When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

COLOSSIANS 3:4KJV
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Colossians 3:4 (KJV)

What does Colossians 3:4 mean?

Colossians 3:4 says that when Christ, who is the source of true life for believers, is revealed openly, those who belong to him will also be revealed with him in a state of glory. This verse points to a future moment when Christ’s significance and the connection believers have with him will be made clear to everyone.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Colossae, encouraging them to focus on their identity in Christ rather than earthly things. In this verse, Paul assures them that their present life, which may seem hidden or ordinary, is actually bound up with Christ’s life. The promise is that when Christ appears in his full glory, believers will share in that glory with him.

The Greek behind Colossians 3:4

  • ζωή (zōē, "life"): The Greek word here refers to a deep, ongoing kind of life, not just physical existence. Paul is saying Christ is not just a part of life, but the very source and essence of it for believers.
  • φανερωθῇ (phanerōthē, "appear"): This word means to be revealed or made visible. The idea is that Christ’s true nature, which may be hidden now, will one day be unmistakably shown.
  • δόξῃ (doxē, "glory"): This word carries the sense of honor, splendor, or divine brightness. Paul is promising that believers will share in the visible honor and splendor that belongs to Christ.

Why Colossians 3:4 matters

  • Colossians 3:4 clarifies that the believer’s real life is not always obvious in the present, but is securely tied to Christ, whose full glory is yet to be revealed.
  • The verse emphasizes hope and future transformation, reminding readers that their current struggles or obscurity are not the end of the story.
  • This promise connects to the surrounding verses, which urge believers to set their minds on things above, reinforcing that their true identity and future are found in Christ, not in earthly achievements or recognition.

Where else these words appear

“appear” Greek G5319 · used in 43 verses

  • Mark 4:22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
  • Titus 1:3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;

“When” Greek G3752 · used in 118 verses

  • Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
  • Luke 5:35 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.
  • John 16:4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.

“with” Greek G4862 · used in 121 verses

  • Matthew 25:27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
  • Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
  • Acts 27:2 And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.

“life” Greek G2222 · used in 126 verses

  • Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
  • John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
  • Colossians 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.