Colossians 3:4
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
Original Language Analysis
ὅταν
When
G3752
ὅταν
When
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
1 of 15
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τότε
then
G5119
τότε
then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
8 of 15
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
σὺν
with
G4862
σὺν
with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
11 of 15
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 15
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Cross References
John 11:25Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:1 John 3:2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.Galatians 2:20I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.1 Peter 1:13Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;John 17:24Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.Philippians 3:21Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.Hebrews 9:28So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.1 John 2:28And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.1 Peter 5:4And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.Revelation 22:14Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
Historical Context
Early Christianity's hope centered on Christ's return (Maranatha, "Come, Lord"). This expectation sustained persecuted believers, knowing their suffering was temporary while coming glory was eternal. The doctrine answered both Greek philosophy's escape-from-matter scheme and Jewish expectation of earthly kingdom by promising bodily resurrection into glorified existence when Christ returns visibly to establish His eternal kingdom.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing Christ as your life affect daily identity, purpose, and priorities?
- Does Christ's return remain vivid hope shaping present conduct, or has it become distant theological abstraction?
- How should the promise of appearing with Christ in glory affect your response to present shame, suffering, or obscurity?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Paul shifts from present to future, completing the eschatological picture. Christ is described as "our life" (hē zōē hēmōn, ἡ ζωή ἡμῶν)—not merely life-giver but life itself. Christian existence is Christ living in believers (Galatians 2:20); He is not supplement to our life but constitutes it entirely.
"Shall appear" (phanerōthē, φανερωθῇ) anticipates the Second Coming when Christ's glory, currently veiled to unbelieving world, will be universally manifest. "Then shall ye also appear with him in glory" (tote kai hymeis syn autō phanerōthēsesthe en doxē, τότε καὶ ὑμεῖς σὺν αὐτῷ φανερωθήσεσθε ἐν δόξῃ) promises believers' glorification. Currently hidden, believers' true state will be revealed publicly when Christ returns, sharing His glory visibly and eternally.