Chapter
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Verse
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Colossians 3:24
ESV knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
NIV since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
NASB knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.
CSB knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ.
NLT Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.
KJV Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

What does Colossians 3:24 mean?

In Paul's day and time, bondservants were not entitled to any inheritance from a wealthy family member. From a material standpoint, these slaves had little to look forward to in life. Yet Paul encourages them with a reminder that this mortal life is not where their real rewards will be given. God's inheritance, our eternal dwelling place with Him, will far exceed the trials and limitations of this life. Paul sought once again to focus readers on things above (Colossians 3:1–2) rather than the daily concerns of life.

Paul concludes this teaching with a reference to the bondservant's true master: Jesus Christ. Even the lowliest slave, when they accept faith in Christ, becomes a servant of the greatest person in the universe. There is no higher honor or privilege. With this perspective, a mistreated servant can live with joy, knowing his true Master and the eternal joy that awaits (1 Peter 1:8–9).

The next two verses will also provide crucial balance for this perspective on servants and masters. Verse 25 reminds the reader that God will not show favoritism: those who do evil will suffer the consequences, whether they are slave or master. Colossians 4:1 will continue that thought by warning masters not to be unfair towards those who serve under them.
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