G507

upward or on the top

ζητεῖτε8 of 17

“seek”

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

οὗ9 of 17

“where”

G3757

at which place, i.e., where

ὁ10 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Χριστός11 of 17

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

ἐστιν12 of 17

“sitteth”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἐν13 of 17

“on”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

δεξιᾷ14 of 17

“the right hand”

G1188

the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)

τοῦ15 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ16 of 17

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

καθήμενος·17 of 17
G2521

and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Colossians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Colossians 3:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Colossians 3:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 8:6Matthew 6:332 Corinthians 4:18Colossians 3:2Matthew 6:20Psalms 73:25-26

Test Your Knowledge

Colossians 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterColossians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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