Colossians 3:3

Commentary on Colossians 3:3 (KJV)

Colossians 3:3 states, "For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." This profound verse serves as a foundational declaration for Christian living, directly connecting the believer's past spiritual transformation with their present identity and future hope.

Context

This verse follows closely on the heels of Colossians 3:1-2, where Paul exhorts believers to "seek those things which are above" and to "set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." Verse 3 provides the theological basis and motivation for this heavenly focus. The "For" indicates that the believer's spiritual status—having died to the old self—is the very reason they should orient their lives heavenward. It highlights the decisive break from the old, unregenerate life and the commencement of a new existence in Christ.

Key Themes

• Spiritual Death to the Old Self: The phrase "ye are dead" signifies a definitive, completed spiritual event. It means believers have died to the power of sin, to the dominion of the flesh, and to the principles of the world (Colossians 2:20). This is not merely a moral improvement but a radical, spiritual severance from the former way of life. This concept is foundational to understanding the crucifixion of the old man and rising to newness of life.
• New Life in Christ: This death is not an end but a transition to a vibrant, spiritual life. This new life is not self-generated but is derived from and sustained by Christ Himself. It is a life of union with Him, making the believer a new creation.
• Security and Concealment: The phrase "your life is hid with Christ in God" speaks volumes about the security and profound intimacy of the believer's spiritual identity.
  • "Hid": The Greek word for "hid" (kruptō) implies something concealed, secret, or safely stored away. This means the believer's true, spiritual life is not fully visible or comprehensible to the world. It is not dependent on outward circumstances or human recognition.
  • "With Christ": This emphasizes the believer's unbreakable union with Jesus Christ. Our life is bound up with His, meaning we share in His death, resurrection, and present exalted position. Indeed, believers are seated with Christ in heavenly places.
  • "In God": This adds another layer of security and divine protection. Our life is not only with Christ but ultimately "in God," signifying divine ownership, sustenance, and eternal preservation.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek verb for "are dead" (apethanete) is in the aorist tense, indicating a completed action in the past. This emphasizes that the believer's death to the old life is a definitive, accomplished fact, not an ongoing process. Similarly, "is hid" (kekruptai) is a perfect passive indicative, showing a state resulting from a past action—our life has been hidden and remains hidden.

Practical Application

Understanding Colossians 3:3 has profound implications for daily Christian living:

• Identity Shift: Our primary identity is no longer rooted in our past sins, earthly achievements, or worldly status, but in our secure union with Christ in God. This fosters humility and confidence.
• Priority Setting: Since our true life is "hid with Christ in God," our focus should naturally shift from temporary earthly pursuits to eternal, spiritual realities. This aligns with the call to set our affection on things above.
• Security and Peace: Knowing that our life is "hid" means it is safe from harm, beyond the reach of human or demonic attack, and eternally secure in God's hands. This provides immense peace and freedom from anxiety.
• Living Out the New Life: While our spiritual life is hidden, its effects should be visible. This hidden life should manifest in righteous conduct, love, and a desire to please God, as further elaborated in the subsequent verses of Colossians 3.