Colossians 3:24

Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

Knowing {G1492} that {G3754} of {G575} the Lord {G2962} ye shall receive {G618} the reward {G469} of the inheritance {G2817}: for {G1063} ye serve {G1398} the Lord {G2962} Christ {G5547}.

Remember that as your reward, you will receive the inheritance from the Lord. You are slaving for the Lord, for the Messiah.

because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

knowing that from the Lord ye shall receive the recompense of the inheritance: ye serve the Lord Christ.

Commentary

Colossians 3:24 KJV offers profound encouragement and a powerful motivation for believers in their daily work and service. It shifts the focus from earthly recognition to divine reward, emphasizing that all service done by a Christian is ultimately directed toward Christ Himself.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Paul's letter to the Colossians (Chapter 3, verses 18-25) where he outlines practical Christian living within various relationships: wives and husbands, children and parents, and servants and masters. Paul encourages a transformed life, rooted in Christ, that impacts every area of existence. Specifically, Colossians 3:23 sets the stage, urging believers to "whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men." Verse 24 then provides the primary reason and ultimate incentive for such dedication, whether in employment, family duties, or ministry.

Key Themes

  • Divine Motivation for Work: The passage teaches that believers should perform their duties, no matter how mundane, with an eternal perspective. The true employer is not a human master but the Lord Christ. This elevates all legitimate work to a spiritual act of worship.
  • The Promise of Inheritance: The "reward of the inheritance" speaks to a future, incorruptible recompense that believers will receive from God. This isn't merely wages but a share in God's eternal blessings, echoing the concept of believers being heirs with Christ. This inheritance is a central promise of the New Testament, offering hope beyond present struggles, as seen in 1 Peter 1:4.
  • Serving the Lord Christ: The ultimate object of the believer's service is Christ. This reinforces the idea of Christ's preeminence and lordship, a dominant theme throughout the book of Colossians (e.g., Colossians 1:16). Every act of obedience and diligent effort, when done in faith, becomes an act of service to Him.

Linguistic Insights

The term "inheritance" comes from the Greek word klēronomia (κληρονομία), which signifies a possession or a share received by lot, typically referring to an ancestral estate. In biblical usage, it often denotes the spiritual blessings and eternal life that God's children receive, not as a wage earned, but as a gift of grace through their relationship with Him. The word "serve" is from douleuō (δουλεύω), meaning "to serve as a slave or bondservant." This implies devoted, diligent, and obedient service, highlighting that believers are entirely dedicated to Christ as their ultimate Master, regardless of their earthly circumstances.

Practical Application

Colossians 3:24 is incredibly relevant for believers today. It transforms our perspective on work, studies, and all daily responsibilities. Instead of seeking approval or reward solely from human sources, we are reminded that our diligent efforts are seen and valued by God. This perspective fosters a strong work ethic, integrity, and patience, knowing that our ultimate reward comes from the Lord. It encourages us to excel in whatever sphere we find ourselves, understanding that our service to others is, in essence, service to Christ Himself.

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Cross-References

  • Ephesians 6:8

    Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether [he be] bond or free.

  • Luke 14:14

    And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

  • Galatians 1:10

    ¶ For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:22

    For he that is called in the Lord, [being] a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, [being] free, is Christ's servant.

  • Acts 20:32

    And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

  • Hebrews 11:6

    But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

  • Hebrews 10:35

    Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.