Colossians 1:24
New International Version
Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.

New Living Translation
I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church.

English Standard Version
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church,

Berean Standard Bible
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, which is the church.

Berean Literal Bible
Now I rejoice in the sufferings for you, and I am filling up in my flesh that which is lacking of the tribulations of Christ for His body, which is the church,

King James Bible
Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:

New King James Version
I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church,

New American Standard Bible
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am supplementing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions in behalf of His body, which is the church.

NASB 1995
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.

NASB 1977
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body (which is the church) in filling up that which is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and I fill up what is lacking of Christ’s afflictions in my flesh, on behalf of His body, which is the church,

Amplified Bible
Now I rejoice in my sufferings on your behalf. And with my own body I supplement whatever is lacking [on our part] of Christ’s afflictions, on behalf of His body, which is the church.

Christian Standard Bible
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I am completing in my flesh what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for his body, that is, the church.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I am completing in my flesh what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for His body, that is, the church.

American Standard Version
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church;

Contemporary English Version
I am glad I can suffer for you. I am pleased also that in my own body I can continue the suffering of Christ for his body, the church.

English Revised Version
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I am happy to suffer for you now. In my body I am completing whatever remains of Christ's sufferings. I am doing this on behalf of his body, the church.

Good News Translation
And now I am happy about my sufferings for you, for by means of my physical sufferings I am helping to complete what still remains of Christ's sufferings on behalf of his body, the church.

International Standard Version
Now I am rejoicing while suffering for you as I complete in my flesh whatever remains of the Messiah's sufferings on behalf of his body, which is the church.

Majority Standard Bible
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, which is the church.

NET Bible
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my physical body--for the sake of his body, the church--what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ.

New Heart English Bible
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and I am completing in my flesh what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ for the sake of his body, which is the church;

Webster's Bible Translation
Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:

Weymouth New Testament
Now I can find joy amid my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my own person whatever is lacking in Christ's afflictions on behalf of His Body, the Church.

World English Bible
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the assembly,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up the things lacking of the tribulations of the Christ in my flesh for His body, which is the Assembly,

Berean Literal Bible
Now I rejoice in the sufferings for you, and I am filling up in my flesh that which is lacking of the tribulations of Christ for His body, which is the church,

Young's Literal Translation
I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and do fill up the things lacking of the tribulations of the Christ in my flesh for his body, which is the assembly,

Smith's Literal Translation
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill again the necessities of the pressures of Christ in my flesh for his body, which is the church.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up those things that are wanting of the sufferings of Christ, in my flesh, for his body, which is the church:

Catholic Public Domain Version
For now I rejoice in my passion on your behalf, and I complete in my flesh the things that are lacking in the Passion of Christ, for the sake of his body, which is the Church.

New American Bible
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the church,

New Revised Standard Version
I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and make up that which is lacking of the sufferings of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And I rejoice in the sufferings that are for your sake and I fill up the want of sufferings of The Messiah in my flesh for the sake of his body, which is the church,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up what remains of my sufferings for Christ in my flesh for the sake of his body, which is the church,

Godbey New Testament
Now I rejoice in sufferings in your behalf, and am filling up the residue of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh in behalf of his body, which is the church;

Haweis New Testament
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh the measure of afflictions for Christ which remains to be endured for his body, which is the church,

Mace New Testament
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and am filling up the measure of those remaining afflictions, which in my turn I am to suffer in this life, in the cause of Christ, for the sake of his body, which is the church:

Weymouth New Testament
Now I can find joy amid my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my own person whatever is lacking in Christ's afflictions on behalf of His Body, the Church.

Worrell New Testament
Now I rejoice in my sufferings in your behalf, and fill up in turn the deficiencies of the tribulations of Christ in my flesh for the sake of His body, which is the assembly;

Worsley New Testament
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up what is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh, for the sake of his body, which is the church.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Suffering for the Church
23if indeed you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope of the gospel you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. 24Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, which is the church. 25I became its servant by the commission God gave me to fully proclaim to you the word of God,…

Cross References
2 Corinthians 1:5-7
For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. / If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which accomplishes in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we experience. / And our hope for you is sure, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you will share in our comfort.

Philippians 3:10
I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to Him in His death,

Romans 8:17
And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.

2 Timothy 2:10
For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

1 Peter 4:13
But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.

2 Corinthians 4:10-12
We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. / For we who are alive are always consigned to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our mortal body. / So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

Acts 5:41
The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

2 Corinthians 12:10
That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Romans 5:3
Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;

1 Peter 5:9
Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.

2 Corinthians 11:23-28
Are they servants of Christ? (I am speaking as if I were out of my mind.) I am so much more: in harder labor, in more imprisonments, in worse beatings, in frequent danger of death. / Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. / Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea. ...

Matthew 5:11-12
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.

John 15:18-20
If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. / If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. / Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well.

Hebrews 10:32-34
Remember the early days that you were in the light. In those days, you endured a great conflict in the face of suffering. / Sometimes you were publicly exposed to ridicule and persecution; at other times you were partners with those who were so treated. / You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you yourselves had a better and permanent possession.

Isaiah 53:3-5
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. / Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.


Treasury of Scripture

Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:

rejoice.

Matthew 5:11,12
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake…

Acts 5:41
And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

Romans 5:3
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

fill.

2 Corinthians 1:5-8
For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ…

2 Corinthians 4:8-12
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; …

2 Corinthians 11:23-27
Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft…

for.

Colossians 1:18
And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

Ephesians 1:23
Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Jump to Previous
Afflictions Amid Assembly Behalf Body Body's Christ Christ's Church Complete Fill Filling Find Flesh Joy Lacking Needed Pain Part Regard Rejoice Sake Salvation Share Sorrows Sufferings Undergo Whatever
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Afflictions Amid Assembly Behalf Body Body's Christ Christ's Church Complete Fill Filling Find Flesh Joy Lacking Needed Pain Part Regard Rejoice Sake Salvation Share Sorrows Sufferings Undergo Whatever
Colossians 1
1. After salutation Paul thanks God for the Colossians' faith;
7. confirms the doctrine of Epaphras;
9. prays further for their increase in grace;
14. describes the supremacy of Christ;
21. encourages them to receive Jesus Christ, and commends his own ministry.














Now I rejoice
The word "rejoice" in Greek is "χαίρω" (chairō), which conveys a deep sense of joy and gladness. In the context of Paul's writings, this joy is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in his relationship with Christ. Historically, Paul’s joy amidst suffering is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, which enables believers to find joy even in trials, reflecting the early Christian understanding of suffering as a participation in Christ's own sufferings.

in my sufferings
The Greek term for "sufferings" is "παθήματα" (pathēmata), which refers to hardships or afflictions. Paul’s sufferings were numerous, including imprisonments, beatings, and persecutions. Archaeological findings, such as Roman prison sites, provide a backdrop to the harsh conditions Paul endured. His sufferings were seen as a means of spiritual growth and a way to demonstrate the power of Christ in weakness, aligning with the broader scriptural theme of redemptive suffering.

for you
This phrase indicates the purpose of Paul’s sufferings. His trials were endured for the benefit of the Colossian believers and the broader church. Historically, this reflects the apostolic mission to spread the Gospel despite opposition, emphasizing the communal aspect of faith where individual sacrifices contribute to the spiritual well-being of others.

and I fill up in my flesh
The phrase "fill up" comes from the Greek "ἀνταναπληρόω" (antanaplēroō), meaning to complete or supply what is lacking. Paul speaks of a mystical participation in Christ’s sufferings, suggesting that his physical trials serve a divine purpose. This concept is rooted in the early church’s understanding of the believer’s union with Christ, where personal suffering is seen as a continuation of Christ’s work on earth.

what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions
This phrase has been the subject of much theological discussion. The Greek word for "lacking" is "ὑστέρημα" (hysterēma), implying something that remains to be completed. It is crucial to understand that Paul is not suggesting Christ’s atoning work is insufficient; rather, he is highlighting the ongoing nature of the church’s mission in a hostile world. The "afflictions" (θλίψεις, thlipsis) refer to the trials faced by believers as they carry forward the message of the Gospel.

for the sake of His body, which is the church
Paul uses the metaphor of the body to describe the church, emphasizing unity and interdependence among believers. The Greek word for "church" is "ἐκκλησία" (ekklēsia), meaning a called-out assembly. Historically, this reflects the early Christian community’s identity as distinct from the surrounding culture. Paul’s sufferings are portrayed as beneficial for the church, underscoring the idea that individual sacrifices contribute to the collective strength and growth of the body of Christ.

(24-29) Here (as in Ephesians 3, in the same connection) St. Paul dwells on his own mission to set forth the universal gospel to the Gentiles. In the Ephesian Epistle this declaration is made a direct introduction to practical exhortation (comp. Col. 4, 5, 6); here it leads up to the earnest remonstrance against speculative errors in Colossians 2, which precedes a similar practical exhortation. In both cases he dwells on the committal to him of a special dispensation; in both he rejoices in suffering as a means of spiritual influence; in both cases he declares the one object to be the presentation of each man perfect before Christ.

(24) Who now rejoice.--In the true reading of the original there is no relative pronoun. The sentence starts with emphatic abruptness, "Now (at this moment) I rejoice" (just as in 2Corinthians 7:9). In all the three Epistles of the Captivity this same rejoicing is declared in himself and urged on his brethren. In Ephesians 3:13, "I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory;" in Philippians 2:11, "Yea, if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause do ye also joy, and rejoice with me." There, as here, the rejoicing is in suffering, not in itself, not solely because it is borne with and for Christ, but also because it is for the sake of the Church. Here, however, this idea is expressed with far greater emphasis.

Fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ.--The sense of this passage is at first sight startling, but it could not have been thought difficult or doubtful, had not false inferences from it tempted men to shrink from the obvious meaning. Now, (1) the "afflictions of Christ" is a phrase not used elsewhere; for "affliction" (properly, hard and galling pressure) is the ordinary burden of life, and is generally spoken of only as coming on His servants. But, like the common phrase "the sufferings of Christ" (2Corinthians 1:5; Philippians 3:10; 1Peter 4:15; 1Peter 5:1), it must moan the afflictions which He endured. It is true, as has been thoughtfully suggested (see Chrysostom and others on the passage) that we are to count as His the afflictions of His Church; but still, even if we are to include these indirect afflictions, we cannot possibly exclude the direct. Next, (2) St. Paul expressly says (in the full force of the original) that "he fills up instead" of his Master, what is still left unfinished of his Master's afflictions. (See the passages quoted by Dr. Lightfoot in his note on this verse.) He declares, i.e., that, succeeding to the suffering of Christ, he carries it out for the sake of His body the Church. This is, indeed, nothing but a clearer and more striking expression of the truth conveyed in 2Corinthians 1:5, "The sufferings of Christ overflow to us," so that we bear our part, in addition to the full measure which He bore; and even in the commoner expression, to be "partaker of Christ's sufferings" (Philippians 3:10; 1Peter 4:13), or "to drink of His cup and be baptised with His baptism" (Matthew 20:22-23). But, (3) looking to the meaning and use of the word "afflictions," we note that "the afflictions of Christ" must be His sufferings on earth considered simply as a part--though immeasurably the chief part--of the burden of humanity in a sinful world, They represent, not the Cross of Atonement, on which He alone could suffer--and in which any reader of St. Paul must find it absurd to suppose that he would claim the slightest share--but the Cross of struggle against sin even to death, which He expressly bade us "take up if we would follow Him." This He has still left "behind;" this in His strength every one of His servants bears, partly for himself, partly also for others. In the former light St. Paul says, "The world is crucified to me, and I to the world" (Galatians 6:14); in the latter he claims it as his highest privilege "to fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ for His Body which is the Church." . . .

Verses 24-29. - SECTION III. THE APOSTLE AND HIS MISSION. Analysis:

(1) The apostle's ministry is at present one of suffering (ver. 24)

(2) Christ, the Hope of the Gentiles, the Secret of the ages, is its theme (vers. 25-27);

(3) and its aim the individual perfection of all to whom it is addressed (ver. 28). . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Now
Νῦν (Nyn)
Adverb
Strong's 3568: A primary particle of present time; 'now'; also as noun or adjective present or immediate.

I rejoice
χαίρω (chairō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 5463: A primary verb; to be 'cheer'ful, i.e. Calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation, be well.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

[my]
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

sufferings
παθήμασιν (pathēmasin)
Noun - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3804: From a presumed derivative of pathos; something undergone, i.e. Hardship or pain; subjectively, an emotion or influence.

for you,
ὑπὲρ (hyper)
Preposition
Strong's 5228: Gen: in behalf of; acc: above.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

I fill up
ἀνταναπληρῶ (antanaplērō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 466: To fill up in place of someone else, complete, supply. From anti and anapleroo; to supplement.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

my
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

flesh
σαρκί (sarki)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4561: Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred.

what
τὰ (ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

is lacking
ὑστερήματα (hysterēmata)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5303: From hustereo; a deficit; specially, poverty.

in regard to
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Christ’s
Χριστοῦ (Christou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

afflictions
θλίψεων (thlipseōn)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 2347: Persecution, affliction, distress, tribulation. From thlibo; pressure.

for the sake of
ὑπὲρ (hyper)
Preposition
Strong's 5228: Gen: in behalf of; acc: above.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

body,
σώματος (sōmatos)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 4983: Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively.

which
(ho)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

is
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

the
(hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

church.
ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1577: From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.


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NT Letters: Colossians 1:24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings (Coloss. Col Co)
Colossians 1:23
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