What Does Colossians 3:2 Mean in the King James?

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Colossians 3:2 · KJV

The analysis reads the King James wording.

King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.

THE KEY

The command describes a mind taking its sustained direction from above, not a passing thought or feeling.

THE MEANING

Your mind is oriented toward what is above rather than fixed on what belongs to the earth. The verb describes an ongoing disposition that shapes what occupies your inner life.

WHAT THIS UNDOES

It undoes the assumption that whatever is most visible or immediate must command the mind.

THE ROOT

φρονεῖτε

phroneite

GROWS FROM

φρον-

phron-

To direct the mind or hold a disposition toward something.

“set your affection” in this verse is phroneite. The English phrase can sound like an appeal to emotion, but ⁨φρονεῖτε⁩ (phroneite, direct the mind or hold a disposition) names a continuing orientation of thought and concern. The same stem appears in Greek words for a mindset and for discernment, revealing an inner direction that shapes what occupies your attention.

ALSO GROWS

phroneō: To direct one’s thought or hold a particular disposition.

φρονέω

This is the verb’s dictionary form; it makes clear that the verse speaks of the mind’s direction, not merely a feeling.

phronēma: A settled orientation or content of mind.

φρόνημα

This related word shows how an ongoing direction of thought can become a defining mindset.

phronimos: Marked by practical understanding or good judgment.

φρόνιμος

This branch connects the same mind-related stem with discernment, showing that orientation affects how a person apprehends and judges.

THE PATTERN

Scripture presents the direction of the inner life as shaping what a person attends to and becomes.

But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

Psalm 1:2 · KJVSustained attention to the LORD’s instruction gives the inner life its continuing direction.

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

Proverbs 23:7 · KJVThe verse links a person’s inward orientation with who that person is, even when outward words suggest otherwise.

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 · KJVThe verse places the mind’s attention on qualities that can shape the reader’s ongoing inner life.

THE THREAD

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 · KJV

Romans 8:5 uses ⁨φρονοῦσιν⁩ (phronousin, they set their minds on), from the same Greek verb as ⁨φρονεῖτε⁩ (phroneite, set your mind) here. Its contrast shows that the mind’s direction is the hinge: what it attends to follows the realm toward which it is oriented.

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