Colossians 3:24
What does Colossians 3:24 mean?
A plain-English look at Colossians 3:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Colossians 3:24 means
Believers serve with hope: “from the Lord ye shall receive the recompense of the inheritance: ye serve the Lord Christ.” For servants with little prospect of earthly inheritance, this promise is astonishing. Christ Himself will reward faithful labor with the inheritance of sons and daughters. Their true Master is not a human employer but “the Lord Christ,” a title that fuses His royal authority and saving lordship. This redefines identity and motivation: we work as heirs, not hirelings. Anticipating the Lord’s just recompense enables perseverance in uncelebrated tasks and injustices, trusting that Christ’s judgment will set things right and lavish grace on loyal service.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000knowing that from the Lord ye shall receive the recompense of the inheritance: ye serve the Lord Christ.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901knowing that from the Lord ye shall receive the recompense of the inheritance: ye serve the Lord Christ.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Being certain that the Lord will give you the reward of the heritage: for you are the servants of the Lord Christ.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862having known that from the Lord ye shall receive the recompense of the inheritance--for the Lord Christ ye serve;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Knowing that you shall receive of the Lord the reward of inheritance. Serve ye the Lord Christ.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890knowing that of [the] Lord ye shall receive the recompense of the inheritance; ye serve the Lord Christ.
Context
Verse 24 deepens verse 23’s encouragement by adding reward and naming the true Master. It underscores the gospel’s dignity for the lowly and the accountability for all. The final verse of the chapter (verse 25) will provide a sober counterbalance: wrongdoing will be repaid, and God shows no favoritism. This prepares for the address to masters in the next chapter (4:1), where they are called to justice and fairness, remembering they too have a Master in heaven.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 6:1
Take heed that ye do not your righteousness before men, to be seen of them: else ye have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.
- Genesis 15:1
After these things the word of Jehovah came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
- Matthew 6:16
Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen of men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward.
- Acts 20:32
And now I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all them that are sanctified.
- Romans 2:6
who will render to every man according to his works:
- Luke 6:35
But love your enemies, and do them good, and lend, never despairing; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be sons of the Most High: for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil.
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