Colossians 3:2
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Verse 2 intensifies verse 1, moving from outward pursuit to the inner orientation of mind and heart. It sets the tone for the practical instructions that follow about putting off old habits and putting on new ones.
What Does Colossians 3:2 Mean?
Paul tells believers to fix their thinking and their loves on heavenly things instead of letting earthly matters dominate. This verse deepens the command of the one before it. If verse 1 says "seek" the things above, verse 2 reaches further inward to the mind and the affections: set them, fasten them, anchor them on what is above. The Greek word behind "set your affection" speaks of the whole inner orientation -- not just stray thoughts but the settled disposition of the heart, the things we care about and dwell on.
Paul is not telling the Colossians to despise the ordinary duties of earthly life; elsewhere he commands faithful work, honest relationships, and gratitude for daily provision. Rather, he is addressing what governs us. The question is which realm holds the controlling place in our minds and desires -- the passing concerns of earth or the abiding realities centered in the reigning Christ. When the heart is anchored above, earthly things fall into their proper, smaller place, and the believer is freed from being mastered by them. This is a discipline as much as a gift: we choose, again and again, where to set our minds. A life that keeps returning its attention to Christ will steadily be reshaped to look more like Him.
In the Original Language
The Greek "phroneite" (set your affection) means to think, to be minded, to direct one's whole inner disposition -- mind, will, and affections together. It is a present-tense command, calling for a continual habit.
Cross References
“For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.”
- Romans 8:5
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
- Philippians 4:8
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
- Matthew 6:21
Application
Make a deliberate habit of directing your thoughts and loves toward Christ and His kingdom, so that earthly concerns no longer master your heart.