Colossians 3:24
Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
Original Language Analysis
εἰδότες
Knowing
G1492
εἰδότες
Knowing
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
1 of 14
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
2 of 14
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἀπὸ
of
G575
ἀπὸ
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
3 of 14
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
κυρίῳ
the Lord
G2962
κυρίῳ
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
4 of 14
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἀπολήψεσθε
ye shall receive
G618
ἀπολήψεσθε
ye shall receive
Strong's:
G618
Word #:
5 of 14
to receive (specially, in full, or as a host); also to take aside
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κληρονομίας
of the inheritance
G2817
κληρονομίας
of the inheritance
Strong's:
G2817
Word #:
9 of 14
heirship, i.e., (concretely) a patrimony or (genitive case) a possession
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
κυρίῳ
the Lord
G2962
κυρίῳ
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
12 of 14
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Cross References
Ephesians 6:8Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.Luke 14:14And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.1 Corinthians 7:22For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.Ephesians 6:6Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;Galatians 1:10For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.Acts 20:32And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.Hebrews 11:6But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.Hebrews 10:35Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.Proverbs 11:18The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.Matthew 5:46For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
Historical Context
Slaves had no inheritance rights; they owned nothing, not even children or their own bodies. Paul promises slaves heavenly inheritance surpassing anything earthly masters could give—revolutionary hope transforming perspective on present suffering. This didn't make slavery acceptable but made it bearable while planting theological seeds that would eventually delegitimize the institution. Slaves who served Christ faithfully despite injustice would receive eternal vindication and reward.
Questions for Reflection
- How does expectation of future reward from Christ motivate present faithfulness in unnoticed or unrewarded service?
- Do you serve people or serve Christ through serving people—what's the difference practically?
- How would you work differently if you truly believed Christ sees and will reward your faithful service?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. Paul provides ultimate motivation: divine reward. "Of the Lord ye shall receive" (para Kyriou apolēmpsesthe, παρὰ Κυρίου ἀπολήμψεσθε) promises future recompense from Christ. "The reward of the inheritance" (tēn antapodosin tēs klēronomias, τὴν ἀνταπόδοσιν τῆς κληρονομίας) refers to heavenly inheritance (1:12), given as reward for faithful service.
This isn't salvation by works—inheritance comes through grace (1:12-14). But Scripture teaches degrees of reward based on faithfulness (1 Corinthians 3:10-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10). "For ye serve the Lord Christ" (tō Kyriō Christō douleuete, τῷ Κυρίῳ Χριστῷ δουλεύετε) grounds everything: slaves serve Christ through serving masters. This transcends mere duty, transforming service into worship. Christ sees, values, and will reward faithful service unnoticed by earthly masters.