Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:

COLOSSIANS 1:24KJV
Know the Bible

Colossians 1:24 (KJV)

What does Colossians 1:24 mean?

Colossians 1:24 describes Paul expressing joy in his own sufferings, which he endures for the sake of the believers, saying that his hardships somehow complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the benefit of the church, which he calls Christ’s body. Paul sees his personal suffering as meaningful and connected to the larger purpose of serving the Christian community.

Paul is writing this letter to the Christians in Colossae, explaining his role as a servant and messenger of Jesus. He wants them to understand that his difficulties are not pointless but are part of his ministry to help the church grow. The verse shows Paul’s willingness to suffer if it helps others in their faith, and it highlights the close connection he feels to both Christ and the church.

The Greek behind Colossians 1:24

  • The word for "rejoice" (χαίρω, chairō) means more than just being happy; it often carries the sense of finding deep gladness or contentment, even in hard situations. Paul is not simply enduring suffering—he is finding joy in it because of its purpose.
  • The phrase "fill up that which is behind" uses the Greek words ἀνταναπληρόω (antanaplēroō, "fill up") and ὑστέρημα (hysterēma, "what is lacking" or "what remains"). Paul is not saying Christ’s suffering was incomplete for salvation, but that there is still suffering to be experienced by Christ’s followers as part of living out their faith.
  • "Afflictions" (θλῖψις, thlipsis) refers to pressures, troubles, or hardships. In this context, it points to the real, physical and emotional difficulties Paul faces as he serves the church.

Why Colossians 1:24 matters

  • This verse can clear up the misunderstanding that Christ’s suffering was somehow not enough; Paul is not adding to Christ’s saving work, but sharing in the ongoing hardships that come with serving the church.
  • Colossians 1:24 emphasizes the close relationship between Christ and the church—Paul calls the church Christ’s "body," showing how deeply connected believers are to Jesus.
  • The verse highlights the idea that suffering for others, especially for the good of the church, can have real value and purpose, rather than being meaningless or wasted.

Where else these words appear

“behind” Greek G5303 · used in 8 verses

  • Luke 21:4 For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:14 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:
  • 2 Corinthians 11:9 And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.

“is” Greek G3603 · used in 11 verses

  • Mark 3:17 And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:
  • Mark 12:42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.
  • Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

“sufferings” Greek G3804 · used in 16 verses

  • Romans 7:5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
  • Galatians 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
  • Hebrews 10:32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;

“afflictions” Greek G2347 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
  • Romans 2:9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
  • Philippians 1:16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: