Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Colossians 3:2
What does Colossians 3:2 mean?
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Colossians 3:2
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It's not just about thinking about heavenly things, but about having your entire inner disposition, your deep-seated preferences, align with them. This isn't just about occupying your mind, but about cultivating a fundamental "liking" or "relish" for what's above, mirroring how we naturally lean towards earthly pursuits.
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul begins this chapter by reminding the Colossians that because they have been "raised with Christ," they should actively seek heavenly things. He then immediately follows up this exhortation by urging them to focus their minds on what is above, not on earthly pursuits, establishing this as the practical outworking of their new, resurrected life in Christ. This directive is rooted in their new identity: since they are now "dead" to their old life and alive in Christ, their thoughts and affections should reflect this heavenly reality.
Have you ever felt pulled in two directions, struggling to focus on what truly matters? This verse isn't just about trying harder; it's about a fundamental shift in where your mind and heart are directed.
The Greek word translated 'set your minds' (φρονεῖτε - phroneite) is rich with meaning. It goes beyond simply 'thinking about' something. It implies a disposition, a preference, a way of understanding and valuing.
Why 'things above'? It's not an abstract concept but a very specific place and person. Understanding this changes everything.
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The call to 'set your minds on things that are above' is directly linked to the presence of Christ.
Understand the original words
phroneite · Greek Verb
In biblical terms, this refers to the inner life, the seat of the intellect, will, and affections; to set one's mind is to consciously align one's thoughts and priorities with the purposes and values of God.
gēs · Greek Noun
The state of being physically, spiritually, or morally disconnected from the kingdom of God; often used to describe the fallen, temporal, or sinful condition of the world system.
This passage directly contrasts those whose minds are set on earthly things with those whose minds are focused on heavenly ones, echoing the core message of Colossians 3:2.
Romans 12:2This verse calls believers not to be conformed to the world but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds, which aligns with the idea of setting one's mind on things above rather than earthly distractions.
Matthew 6:33Jesus' teaching to 'seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness' is a foundational principle that supports the Colossians instruction to prioritize heavenly things over earthly concerns.
John 14:2Jesus speaks of going to prepare a place for His followers, implying a heavenly dwelling and future reality, which gives substance to the 'things that are above' that believers should set their minds on.
1 Corinthians 7:29-31This passage advises that those who marry should do so as if they do not, and those who buy should do so as if they do not possess them, because the present form of this world is passing away, underscoring the transient nature of earthly things compared to the eternal.
vincentColossians 3:2: "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."
Set your affection (φρονεῖτε)Lit., be minded, think. As Rev., set your mind. Seek marks the practical striving; set your mind, the inward impulse and disposition. Both must be directed at things above. "You must not only seek heaven, you must think heaven" (Lightfoot). Compare Philippians 3:19, Philippians 3:20.
barnesColossians 3:2: "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."
Set your affection - Margin, "or mind." Greek" think of" - φρονεῖτε phroneite. The thoughts should be occupied about the things where Christ now dwells, where our final home is to be, where our great interests are. Since we are raised from the death of sin, and are made to live anew, the great object of our contemplation should be the heavenly world. Not on things on the earth - Wealth, honor, pleasure. Our affe…
It's not just about thinking about heavenly things, but about having your entire inner disposition, your deep-seated preferences, align with them. This isn't just about occupying your mind, but about cultivating a fundamental "liking" or "relish" for what's above, mirroring how we naturally lean towards earthly pursuits.
Paul begins this chapter by reminding the Colossians that because they have been "raised with Christ," they should actively seek heavenly things. He then immediately follows up this exhortation by urging them to focus their minds on what is above, not on earthly pursuits, establishing this as the practical outworking of their new, resurrected life in Christ. This directive is rooted in their new identity: since they are now "dead" to their old life and alive in Christ, their thoughts and affections should reflect this heavenly reality.
Paul begins this chapter by reminding the Colossians that because they have been "raised with Christ," they should actively seek heavenly things. He then immediately follows up this exhortation by urging them to focus their minds on what is above, not on earthly pursuits, establishing this as the practical outworking of their new, resurrected life in Christ. This directive is rooted in their new identity: since they are now "dead" to their old life and alive in Christ, their thoughts and affections should reflect this heavenly reality.
"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." — It's not just about thinking about heavenly things, but about having your entire inner disposition, your deep-seated preferences, align with them. This isn't just about occupying your mind, but abo…
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Last reviewed October 2026