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Colossians 4

BSB·18 verses ·New Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1Mastersκύριοιkyrioi — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study →, supplyπαρέχεσθεparechesthe — To provide, furnish, or supply; to give occasionG3930 — Full Word Study → your slavesδούλοιςdoulois — Slave; servant in bondage or serviceG1401 — Full Word Study → with whatτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → is right andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → fairἰσότηταisotēta — equality, fairness, impartialityG2471 — Full Word Study →, since you knowεἰδότεςeidotes — to see, perceive, understand, knowG1492 — Full Word Study → thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → youὑμεῖςhymeis — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → alsoκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → haveἔχετεechete — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study → a MasterΚύριονKyrion — Lord; master; one who has authority or ownershipG2962 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → heavenοὐρανῷouranō — Heaven; the sky; God's dwelling placeG3772 — Full Word Study →. 2Devote yourselvesπροσκαρτερεῖτεproskartereite — To persist steadfastly in or with somethingG4342 — Full Word Study → toΤῇTē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → prayerπροσευχῇproseuchē — Prayer, supplication, or earnest request to GodG4335 — Full Word Study →, being watchfulγρηγοροῦντεςgrēgorountes — To keep watch; to remain vigilant and alertG1127 — Full Word Study → and thankfulεὐχαριστίᾳeucharistia — Gratitude, thanksgiving, expression of thanksG2169 — Full Word Study →, 3asἅμαhama — at the same time, together, simultaneouslyG260 — Full Word Study → you prayπροσευχόμενοιproseuchomenoi — to pray, to make petition to GodG4336 — Full Word Study → alsoκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → forπερὶperi — about, concerning, around, on behalf ofG4012 — Full Word Study → usἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →, thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → GodΘεὸςTheos — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → may openἀνοίξῃanoixē — to open, to uncloseG455 — Full Word Study → to usἡμῖνhēmin — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → a doorθύρανthyran — door, gateway, entranceG2374 — Full Word Study → for theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → wordλόγουlogou — word, statement, message, divine utteranceG3056 — Full Word Study →, so that we may proclaimλαλῆσαιlalēsai — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → mysteryμυστήριονmystērion — A hidden or revealed secretG3466 — Full Word Study → of ChristΧριστοῦChristou — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study →, forδι’di’ — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → whichho — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → I am in chainsδέδεμαιdedemai — to bind, tie, or restrain physically or morallyG1210 — Full Word Study →. 4Pray that I may declare it clearlyφανερώσωphanerōsō — To reveal, make manifest, or display openlyG5319 — Full Word Study →, asὡςhōs — as, like, when, in the manner thatG5613 — Full Word Study → Iμεme — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → shouldδεῖdei — it is necessary, must, oughtG1163 — Full Word Study →. 5Actπεριπατεῖτεperipateite — to walk, to conduct oneself, to liveG4043 — Full Word Study → wiselyσοφίᾳsophia — Wisdom; divine insight and practical understandingG4678 — Full Word Study → towardπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → outsidersἔξωexō — outside, outer, or externalG1854 — Full Word Study →, redeemingἐξαγοραζόμενοιexagorazomenoi — To buy back; to redeem by paymentG1805 — Full Word Study → theτὸνton — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → timeκαιρὸνkairon — The right or appointed time; a season or opportunityG2540 — Full Word Study →. 6Let your speechλόγοςlogos — word, statement, message, divine utteranceG3056 — Full Word Study → always be graciousχάριτιchariti — God's unmerited favor and kindnessG5485 — Full Word Study →, seasonedἠρτυμένοςērtymenos — to season or salt foodG741 — Full Word Study → with saltἅλατιhalati — Salt; seasoning and preservative substanceG217 — Full Word Study →, so that you may knowεἰδέναιeidenai — to see, perceive, understand, knowG1492 — Full Word Study → howπῶςpōs — how? in what manner? by what means?G4459 — Full Word Study → to answerἀποκρίνεσθαιapokrinesthai — To answer, respond, or replyG611 — Full Word Study → everyoneἑκάστῳhekastō — eachG1538 — Full Word Study →. 7TychicusΤυχικὸςTychikos — Fortunate, prosperous oneG5190 — Full Word Study → will tellγνωρίσειgnōrisei — to make known, reveal, declareG1107 — Full Word Study → youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → allπάνταpanta — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → the newsΤὰTa — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → aboutκατ’kat’ — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → meἐμὲeme — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →. He is a belovedἀγαπητὸςagapētos — Beloved, dearly loved oneG27 — Full Word Study → brotherἀδελφὸςadelphos — brother; male sibling or fellow believerG80 — Full Word Study →, a faithfulπιστὸςpistos — Faithful, trustworthy, reliableG4103 — Full Word Study → ministerδιάκονοςdiakonos — servant; one who servesG1249 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → a fellow servantσύνδουλοςsyndoulos — fellow servant or co-slaveG4889 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the Lord. 8I have sentἔπεμψαepempsa — To send forth; to dispatch someone on a missionG3992 — Full Word Study → himὃνhon — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → toπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → forεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → this veryαὐτὸauto — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → purposeτοῦτοtouto — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study →, thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → you may knowγνῶτεgnōte — To know, understand, or perceiveG1097 — Full Word Study → aboutπερὶperi — about, concerning, around, on behalf ofG4012 — Full Word Study → usἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →, and thatκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → he may encourageπαρακαλέσῃparakalesē — to urge, comfort, or exhortG3870 — Full Word Study → yourὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → heartsκαρδίαςkardias — heart; center of emotion, will, and moral characterG2588 — Full Word Study →. 9With him I am sending OnesimusὈνησίμῳOnēsimō — Profitable, usefulG3682 — Full Word Study →, our faithfulπιστῷpistō — Faithful, trustworthy, reliableG4103 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → belovedἀγαπητῷagapētō — Beloved, dearly loved oneG27 — Full Word Study → brotherἀδελφῷadelphō — brother; male sibling or fellow believerG80 — Full Word Study →, whoὅςhos — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → isἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → one of youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →. They will tellγνωρίσουσινgnōrisousin — to make known, reveal, declareG1107 — Full Word Study → you about everythingπάνταpanta — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → hereὧδεhōde — in this place; hereG5602 — Full Word Study →. 10Myμουmou — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → fellow prisonerσυναιχμάλωτόςsynaichmalōtos — fellow prisoner; co-prisoner in bondsG4869 — Full Word Study → AristarchusἈρίσταρχοςAristarchos — Best rulerG708 — Full Word Study → sends you greetingsἈσπάζεταιAspazetai — to greet, embrace, or pay respects to someoneG782 — Full Word Study →, as doesκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → MarkΜᾶρκοςMarkos — Mark, a discipleG3138 — Full Word Study → theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → cousinἀνεψιὸςanepsios — cousin; relative by bloodG431 — Full Word Study → of BarnabasΒαρνάβαBarnaba — Son of encouragementG921 — Full Word Study →. You have already received instructionsἐντολάςentolas — A command or authoritative instructionG1785 — Full Word Study → aboutπερὶperi — about, concerning, around, on behalf ofG4012 — Full Word Study → him: Ifἐὰνean — conditional particle; if, whether, in case thatG1437 — Full Word Study → he comesἔλθῃelthē — to come, go, arrive, or appearG2064 — Full Word Study → toπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, welcomeδέξασθεdexasthe — to receive or accept willinglyG1209 — Full Word Study → himαὐτόνauton — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study →. 11JesusἸησοῦςIēsous — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study →, who is calledλεγόμενοςlegomenos — to say, speak, or tellG3004 — Full Word Study → JustusἸοῦστοςIoustos — Just, righteousG2459 — Full Word Study →, also sends greetings. Theseοὗτοιhoutoi — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → areὄντεςontes — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → the only Jewsπεριτομῆςperitomēs — Circumcision; the cutting away of the foreskinG4061 — Full Word Study → amongἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → my fellow workersσυνεργοὶsynergoi — Fellow worker; collaborative laborer in ministryG4904 — Full Word Study → forεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → theτὴνtēn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → kingdomβασιλείανbasileian — The reign or domain of a king; God's sovereign ruleG932 — Full Word Study → of GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →, and they have beenἐγενήθησάνegenēthēsan — to become, come into being, happenG1096 — Full Word Study → a comfortπαρηγορίαparēgoria — Comfort, consolation, encouragementG3931 — Full Word Study → to meμοιmoi — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study →. 12EpaphrasἘπαφρᾶςEpaphras — Lovely or pleasantG1889 — Full Word Study →, who is one of youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → and a servant of ChristΧριστοῦChristou — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study → JesusἸησοῦIēsou — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study →, sends you greetingsἈσπάζεταιAspazetai — to greet, embrace, or pay respects to someoneG782 — Full Word Study →. He is always wrestlingἀγωνιζόμενοςagōnizomenos — To struggle, fight, or strive intenselyG75 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → prayerπροσευχαῖςproseuchais — Prayer, supplication, or earnest request to GodG4335 — Full Word Study → forὑπὲρhyper — on behalf of, for the sake of, above, beyondG5228 — Full Word Study → youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, so thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → you may standσταθῆτεstathēte — to stand, establish, or cause to standG2476 — Full Word Study → matureτέλειοιteleioi — Complete, mature, fully developedG5046 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → fully assuredπεπληροφορημένοιpeplērophorēmenoi — to fully assure or convince completelyG4135 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the full willθελήματιthelēmati — will, desire, purpose, wishG2307 — Full Word Study → of GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →. 13Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → I testifyμαρτυρῶmartyrō — To testify, bear witness, give testimonyG3140 — Full Word Study → about himαὐτῷautō — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → he goes toἔχειechei — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study → greatπολὺνpolyn — much, many, great in quantity or degreeG4183 — Full Word Study → painsπόνονponon — pain, suffering, or laborious toilG4192 — Full Word Study → forὑπὲρhyper — on behalf of, for the sake of, above, beyondG5228 — Full Word Study → youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → for thoseτῶνtōn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → atἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → LaodiceaΛαοδικείᾳLaodikeia — Justice of the peopleG2993 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → HierapolisἹερα‿Hiera — sacred, holy, set apart for divine purposesG2413 — Full Word Study →. 14LukeΛουκᾶςLoukas — One who gives lightG3065 — Full Word Study →, theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → belovedἀγαπητὸςagapētos — Beloved, dearly loved oneG27 — Full Word Study → physicianἰατρὸςiatros — physician; healer; doctorG2395 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → DemasΔημᾶςDēmas — Popular or renownedG1214 — Full Word Study → send you greetingsἈσπάζεταιAspazetai — to greet, embrace, or pay respects to someoneG782 — Full Word Study →. 15GreetἈσπάσασθεAspasasthe — to greet, embrace, or pay respects to someoneG782 — Full Word Study → theτοὺςtous — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → brothersἀδελφοὺςadelphous — brother; male sibling or fellow believerG80 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → LaodiceaΛαοδικείᾳLaodikeia — Justice of the peopleG2993 — Full Word Study →, as well asκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → NymphaΝύμφανNymphan — A Christian womanG3564 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → theτὴνtēn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → churchἐκκλησίανekklēsian — Assembly of called-out believers; the churchG1577 — Full Word Study → that meets at herαὐτῆςautēs — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → houseοἶκονoikon — A dwelling place; house or householdG3624 — Full Word Study →. 16Afterὅτανhotan — whenever, at the time when, as soon asG3752 — Full Word Study → this letterἐπιστολήepistolē — written letter or epistleG1992 — Full Word Study → has been readἀναγνωσθῇanagnōsthē — to read aloud or reciteG314 — Full Word Study → amongπαρ’par’ — from, beside, with, nearG3844 — Full Word Study → youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, make sureποιήσατεpoiēsate — to do, make, perform, or accomplishG4160 — Full Word Study → thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → it is also readἀναγνωσθῇanagnōsthē — to read aloud or reciteG314 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theτῇtē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → churchἐκκλησίᾳekklēsia — Assembly of called-out believers; the churchG1577 — Full Word Study → of the Laodiceans, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → youὑμεῖςhymeis — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → in turnκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → readἀναγνῶτεanagnōte — to read aloud or reciteG314 — Full Word Study → the letter fromἐκek — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → LaodiceaΛαοδικείαςLaodikeias — Justice of the peopleG2993 — Full Word Study →. 17Tellεἴπατεeipate — to speak, say, or tellG2036 — Full Word Study → ArchippusἈρχίππῳArchippō — Master of horsesG751 — Full Word Study →: “See to itΒλέπεBlepe — to see, look at, perceive, bewareG991 — Full Word Study → thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → you completeπληροῖςplērois — to fill up, complete, or bring to fulfillmentG4137 — Full Word Study → theτὴνtēn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → ministryδιακονίανdiakonian — Service, ministry, or officeG1248 — Full Word Study → you have receivedπαρέλαβεςparelabes — to receive, take, or accept something from anotherG3880 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the Lord.” 18ThisHo — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → greetingἀσπασμὸςaspasmos — A greeting or salutation; an expression of goodwillG783 — Full Word Study → is in my ownἐμῇemē — my, mine, belonging to meG1699 — Full Word Study → handχειρὶcheiri — hand; power, authority, or controlG5495 — Full Word Study →PaulΠαύλουPaulou — small; humbleG3972 — Full Word Study →. RememberΜνημονεύετέMnēmoneuete — To remember, recall, or keep in mindG3421 — Full Word Study → myμουmou — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → chainsδεσμῶνdesmōn — chain, bond, or fetterG1199 — Full Word Study →. Grace be withμεθ’meth’ — with, after, among, followingG3326 — Full Word Study → youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →.
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Chapter Commentary — Colossians 4
Chapter Overview

Overview of Colossians Chapter 4

As Paul concludes his letter to the Colossians, he shifts from doctrinal instruction to practical Christian living and personal greetings. This final chapter emphasizes the importance of prayer, wise witness in the world, and the encouragement of genuine Christian community. Paul demonstrates that the gospel is lived out not only in personal devotion but also in our relationships with masters and servants, in our speech and conduct before unbelievers, and in faithful partnership with fellow believers. The chapter reminds us that the body of Christ is built through prayer, accountability, and mutual care.

Verses 1-4: Masters and Prayer

Paul begins by addressing masters (those with authority over servants), reminding them that they too serve a Master in heaven. This is a radical statement in the first-century world—earthly relationships of power are relativized by submission to Christ. Masters are called to give what is just and equal, acknowledging the dignity of those they oversee. This principle extends to all who hold authority: employers, leaders, and parents must exercise their power with fairness and justice, knowing they will answer to God.

Verses 2-4 shift to prayer as the foundation of all Christian work. Paul urges the Colossians to continue in prayer with thanksgiving—persistence in prayer paired with gratitude creates a posture of dependence on God. He asks them to pray specifically that God would open a door of utterance for the proclamation of Christ's mystery. Even imprisoned, Paul's burden remains the clear proclamation of the gospel. This teaches us that prayer and evangelism are inseparable; we cannot effectively witness to Christ without bathing our words in prayer.

Verses 5-6: Witness and Speech

Paul calls believers to walk in wisdom toward them that are without—our conduct before unbelievers matters deeply. Redeeming the time means making the most of every opportunity for gospel witness and godly influence. Our speech is to be always with grace, seasoned with salt: grace speaks of kindness and mercy, while salt preserves and adds flavor, suggesting words that are both wholesome and compelling. We must think carefully about how to answer each person, recognizing that our words carry spiritual weight and may open doors for gospel conversations.

Verses 7-13: Paul's Companions and Prayer Partners

Paul commends Tychicus and Onesimus as his messengers, sent to update the Colossians and comfort them. Notably, Onesimus was once a runaway slave (see Philemon); now he is described as faithful and beloved, a beautiful picture of transformation through the gospel. Paul then greets his fellow workers—Aristarchus, Mark, Jesus called Justus, and especially Epaphras, who labors fervently in prayers that the Colossians would stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. This language echoes the book's central theme: completeness in Christ. These greetings reveal that Paul's ministry was built on a team of faithful brothers, each contributing their gifts to the kingdom's advance.

Verses 14-18: Final Greetings and Charge

Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas send greetings. Paul instructs the Colossians to share this letter with the church in Laodicea and to read the epistle from Laodicea in return—evidence of active communication among early churches. He charges Archippus to fulfill his ministry, a personal exhortation to faithfulness. Paul's final words—written in his own hand—ask them to remember his bonds, anchoring prayer for the imprisoned apostle to the larger gospel work he represents.

Application for Today

This chapter teaches us that Christian maturity is inseparable from community, prayer, and witness. We are called to treat all people with justice and dignity, to speak with grace and wisdom, and to remember that we are part of a global body of Christ working together. Like Paul, we depend on prayer and partnership. Our final encouragement: invest in faithful friends, pray for gospel opportunity, and let your words always reflect the grace of Christ.

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