Colossians 1:5
For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;
Original Language Analysis
διὰ
For
G1223
διὰ
For
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
1 of 18
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐλπίδα
the hope
G1680
ἐλπίδα
the hope
Strong's:
G1680
Word #:
3 of 18
expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανοῖς
heaven
G3772
οὐρανοῖς
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
9 of 18
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
ἣν
whereof
G3739
ἣν
whereof
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
10 of 18
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγῳ
the word
G3056
λόγῳ
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
14 of 18
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Ephesians 1:13In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,2 Timothy 4:8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.Titus 1:2In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;Colossians 1:27To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:1 Peter 2:2As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:Colossians 1:23If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;Hebrews 7:19For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.1 Corinthians 15:19If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.1 Thessalonians 2:13For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.Acts 23:6But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.
Historical Context
Unlike Greek philosophy (viewing matter as evil, seeking enlightenment) or Jewish nationalism (expecting earthly restoration), Christianity offers hope both already secured (in heaven) and not yet experienced (awaiting fulfillment). This already-not-yet tension characterizes New Testament eschatology, balancing present reality with future consummation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does hope in resurrection and glorification affect your response to present suffering?
- What contemporary teachings shift focus from future hope to present experience, and why is this problematic?
- How do you evaluate new spiritual movements—by novelty and appeal, or conformity to apostolic gospel?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel. The verb apokeimenen (ἀποκειμένην, "laid up") means stored or treasured, using imagery of valuables kept secure. Christian hope isn't wishful thinking but confident expectation of guaranteed future reality, reserved en tois ouranois (ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς, "in the heavens") beyond earthly tampering.
This heavenly orientation counters the Colossian heresy's emphasis on present mystical experiences. Hope grounds faith and energizes love—believing God's promises about the future enables present endurance. "The word of the truth of the gospel" emphasizes objective reality: alētheias (ἀληθείας, "truth") against falsehood. They "heard before" establishes chronological priority—original apostolic teaching supersedes later innovations.