To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

COLOSSIANS 1:27KJV
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Colossians 1:27 (KJV)

What does Colossians 1:27 mean?

Colossians 1:27 says that God wanted to show non-Jewish people (“the Gentiles”) the amazing richness of a secret plan, which is that Christ lives within believers and gives them a confident expectation of sharing in God’s glory. The verse highlights that this hope is not limited to one group but is offered to all who trust in Christ.

Paul is writing to Christians in Colossae, explaining that God’s plan, once hidden, is now revealed to everyone, not just to Jews. The “mystery” is that Christ himself is present in believers, giving them hope for a glorious future with God. This was a surprising and radical idea for Paul’s original audience, who would have seen God’s promises as mainly for Israel.

The Greek behind Colossians 1:27

  • μυστήριον (mystērion): This word means “mystery” or “secret.” In Paul’s letters, it often refers to something God had kept hidden but now reveals, especially about salvation through Christ for all people.
  • ἐν (en): This preposition means “in.” The phrase “Christ in you” uses this word, showing that Paul is not just talking about Christ being among people, but actually living within believers.
  • ἐλπίς (elpis): This word means “hope.” Here, it is not just wishful thinking, but a confident expectation of sharing in God’s glory because Christ is present in believers.
  • δόξα (doxa): This word means “glory.” In this context, it points to the honor, presence, and future life with God that believers can look forward to.

Why Colossians 1:27 matters

  • Colossians 1:27 clarifies that the good news about Christ is for everyone, not just for one nation or group, breaking down old barriers.
  • The verse emphasizes that the greatest treasure for believers is not just a future reward, but Christ himself living within them now.
  • It connects to the larger message of Colossians, where Paul wants his readers to see the fullness and sufficiency of Christ, especially in contrast to other teachings that might distract from this central truth.

Where else these words appear

“riches” Greek G4149 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
  • Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
  • Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

“known” Greek G1107 · used in 23 verses

  • Luke 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
  • 1 Corinthians 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
  • Ephesians 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

“mystery” Greek G3466 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
  • Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

“hope” Greek G1680 · used in 48 verses

  • Acts 2:26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:
  • Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.