King James Version

What Does Colossians 3:24 Mean?

“Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

Context

Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily , as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

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Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**18. always--**Greek, "in every season"; implying opportunity and exigency (Col 4:2). Paul uses the very words of Jesus in Lu 21:36 (a Gospel which he quotes elsewhere, in undesigned consonance with the fact of Luke being his associate in travel, 1Co 11:23, &c.; 1Ti 5:18). Compare Lu 18:1; Ro 12:12; 1Th 5:17. **with all--**that is, every kind of. **prayer--**a sacred term for prayer in general. **supplication--**a common term for a special kind of prayer [Harless], an imploring request. "Prayer" for obtaining blessings, "supplication" for averting evils which we fear [Grotius]. **in the Spirit--**to be joined with "praying." It is he in us, as the Spirit of adoption, who prays, and enables us to pray (Ro 8:15, 26; Ga 4:6; Jude 20). **watching--**not sleeping (Ep 5:14; Psa 88:13; Mt 26:41). So in the temple a perpetual watch was maintained (compare Anna, Lu 2:37). **thereunto--**"watching unto" (with a view to) prayer and supplication. **with--**Greek, "in." Persevering constancy ("perseverance") and (that is, exhibited in) supplication are to be the element in which our watchfulness is to be exercised. **for all saints--**as none is so perfect as not to need the intercessions of his fellow Christians.

Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. Public Domain.

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 3:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.