Colossians 3:2-3
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The verse emphasizes a shift from mere seeking to actively thinking about heavenly things, suggesting a deep internal disposition and focus, not just outward actions. It’s about occupying your mind with the reality of Christ's present reign and your eternal home, rather than letting earthly concerns dominate your inner world.
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is exhorting believers to live out their new identity in Christ, emphasizing that because they have been raised with Him, their focus must shift from earthly matters to heavenly realities. This command to set their minds on things above directly follows the assertion that their true life is now hidden with Christ in God, making worldly pursuits and earthly concerns secondary.
Ever feel like your priorities are a little…earthbound? This verse calls for a fundamental realignment of where your heart and mind are directed.
Paul uses the phrase "set your minds" (or "set your affection") to describe a deliberate, ongoing activity. It's not just a fleeting thought, but a sustained focus. Think of it like adjusting the compass on a ship. You don't just point it once; you constantly check and re-adjust to stay on course.
This isn't about ignoring earthly responsibilities or blessings. Instead, it's about establishing a heavenly perspective that informs how you engage with everything on earth. When your primary focus is on God's kingdom and the eternal, earthly matters are seen in their proper, often temporary, context.
Why does Paul urge us to focus on heavenly things? It's deeply rooted in our new identity in Christ.
The verses immediately preceding this one (Colossians 3:1) lay the groundwork: "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above..." Because believers have been resurrected with Christ, their true life is no longer bound to the earthly realm. Our identity, our hope, and our future are now tied to Him who is seated at God's right hand.
This heavenly focus isn't an arbitrary rule; it's a natural outflow of our union with Christ. Since we've died to our old selves and been raised to new life with Him, our perspective and desires should naturally align with where He is and what He values.
Understand the original words
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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.
apethanete · Greek Verb
The decisive end of one's old way of living in sin; a spiritual reality for the believer, representing the complete severance from the dominion of the flesh and the world.
kekryptai · Greek Verb
The state of being kept secure in the presence and protection of God; it signifies that a believer's true, eternal existence is rooted in the life of Jesus, shielded from spiritual harm.
This passage offers a stark contrast, highlighting those whose 'mind is set on earthly things' and contrasts them with believers whose 'citizenship is in heaven.' It directly parallels the focus Paul calls for in Colossians 3:2.
Matthew 6:24Jesus' teaching here about serving two masters directly relates to the choice between focusing on God ('things above') versus worldly possessions and desires ('things on the earth'). It underscores the exclusivity of ultimate devotion.
Romans 8:5This verse describes the fundamental difference between those who 'set their minds on the flesh' and those who 'set their minds on the Spirit.' It expands on the internal disposition that Paul urges believers to adopt in Colossians 3:2.
1 Corinthians 7:30-31Paul advises believers to use worldly things 'as if not possessing them' because 'this world in its present form is passing away.' This context helps explain *why* we should not be fixated on earthly things – they are temporary compared to the eternal 'things above.'
Hebrews 12:2This verse speaks of Jesus as the 'pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross.' It shows *who* the ultimate 'things above' are – Christ Himself – and the example He sets for our focus.
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…
The verse emphasizes a shift from mere seeking to actively thinking about heavenly things, suggesting a deep internal disposition and focus, not just outward actions. It’s about occupying your mind with the reality of Christ's present reign and your eternal home, rather than letting earthly concerns dominate your inner world.
Paul is exhorting believers to live out their new identity in Christ, emphasizing that because they have been raised with Him, their focus must shift from earthly matters to heavenly realities. This command to set their minds on things above directly follows the assertion that their true life is now hidden with Christ in God, making worldly pursuits and earthly concerns secondary.
Paul is exhorting believers to live out their new identity in Christ, emphasizing that because they have been raised with Him, their focus must shift from earthly matters to heavenly realities. This command to set their minds on things above directly follows the assertion that their true life is now hidden with Christ in God, making worldly pursuits and earthly concerns secondary.
"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." — The verse emphasizes a shift from mere seeking to actively thinking about heavenly things, suggesting a deep internal disposition and focus, not just outward actions. It’s about occupying your mind…
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Last reviewed October 2026
