Colossians 3:2
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Original Language Analysis
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φρονεῖτε
Set your affection
G5426
φρονεῖτε
Set your affection
Strong's:
G5426
Word #:
3 of 8
to exercise the mind, i.e., entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain d
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
4 of 8
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπὶ
on things on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on things on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
Cross References
1 Chronicles 22:19Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD.Colossians 3:1If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.Matthew 16:23But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.Matthew 6:19Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:Colossians 3:5Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:Luke 12:15And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.Psalms 62:10Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.Psalms 91:14Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.Luke 16:11If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?Philippians 1:23For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
Historical Context
Roman culture pursued earthly glory, wealth, pleasure, and power. Jewish nationalism sought political restoration. Mystery religions offered mystical experiences. Against all earthly-focused systems, Christianity orients believers toward invisible, future, eternal realities secured in Christ. This countercultural focus explains Christianity's endurance through persecution—martyrs valued heavenly glory over earthly life.
Questions for Reflection
- What earthly concerns currently dominate your thoughts, and are they legitimate or excessive?
- How would your priorities, decisions, and anxieties change with genuinely heavenly focus?
- What helps you maintain eternal perspective amid daily earthly demands and distractions?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Paul reinforces the command with parallel construction. "Set your affection" (phronite, φρονεῖτε) literally means "think about" or "set your mind on," indicating not merely emotions but intellectual and volitional focus. Present imperative again demands continuous mental orientation toward heavenly realities.
"Not on things on the earth" (mē ta epi tēs gēs, μὴ τὰ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς) doesn't prohibit earthly responsibilities or legitimate enjoyment of God's creation but warns against earthly-mindedness—making temporal things ultimate concern. Believers inhabit earth but belong to heaven; physical presence doesn't determine spiritual allegiance. This mindset affects priorities, values, ambitions, and fears.