King James Version

What Does Colossians 3:4 Mean?

“When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”

Context

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

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

When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **When Christ . . . shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.**—This describes the last stage of the spiritual life—the glorification with Christ in heaven, manifesting what now is hidden, and perfecting what exists only in germ. (Comp. 1John 3:1-2, “Now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.”) This same conclusion ends the corresponding passage in Philippians 3:21. In all these Epistles we note how constant a reference there is to the “glory of God,” and to the share in it reserved for us. So we also note the especial reference to the “appearance of Christ” in the Pastoral Epistles (see 1Timothy 6:14; 2Timothy 1:10; 2Timothy 4:1; 2Timothy 4:8; Titus 2:13), and the constant revelation of it in the Apocalypse. The whole passage forms a complete and magnificent picture of the spiritual life in Christ—the means of its beginning, the signs of its presence, and the hope of its close. It may be compared with the fuller yet hardly completer picture of Romans 8.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). 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 3:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.