Colossians 3:4

When Christ, [who is] our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

When {G3752} Christ {G5547}, who is our {G2257} life {G2222}, shall appear {G5319}, then {G5119} shall {G5319} ye {G5210} also {G2532} appear {G5319} with {G4862} him {G846} in {G1722} glory {G1391}.

When the Messiah, who is our life, appears, then you too will appear with him in glory!

When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

When Christ, who is our life, shall be manifested, then shall ye also with him be manifested in glory.

Colossians 3:4 offers a profound glimpse into the Christian's future hope, linking the present spiritual reality of believers with their ultimate destiny. It emphasizes the inseparable union between Christ and His followers, culminating in shared glory at His return.

Context

This verse follows Paul's exhortations in Colossians 3 to set one's mind on "things above" and to recognize that the believer's "life is hid with Christ in God". It provides the ultimate motivation for living a heavenly-minded life: the certainty of Christ's glorious appearing and the believer's participation in that glory. The epistle addresses false teachings by grounding believers in the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ.

Key Themes

  • Christ, Our Life: This powerful phrase highlights that Christ is not merely a savior or a teacher, but the very essence and source of the believer's spiritual existence. Our identity, purpose, and vitality are found in Him.
  • The Future Appearing of Christ: The "appear" refers to the glorious Second Coming of Jesus Christ, often called the *Parousia*. This is the climactic event when Christ, who is currently unseen by the world, will be revealed in His full majesty and power.
  • Shared Glory with Christ: The promise "then shall ye also appear with him in glory" assures believers that their hidden life with Christ will become manifest. They will share in His triumph and splendor, implying a transformed body and a perfected state, free from sin and suffering. This is the ultimate realization of the believer's hope, as seen in 1 John 3:2.

Linguistic Insights

The word "appear" comes from the Greek *phaneroō* (φανερόω), meaning "to make visible, manifest, or reveal." It suggests a public, unmistakable display. "Glory" translates the Greek *doxa* (δόξα), which signifies splendor, honor, renown, and divine majesty. Believers will not just be present but will participate in Christ's radiant manifestation, a fulfillment of the blessed hope mentioned in Titus 2:13.

Practical Application

Colossians 3:4 provides profound encouragement and direction for the Christian life:

  • Living with Purpose: This verse encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that their ultimate reward and identity are tied to Christ's return.
  • Hope Amidst Trials: The future hope of glory provides immense comfort and strength during present difficulties and sufferings, knowing that our ultimate state will be one of perfection and joy.
  • Transformation: It reminds us that our current spiritual life in Christ is a foretaste of a glorious future, motivating us to pursue holiness as we await His appearing (1 John 3:3). Our bodies will be transformed to be like His glorious body (Philippians 3:21).
  • Assurance: It offers deep assurance of salvation and future blessedness for those who are truly "in Christ," giving confidence in God's faithfulness to complete what He has begun.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 11:25

    Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

  • 1 John 3:2

    Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

  • Galatians 2:20

    I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

  • 1 Peter 1:13

    ¶ Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

  • Philippians 3:21

    Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

  • John 17:24

    Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

  • 1 Peter 5:4

    And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

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