Devine Scripture

Colossians 3:4

What does Colossians 3:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Colossians 3:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Colossians 3:4 means

Christ is not merely the giver of life; He “is our life.” He defines the believer’s existence, sustains it, and will display it. When He is “manifested,” believers will be manifested “with him in glory.” What is now hidden (verse 3) will then be openly revealed. This promise anchors present obedience in certain future hope. Glory with Christ is not earned by works but is the destined outcome of union with Him. The appearing of Christ also relativizes earthly applause and suffering; ultimate vindication lies ahead. By fixing the eyes on this unveiling, believers can endure and choose what aligns with their coming reality, confident that Christ’s glory guarantees theirs.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

At the coming of Christ who is our life, you will be seen with him in glory.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

when the Christ--our life--may be manifested, then also we with him shall be manifested in glory.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

When Christ shall appear, who is your life, then you also shall appear with him in glory.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

When the Christ is manifested who [is] our life, then shall ye also be manifested with him in glory.

Context

Verse 4 completes the identity framework begun in verses 1–3: from present pursuit (seek, set), through present status (died; hidden), to future destiny (manifested in glory). With the hope clearly set, Paul turns in verses 5–11 to put off the practices of the old humanity. The eschatological promise fuels ethical urgency: belong to the age to come, so live now as those who will share Christ’s revealed glory. The next command is therefore uncompromising—put sin to death.

v.3For ye died, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

v.4This passage

v.5Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Timothy 1:1

    Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, according to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus,

  • 1 Corinthians 1:7

    so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ;

  • 1 John 1:1

    That which was from the beginning, that which we have heard, that which we have seen with our eyes, that which we beheld, and our hands handled, concerning the Word of life

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:17

    then we that are alive, that are left, shall together with them be caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

  • John 6:39

    And this is the will of him that sent me, that of all that which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day.

  • Acts 3:15

    and killed the Prince of life; whom God raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

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