Colossians 3:24

Authorized King James Version

Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἰδότες
G1492
Knowing
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#2
ὅτι
G3754
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#3
ἀπὸ
G575
of
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#4
κυρίῳ
G2962
the Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#5
ἀπολήψεσθε
G618
ye shall receive
to receive (specially, in full, or as a host); also to take aside
#6
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
ἀνταπόδοσιν
G469
the reward
requital (properly, the act)
#8
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
κληρονομίας
G2817
of the inheritance
heirship, i.e., (concretely) a patrimony or (genitive case) a possession
#10
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
γὰρ
G1063
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#12
κυρίῳ
G2962
the Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#13
Χριστῷ
G5547
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#14
δουλεύετε·
G1398
ye serve
to be a slave to (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Colossians. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection