TRV
Translation
King James Version
For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;
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,
World English Bible Messianic
because of the hope which is laid up for you in the heavens, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the Good News,
Geneva Bible (1599)
For the hopes sake, which is laide vp for you in heauen, whereof yee haue heard before by the word of trueth, which is the Gospel,
Young's Literal Translation
because of the hope that is laid up for you in the heavens, which ye heard of before in the word of the truth of the good news,
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In the KJVVerse 29,471 of 31,102
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Commentary on Colossians 1 verses 3–8
3 ¶ We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,
5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;
6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:
7 As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;
8 Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.
Here he proceeds to the body of the epistle, and begins with thanksgiving to God for what he had heard concerning them, though he had no personal acquaintance with them, and knew their state and character only by the reports of others.
I. He gave thanks to God for them, that they had embraced the gospel of Christ, and given proofs of their fidelity to him. Observe, In his prayers for them he gave thanks for them. Thanksgiving ought to be a part of every prayer; and whatever is the matter of our rejoicing ought to be the matter of our thanksgiving. Observe, 1. Whom he gives thanks to: To God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In our thanksgiving we must have an eye to God as God (he is the object of thanksgiving as well as prayer), and is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, in and through whom all good comes to us. He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ as well as our Father; and it is a matter of encouragement, in all our addresses to God, that we can look to him as Christ's Father and our Father, as his God and our God, Joh 20:17. Observe, 2. What he gives thanks to God for - for the graces of God in them, which were evidences of the grace of God towards them: Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love you have to all the saints; for the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, Col 1:4, Col 1:5. Faith, hope, and love, are the three principal graces in the Christian life, and proper matter of our prayer and thanksgiving. (1.) He gives thanks for their faith in Christ Jesus, that they were brought to believe in him, and take upon them the profession of his religion, and venture their souls upon his undertaking. (2.) For their love. Besides the general love which is due to all men, there is a particular love owing to the saints, or those who are of the Christian brotherhood, Pe1 2:17. We must love all the saints, bear an extensive kindness and good-will to good men, notwithstanding smaller points of difference, and many real weaknesses. Some understand it of their charity to the saints in necessity, which is one branch and evidence of Christian love. (3.) For their hope: The hope which is laid up for you in heaven, Col 1:5. The happiness of heaven is called their hope, because it is the thing hoped for, looking for the blessed hope, Tit 2:13. What is laid out upon believers in this world is much; but what is laid up for them in heaven is much more. And we have reason to give thanks to God for the hope of heaven which good Christians have, or their well-grounded expectation of the future glory. Their faith in Christ, and love to the saints, had an eye to the hope laid up for them in heaven. The more we fix our hopes on the recompence of reward in the other world, the more free and liberal shall we be of our earthly treasure upon all occasions of doing good.
II. Having blessed God for these graces, he blesses God for the means of grace which they enjoyed: Wherein you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel. They had heard in the word of the truth of the gospel concerning this hope laid up for them in heaven. Observe, 1. The gospel is the word of truth, and what we may safely venture our immortal souls upon: it proceeds from the God of truth and the Spirit of truth, and is a faithful saying. He calls it the grace of God in truth, Col 1:6. 2. It is a great mercy to hear this word of truth; for the great thing we learn from it is the happiness of heaven. Eternal life is brought to light by the gospel, Ti2 1:10. They heard of the hope laid up in heaven in the word of the truth of the gospel. "Which has come unto you, as it hath to all the world, and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, Col 1:6. This gospel is preached and brings forth fruit in other nations; it has come to you, as it hath to all the world, according to the commission, Go preach the gospel in all the nations, and to every creature." Observe, (1.) All who hear the word of the gospel ought to bring forth the fruit of the gospel, that is, be obedient to it, and have their principles and lives formed according to it. This was the doctrine first preached: Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance, Mat 3:8. And our Lord says, If you know these things, happy are you if you do them, Joh 13:17. Observe, (2.) Wherever the gospel comes, it will bring forth fruit to the honour and glory of God: It bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you. We mistake, if we think to monopolize the comforts and benefits of the gospel to ourselves. Does the gospel bring forth fruit in us? So it does in others.
III. He takes this occasion to mention the minister by whom they believed (Col 1:7, Col 1:8): As you also learned of Epaphras, our dear fellow-servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ. He mentions him with great respect, to engage their love to him. 1. He calls him his fellow-servant, to signify not only that they served the same Master, but that they were engaged in the same work. They were fellow-labourers in the work of the Lord, though one was an apostle and the other an ordinary minister. 2. He calls him his dear fellow-servant: all the servants of Christ ought to love one another, and it is an endearing consideration that they are engaged in the same service. 3. He represents him as one who was a faithful minister of Christ to them, who discharged his trust and fulfilled his ministry among them. Observe, Christ is our proper Master, and we are his ministers. He does not say who is your minister; but who is the minister of Christ for you. It is by his authority and appointment, though for the people's service. 4. He represents him as one who gave them a good word: Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit, Col 1:8. He recommends him to their affection, from the good report he made of their sincere love to Christ and all his members, which was wrought in them by the Spirit, and is agreeable to the spirit of the gospel. Faithful ministers are glad to be able to speak well of their people.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 3–8. Public domain.
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TertullianAD 220
Against Marcion Book V
This shall now be proved even by the apostle, when he says: "For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; which is come unto you, as it is unto all the world." For if, even at that time, the tradition of the gospel had spread everywhere, how much more now! Now, if it is our gospel which has spread everywhere, rather than any heretical gospel, much less Marcion's, which only dates from the reign of Antoninus, then ours will be the gospel of the apostles.
Pseudo-ClementAD 400
Two Epistles on Virginity
For he who covets for himself these things so great and excellent, withdraws and severs himself on this account from all the world, that he may go and live a life divine and heavenly, like the holy angels, in work pure and holy, and "in the holiness of the Spirit of God," [2 Thessalonians 2:13] and that he may serve God Almighty through Jesus Christ for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. On this account he severs himself from all the appetites of the body. And not only does he excuse himself from this command, "Be fruitful, and multiply," but he longs for the "hope promised" and prepared "and laid up in heaven" [Colossians 1:5] by God, who has declared with His mouth, and He does not lie, that it is "better than sons and daughters," [Isaiah 56:4-5] and that He will give to virgins a notable place in the house of God, which is something "better than sons and daughters," and better than the place of those who have passed a wedded life in sanctity, and whose "bed has not been defiled." [Hebrews 13:4] For God will give to virgins the kingdom of heaven, as to the holy angels, by reason of this great and noble profession.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on Colossians 1
Ver. 5. "Because of the hope which is laid up for you in the heavens."
He speaks of the good things to come. This is with a view to their temptations, that they should not seek their rest here. For lest any should say, "And where is the good of their love toward the saints, if they themselves are in affliction?" he says, "We rejoice that ye are securing for yourselves a noble reception in heaven." "Because of the hope," he saith, "which is laid up." He shows its secureness. "Whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth." Here the expression is as if he would chide them, as having changed from it when they had long held it.
"Whereof," saith he, "ye heard before in the word of the truth of the Gospel." And he bears witness to its truth. With good reason, for in it there is nothing false.
"Of the Gospel." He doth not say, "of the preaching," but he calleth it the "Gospel," continually reminding them of God's benefits. And having first praised them, he next reminds them of these.
Severian of GabalaAD 425
Paul shows them that the governance of angels does not fulfill the hope laid before us of the resurrection and the kingdom. These happen by the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. .
Isaac of NinevehAD 700
Bodily discipline performed in stillness purifies the body of the matter within it. But the discipline of the mind humbles the soul, filters out her crass notions of things that perish and draws her from the state where the thoughts are passionately engrossed and toward the state where they are moved by her divine vision…. This divine, contemplative vision of heavenly things comes to us precisely when, engaged in bodily and mental discipline, we are the recipients of an unutterably pristine glory that separates [us] from this world and our thoughts of it. By this we are thoroughly convinced of our hope which is laid up for us and we stand in full assurance of its state.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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.
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. 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). 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). 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).