Colossians 1:5

KJV

For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1223} the hope {G1680} which {G3588} is laid up {G606} for you {G5213} in {G1722} heaven {G3772}, whereof {G3739} ye heard before {G4257} in {G1722} the word {G3056} of the truth {G225} of the gospel {G2098};

Complete Jewish Bible

Both spring from the confident hope that you will receive what is stored up for you in heaven. You heard of this earlier in the message about the truth. This Good News

Berean Standard Bible

the faith and love proceeding from the hope stored up for you in heaven, of which you have already heard in the word of truth, the gospel

American Standard Version

because of the hope which is laid up for you in the heavens, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Colossians 1:5 introduces the profound and certain nature of the Christian hope, revealing it as a secure inheritance "laid up" for believers in heaven. This heavenly hope serves as the foundational wellspring for the Colossians' vibrant faith in Christ Jesus and their genuine love for all the saints, underscoring that these virtues are not born of human effort or fleeting circumstances but are rooted in the eternal promises conveyed through the authentic message of the gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Colossians 1:5 flows directly from Paul's opening thanksgiving for the Colossian believers. In [Colossians 1:3-4](/colossians/1-3-4 "Colossians 1:3-4 - Paul's Thanksgiving for the Colossians"), Paul expresses gratitude for their faith in Christ Jesus and their love for all the saints. Verse 5 then clarifies the source and motivation for these virtues: "For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven." This establishes a causal link, indicating that their present faith and love are empowered by their future certainty. The subsequent verses, particularly [Colossians 1:6-8](/colossians/1-6-8 "Colossians 1:6-8 - The Gospel's Fruitfulness and Epaphras's Ministry"), elaborate on the gospel's global reach and the role of Epaphras, who brought this "word of the truth of the gospel" to Colossae, further emphasizing the divine origin and transformative power of the message that underpins this hope.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Colossae, located in Phrygia (modern-day Turkey), was a relatively small town in Paul's time, overshadowed by neighboring Laodicea and Hierapolis. The church there likely faced various syncretistic influences, which Paul addresses more directly later in the letter. These influences included elements of Jewish legalism, ascetic practices, angel worship, and a philosophical quest for secret knowledge (often termed "Colossian heresy" or proto-Gnosticism). In this context, Paul's emphasis on a hope "laid up in heaven" directly counters any earthly or human-derived systems of salvation or spiritual attainment. It asserts that true spiritual security and future blessing are not found in rituals, dietary laws, or mystical experiences, but in God's sovereign act of reservation, guaranteed by the gospel they had already heard.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within Colossians and the broader Pauline corpus. Firstly, it highlights the **Certainty and Security of Christian Hope**, emphasizing that this hope is not a mere wish but a guaranteed future reality, divinely preserved. This theme provides a strong counter-narrative to the instability of human philosophies. Secondly, it underscores the **Centrality of the Gospel as the Source of Truth and Hope**. The phrase "the word of the truth of the gospel" positions the gospel as the authoritative, reliable revelation upon which all Christian faith and hope are built, a concept echoed in [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel"). Thirdly, it implicitly reinforces the **Interconnectedness of Faith, Hope, and Love**, which Paul often presents as the foundational triad of Christian virtues (cf. [1 Corinthians 13:13](/1_corinthians/13-13 "1 Corinthians 13:13 - Faith, Hope, and Love")). Here, hope is presented as the underlying motivation for the faith and love mentioned in [Colossians 1:4](/colossians/1-4 "Colossians 1:4 - Faith and Love in Colossae"), demonstrating how these virtues mutually inform and strengthen one another.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hope (Greek, _elpís'_):** From G1680, this word signifies expectation, confidence, or assurance, usually with pleasure. In the New Testament, "hope" is not a mere wish or uncertain desire but a confident expectation of future good, firmly grounded in God's promises and character. It is a certainty that has not yet been realized.
* **is laid up (Greek, _apókeimai'_):** From G606, this verb means "to be reserved" or "to await." It implies something securely stored away, set aside, or kept in safekeeping for a specific purpose or person. The passive voice ("is laid up") emphasizes that this reservation is an act of God, ensuring the absolute security and inviolability of the believer's future inheritance.
* **gospel (Greek, _euangélion'_):** From G2098, this term literally means "a good message" or "good news." It refers to the divine revelation of salvation through Jesus Christ, encompassing His life, death, resurrection, and ascension, and the call to repentance and faith. It is the authoritative and transformative message that provides the foundation and assurance for the Christian hope.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the hope":** This phrase introduces the underlying reason or basis for the Colossians' faith and love mentioned in the preceding verse. It highlights that their present spiritual vitality is not self-generated but springs from a confident future expectation.
* **"which is laid up for you in heaven":** This clause describes the nature and location of the hope. "Laid up" signifies its secure reservation by God, emphasizing its absolute certainty and divine preservation. It is not something that can be lost, corrupted, or diminished. Its location "in heaven" underscores its transcendent, eternal, and incorruptible quality, contrasting it with any earthly or temporal possessions or aspirations. This hope is a guaranteed inheritance, divinely secured.
* **"whereof ye heard before":** This part indicates that the Colossians' knowledge of this hope was not new or speculative but was something they had previously received. It points to the initial proclamation of the gospel to them, establishing the historical and experiential foundation of their hope.
* **"in the word of the truth of the gospel;":** This final phrase identifies the precise source and content of what they heard. Their hope is not based on human philosophy or tradition, but on "the word" (lógos), which is characterized as "truth" (alḗtheia) and specifically identified as "the gospel" (euangélion). This emphasizes the divine origin, factual reliability, and salvific power of the message they received, making it the unshakeable ground for their confident expectation.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this concise verse to convey its profound meaning. The phrase "laid up for you in heaven" functions as a **Metaphor**, portraying hope not as an abstract concept but as a tangible treasure or inheritance securely stored in a divine vault. This imagery conveys absolute security and divine preservation, contrasting with earthly treasures that can be stolen or decay. There is also an element of **Emphasis** through repetition of the concept of "hearing" the gospel, reinforcing the idea that this hope is not self-generated but is a revealed truth received through an external, authoritative message. Furthermore, the verse subtly uses **Antithesis** by contrasting the earthly realm (where the Colossians live and exercise faith/love) with the heavenly realm (where their hope is secured), thereby elevating the eternal over the temporal and providing a divine perspective for their present struggles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Colossians 1:5 profoundly shapes our understanding of Christian eschatology and the nature of divine preservation. The "hope laid up in heaven" speaks to the absolute certainty of the believer's future inheritance and glorification, a promise not contingent on human merit or performance but on God's sovereign act of reservation. This hope is inherently tied to the finished work of Christ and the veracity of the gospel message, establishing a secure foundation for present faith and love. It reminds us that our ultimate destiny is not earthly but heavenly, providing a transcendent perspective that reorients our values and priorities away from fleeting temporal concerns towards eternal realities. This divine security empowers believers to persevere through trials, knowing their future is immutably secured by God Himself.

* [1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3-5 "1 Peter 1:3-5 - A Living Hope and Incorruptible Inheritance")
* [Titus 2:13](/titus/2-13 "Titus 2:13 - The Blessed Hope and Appearing of Christ")
* [Hebrews 10:34](/hebrews/10-34 "Hebrews 10:34 - A Better and Enduring Substance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Colossians 1:5 offers immense encouragement and practical guidance for believers navigating the complexities of life. Understanding that our hope is "laid up for you in heaven" provides an unshakeable anchor for the soul, especially amidst the storms of doubt, suffering, or worldly allurements. This divine certainty should cultivate a profound sense of peace and security, knowing that our ultimate inheritance is beyond the reach of earthly decay or human interference. It calls us to live with an eternal perspective, allowing the guaranteed future to shape our present choices, priorities, and values. When our hope is firmly fixed on what is reserved in heaven, we are empowered to endure trials with perseverance, to resist the temptations of fleeting worldly pleasures, and to live lives that reflect the holiness and love of God. This hope is not passive wishful thinking but an active, transformative force that motivates us to live faithfully, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding that your hope is "laid up in heaven" impact your perspective on current difficulties or disappointments?**
* **In what ways might a strong, confident hope in heaven motivate you to live differently in your daily life?**
* **How does the "word of the truth of the gospel" serve as the foundation for your hope, and what does this imply about the importance of knowing and sharing the gospel?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for hope to be "laid up for you in heaven"?**

Answer: The phrase "laid up for you in heaven" signifies that the Christian hope is not a mere wish or an uncertain possibility, but a secure, divinely guaranteed reality. "Laid up" (Greek: _apókeimai_) implies something reserved, stored away, or kept safely. Its location "in heaven" emphasizes its incorruptible, eternal, and transcendent nature, beyond the reach of earthly forces or decay. It means that God Himself has securely preserved this future blessing and inheritance for believers, ensuring its absolute certainty and availability when the time comes. This concept is similar to an inheritance or treasure being securely deposited in an unassailable vault, guaranteeing its future possession. It assures believers that their ultimate destiny and reward are not subject to the uncertainties of this world but are infallibly secured by God's sovereign power, as also described in [1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Inheritance Kept in Heaven").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The hope "laid up for you in heaven" finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not merely the subject of our hope, but its very guarantee and embodiment. The "word of the truth of the gospel" that the Colossians heard is fundamentally the good news about Christ—His incarnation, atoning death, victorious resurrection, and ascension to the right hand of God. It is through His finished work on the cross that the path to this heavenly inheritance was opened, and by His resurrection, He demonstrated the power to conquer death and secure eternal life for all who believe, as affirmed in [1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ's Resurrection as Firstfruits"). Our hope is "laid up in heaven" because Christ Himself, our forerunner, has entered into heaven and is seated there, preparing a place for us ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place")). Thus, our future glory is inextricably linked to His present reign and His promised return, when He will bring us to be with Him forever, transforming our perishable bodies into glorious ones like His own ([Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Philippians 3:20-21 - Our Citizenship in Heaven")). The hope is not merely a place, but a Person—Christ Himself, in whom all the promises of God are "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Peter 1:3

¶ Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

1 Peter 1:4

To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

Ephesians 1:13

In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

2 Timothy 4:8

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Titus 1:2

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

Colossians 1:27

To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

1 Peter 2:2

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: