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

COLOSSIANS 3:24KJV
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Colossians 3:24 (KJV)

What does Colossians 3:24 mean?

Colossians 3:24 says that those who serve faithfully can be confident that the Lord will give them a true reward—an inheritance—because they are ultimately serving Christ, not just human masters. The verse encourages believers to see their work as service to Jesus, with the promise of a meaningful reward from Him.

Paul writes this to Christians in Colossae, many of whom were servants or workers under others’ authority. He reminds them that their daily tasks, even when done for earthly bosses, are really done for the Lord Christ. The focus is on the dignity and value of serving Christ in every part of life, with the assurance that God Himself sees and will reward faithful service.

The Greek behind Colossians 3:24

  • “Lord” (Κύριος, Kyrios): This word is used twice in the verse and refers to Jesus as the true master. Paul highlights that believers’ ultimate loyalty and service are directed to Christ, not just to human authorities.
  • “Reward” (ἀνταπόδοσις, antapodosis): This Greek word means a repayment or recompense. Paul assures the readers that their efforts are not overlooked; God will personally repay them with a lasting inheritance.
  • “Inheritance” (κληρονομία, klēronomia): This word refers to what is passed down as a possession, often used for the promised blessings of God’s people. Paul uses it to remind believers that their reward is not just earthly, but a share in God’s eternal promises.

Why Colossians 3:24 matters

  • Colossians 3:24 clarifies that Christian service is not limited to church work or spiritual activities; even everyday labor can be meaningful when done for Christ.
  • The verse shifts the focus from pleasing human bosses to pleasing Christ, lifting the dignity of all honest work and encouraging perseverance even when human recognition is lacking.
  • In the wider passage, Paul is addressing relationships between servants and masters, and this verse assures believers that God’s justice and reward are certain, even if their earthly situation is unfair or difficult.

Where else these words appear

“receive” Greek G618 · used in 11 verses

  • Mark 7:33 And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;
  • Luke 16:25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
  • Romans 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

“inheritance” Greek G2817 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 21:38 But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.
  • Acts 7:5 And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.
  • Ephesians 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

“serve” Greek G1398 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
  • Romans 7:6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.
  • Galatians 4:9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?