Colossians 3:1

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

Εἰ If G1487
Εἰ If
Strong's: G1487
Word #: 1 of 17
if, whether, that, etc
οὖν then G3767
οὖν then
Strong's: G3767
Word #: 2 of 17
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
συνηγέρθητε be risen G4891
συνηγέρθητε be risen
Strong's: G4891
Word #: 3 of 17
to rouse (from death) in company with, i.e., (figuratively) to revivify (spirtually) in resemblance to
τῷ G3588
τῷ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 4 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Χριστός Christ G5547
Χριστός Christ
Strong's: G5547
Word #: 5 of 17
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
τὰ G3588
τὰ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 6 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἄνω those things which are above G507
ἄνω those things which are above
Strong's: G507
Word #: 7 of 17
upward or on the top
ζητεῖτε seek G2212
ζητεῖτε seek
Strong's: G2212
Word #: 8 of 17
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
οὗ where G3757
οὗ where
Strong's: G3757
Word #: 9 of 17
at which place, i.e., where
ὁ G3588
ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 10 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Χριστός Christ G5547
Χριστός Christ
Strong's: G5547
Word #: 11 of 17
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
ἐστιν sitteth G2076
ἐστιν sitteth
Strong's: G2076
Word #: 12 of 17
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
ἐν on G1722
ἐν on
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 13 of 17
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
δεξιᾷ the right hand G1188
δεξιᾷ the right hand
Strong's: G1188
Word #: 14 of 17
the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)
τοῦ G3588
τοῦ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ of God G2316
θεοῦ of God
Strong's: G2316
Word #: 16 of 17
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καθήμενος· G2521
καθήμενος·
Strong's: G2521
Word #: 17 of 17
and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside

Analysis & Commentary

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Chapter 3 transitions from doctrinal foundation to practical application. "If ye then be risen" (ei oun synēgerthēte, εἰ οὖν συνηγέρθητε) uses first-class condition assuming truth: "since you were raised." Union with Christ's resurrection (2:12-13) demands corresponding conduct. Those raised to new life must live accordingly.

"Seek those things which are above" (ta anō zēteite, τὰ ἄνω ζητεῖτε) commands active pursuit of heavenly realities. Present imperative indicates continuous action—ongoing heavenly focus, not occasional spiritual interest. "Where Christ sitteth" locates these realities: Christ's exalted position "at the right hand of God" (en dexia tou theou, ἐν δεξιᾷ τοῦ θεοῦ), the place of supreme authority and honor (Psalm 110:1), proves His victory and believers' security.

Historical Context

The ancient world divided reality into earthly and heavenly realms. Paganism focused on earthly prosperity; Greek philosophy sought to escape material existence; Judaism anticipated earthly kingdom restoration. Christianity uniquely combines present earthly existence with heavenly citizenship and hope, living in both realities simultaneously. Christ's ascension and session at God's right hand grounds Christian hope in historical event, not philosophical abstraction.

Questions for Reflection

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