Colossians 3:2

KJV

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Set your affection {G5426} on things above {G507}, not {G3361} on things on {G1909} the earth {G1093}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Focus your minds on the things above, not on things here on earth.

Berean Standard Bible

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

American Standard Version

Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Colossians 3:2 serves as a profound directive for believers to reorient their inner lives and priorities from the transient concerns of this world to the enduring realities of God's heavenly kingdom. Following the declaration that believers have been spiritually united with Christ in His resurrection, this verse calls for a corresponding, intentional shift in mindset, affections, and aspirations, ensuring that their daily walk aligns with their new, elevated spiritual identity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse stands as a pivotal command following Paul's foundational theological arguments in [Colossians 1](/colossians/1 "Colossians 1 - The Supremacy of Christ") and [Colossians 2](/colossians/2 "Colossians 2 - Warning Against False Teaching"). Having established the absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Christ in all things, and having warned against the empty philosophies, legalism, and asceticism that threatened the Colossian church, Paul now transitions to the practical implications of their faith. [Colossians 3:1](/colossians/3-1 "Colossians 3:1 - Risen with Christ") declares the believer's new identity: "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God." Colossians 3:2 is a direct, imperative follow-up to this indicative statement, providing the practical outworking of being "raised with Christ." It is not merely a suggestion but a command to actively direct one's inner being toward heavenly things, a logical consequence of their spiritual union with Christ's resurrection. The subsequent verses in [Colossians 3:5-17](/colossians/3-5-17 "Colossians 3:5-17 - Putting Off the Old and Putting On the New") then detail the specific behaviors and attitudes that flow from this heavenly mindset, contrasting the "old self" with the "new self."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Colossae faced a complex blend of philosophical and religious challenges often referred to as the "Colossian heresy." This syncretistic teaching incorporated elements of Jewish legalism (observance of specific days, food regulations), Gnostic-like philosophies (emphasis on secret knowledge, devaluing of the material world), angel worship, and severe asceticism (self-denial for spiritual purity). These false teachings diverted believers' focus from the all-sufficiency of Christ, leading them to seek spiritual fulfillment through human traditions and earthly regulations rather than through their union with Christ. Paul's exhortation to "set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth" directly counters these errors. It asserts that true spiritual growth and freedom come not from external rituals or self-imposed deprivations, but from an internal reorientation of the mind and heart toward Christ, who is in heaven. This heavenly focus liberates believers from the grip of worldly systems and human-made rules, grounding their identity and hope firmly in Christ alone.
* **Key Themes:** The command in [Colossians 3:2](/colossians/3-2 "Colossians 3:2 - Heavenly Mindset") encapsulates several crucial themes within the letter and broader Pauline theology. The most prominent is the **Heavenly Mindset**, which emphasizes that believers, having been spiritually resurrected with Christ, should cultivate an eternal perspective that transcends the temporal and material. This involves a deliberate shift in where one's thoughts, desires, and ambitions are primarily directed. Closely related is the theme of **Spiritual Transformation and New Identity**, where the believer's union with Christ's death and resurrection (as seen in [Romans 6:4-11](/romans/6-4-11 "Romans 6:4-11 - New Life in Christ")) leads to a new way of living, characterized by a focus on divine realities rather than worldly pursuits. This heavenly orientation also serves as a powerful **Antidote to Worldliness and False Teaching**. By prioritizing "things above," believers are guarded against the deceptive allure of human philosophies, legalistic practices, and materialistic desires that ultimately detract from the glory and preeminence of Christ, as Paul warns throughout [Colossians 2](/colossians/2 "Colossians 2 - Warning Against False Teaching"). The verse thus calls for a radical re-evaluation of what truly holds value and captures the believer's ultimate devotion, echoing the principle of seeking God's kingdom first found in [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **affection (Greek, _phronéō_'):** This word (G5426) is far more robust than a mere emotional attachment. It means "to exercise the mind," "to have a sentiment or opinion," "to be mentally disposed," or "to interest oneself in with concern or obedience." It implies a deep, intellectual, volitional, and continuous commitment. It is a deliberate and active orientation of one's entire being—thoughts, intentions, and desires—towards a specific direction. Thus, "setting your affection" is not a passive feeling but an active, ongoing decision to direct one's mind and will.
* **above (Greek, _ánō_'):** This adverb (G507) simply means "upward" or "on the top." In this context, it refers to the heavenly realm where Christ is seated. It signifies the spiritual, eternal, and divine realities that transcend the earthly. It is not merely a geographical location but a spiritual domain of God's presence and authority.
* **earth (Greek, _gē_'):** This noun (G1093) refers to the "soil," "region," or the "terrene globe." In contrast to "above," it represents the material, temporary, and human-centered aspects of existence. It encompasses worldly values, possessions, achievements, and anything that is limited to this present age and not aligned with God's eternal purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Set your affection on things above":** This is an imperative command, urging believers to actively and continuously direct their minds, thoughts, and desires toward heavenly realities. This includes cultivating an eternal perspective, focusing on God's kingdom, Christ's glory, spiritual virtues, and the promises of eternal life. It is a call to align one's inner life with the spiritual position of being "raised with Christ" (Colossians 3:1).
* **"not on things on the earth":** This is a direct prohibition, serving as the negative counterpart to the positive command. It warns against allowing one's mind and heart to be consumed by the transient, material, and human-centered concerns of this world. This does not imply a rejection of earthly responsibilities or the physical world, but rather a warning against finding ultimate value, security, or fulfillment in anything that is limited to this temporal existence and distracts from God's eternal purposes. The contrast is stark and intentional, forcing a choice in where one's ultimate devotion and focus lie.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs a clear **Antithesis** in this verse, juxtaposing "things above" with "things on the earth." This sharp contrast highlights the divergent paths and priorities available to the believer, emphasizing the necessity of choosing an eternal, spiritual focus over a temporal, worldly one. The command itself is a **Metaphor** for a profound reorientation of one's entire being; "setting your affection" is not a literal placement but a figurative redirection of one's deepest desires, thoughts, and will. This deliberate choice underscores the active, volitional nature of Christian discipleship, where internal disposition dictates external action.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Colossians 3:2 articulates a profound theological truth: the believer's new identity in Christ necessitates a radical reorientation of their inner life. Having been "raised with Christ" (Colossians 3:1), believers are no longer bound by the elementary principles of the world but are called to live in light of their heavenly citizenship. This heavenly mindset is not an escapist fantasy but a practical framework for living, enabling believers to discern eternal value from temporal vanity. It speaks to the sovereignty of God over all creation and the ultimate destiny of the redeemed in Christ. The verse underscores that true life and fulfillment are found not in accumulating earthly treasures or pursuing worldly accolades, but in aligning one's heart and mind with the divine purposes and realities found in God's kingdom. This spiritual focus empowers believers to live with purpose, resilience, and hope, knowing that their true home and ultimate reward are in heaven.

* [Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven")
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")
* [Romans 8:5-6](/romans/8-5-6 "Romans 8:5-6 - Mind Set on the Spirit vs. Flesh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Colossians 3:2 offers a timeless and challenging call to introspection for every believer. It prompts us to critically examine the landscape of our inner world: What truly captures our attention, fuels our ambitions, and shapes our daily decisions? Are our affections primarily anchored in the fleeting successes, material comforts, and worldly recognition that "things on the earth" offer, or are they genuinely directed towards the enduring values, eternal purposes, and spiritual realities of "things above"? Living out this verse means engaging in a continuous, intentional process of spiritual discernment, actively choosing to cultivate a mindset that prioritizes God's glory, the advancement of His kingdom, and the pursuit of Christ-likeness above all else. This reorientation involves a deliberate turning away from the anxieties and allurements of worldliness and a turning towards prayer, the study of God's Word, fellowship with other believers, and service that has eternal impact. It frees us from the tyranny of comparison and the endless pursuit of more, enabling us to live with contentment, purpose, and a profound sense of hope, knowing that our true treasures are stored in heaven.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "things on the earth" most frequently distract my mind and affections from God?**
* **How can I intentionally cultivate a more "heavenly mindset" in my daily routines and decision-making?**
* **In what ways would prioritizing "things above" change my use of time, money, and energy?**
* **How does my current focus reflect or contradict my identity as someone "raised with Christ"?**

### FAQ
**Does "not on things on the earth" mean we should neglect our earthly responsibilities or despise the physical world?**

Answer: No, the command to "not set your affection on things on the earth" does not advocate for irresponsibility, asceticism, or a disdain for the physical world. Instead, it is a call to reorder our priorities and affections. The Greek word for "earth" (G1093, _gē_) in this context refers to the transient, material, and human-centered aspects of existence that are separate from God's eternal purposes. Paul is not telling us to abandon our jobs, families, or civic duties. Rather, he is warning against allowing these earthly concerns to become the ultimate source of our security, identity, or fulfillment. Our responsibilities in this world, such as working diligently ([Colossians 3:23](/colossians/3-23 "Colossians 3:23 - Work Heartily for the Lord")), loving our families ([Colossians 3:18-21](/colossians/3-18-21 "Colossians 3:18-21 - Family Relationships")), and engaging in society, should be carried out with a heavenly perspective and for God's glory, not as ends in themselves. The focus is on the *direction* of our affections and the *source* of our ultimate hope and joy, which should be found in Christ and His kingdom, not in the fleeting things of this world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Colossians 3:2 finds its ultimate fulfillment and power in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The command to "set your affection on things above" is not a mere moralistic exhortation but a direct consequence of the believer's profound union with Christ, who is Himself "above," seated at the right hand of God ([Colossians 3:1](/colossians/3-1 "Colossians 3:1 - Risen with Christ")). Our ability to reorient our minds from earthly to heavenly things flows directly from Christ's finished work on the cross and His glorious resurrection. Through His death, Christ severed our ties to the "elementary principles of the world" ([Colossians 2:20](/colossians/2-20 "Colossians 2:20 - Died with Christ to the World")), and through His resurrection, He inaugurated a new, heavenly reality into which believers are now incorporated. Our affections are to be set on "things above" because Christ, our life, is there ([Colossians 3:4](/colossians/3-4 "Colossians 3:4 - Christ Our Life")). He is the ultimate "thing above" that draws our hearts and minds. His sacrifice made it possible for us to be reconciled to God and to share in His heavenly glory ([Ephesians 2:6](/ephesians/2-6 "Ephesians 2:6 - Seated with Christ in Heavenly Places")). Therefore, living with a heavenly mindset is not simply about thinking good thoughts, but about living in conscious communion with our risen and ascended Lord, whose very presence defines "things above." He is the object, the means, and the goal of our reoriented affections, making this verse a powerful call to Christ-centered living.

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 John 2:15

Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

1 John 2:17

And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

1 Chronicles 22:19

Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD.

Colossians 3:1

¶ If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Matthew 16:23

But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

Romans 8:4

That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Romans 8:6

For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace.