Colossians 4 KJV
1 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Colossians 4 (New Testament)
7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:
8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;
9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.
10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)
11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.
12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
Col.4 (New Testament)
13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.
16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.
| Greek Word + Transliteration + Meaning | Verse + Snippet | Scholarly Notes |
|---|---|---|
| προσκαρτερέω — proskartereō (“continue steadfastly”) | Verse 2 — “…continue in prayer…” | The term emphasizes persistent devotion. Paul ties perseverance to spiritual alertness. — Thayer, Lexicon (1889) |
| γρηγορέω — grēgoreō (“to watch/be awake”) | Verse 2 — “…watch in the same…” | Paul urges spiritual vigilance. Wakefulness reflects eschatological readiness. — Trench, Synonyms (1896) |
| ἅλας — halas (“salt”) | Verse 6 — “…seasoned with salt…” | Salt symbolizes wisdom in speech. Paul promotes gracious yet sharp communication. — Delitzsch, Commentary (1884) |
| περιπατέω — peripateō (“walk/live”) | Verse 5 — “…walk in wisdom…” | Conduct must visibly reflect divine wisdom. Paul frames lifestyle as testimony. — Schaff, NT Commentary (1882) |
| ἐξαγοράζω — exagorazō (“redeem/buy up”) | Verse 5 — “…redeeming the time…” | The verb urges strategic use of opportunity. Paul stresses urgency in mission. — Hastings, Dictionary (1898) |
| παρακλητικός — paraklētikos (“encouraging/comforting”) | Verse 8 — “…that he might comfort your hearts.” | Gospel fellowship includes mutual strengthening. The term echoes the ministry of Christ. — Thayer, Lexicon (1889) |
| σύζυγος — syzygus (“fellow-yoke-bearer/partner”) | Verse 11 — “…fellow workers…” | Paul stresses cooperative ministry. Shared labor reflects unity in Christ. — Trench, Synonyms (1896) |
| δοῦλος — doulos (“slave/servant”) | Verse 12 — “…Epaphras…a servant of Christ…” | The term denotes total allegiance. Paul affirms Epaphras’s sacrificial ministry. — Delitzsch, Commentary (1884) |
| ἀγωνίζομαι — agōnizomai (“to strive/contend”) | Verse 12 — “…always labouring fervently for you…” | Paul portrays intercessory prayer as spiritual wrestling. The term deepens the intensity of devotion. — Schaff, Church History (1890) |
| πληροφορέω — plērophoreō (“to fully assure”) | Verse 12 — “…stand perfect and complete…” | Paul desires full assurance in God’s will. The term implies spiritual maturity. — Hastings, Dictionary (1898) |
chapter 4
Verse: "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." - Colossians 4:2
Lesson: In this chapter, Paul gives instructions on how the Colossians should conduct themselves towards others, especially non-believers. He encourages them to pray diligently, be wise in their speech, and make the most of every opportunity to share the Gospel. This verse, in particular, emphasizes the importance of prayer in our daily lives as Christians. It tells us to be devoted to prayer, to be watchful and alert, and to maintain a spirit of thanksgiving as we come before God.
Lesson: We must learn to prioritize prayer in our daily routines. As we go about our day, we must make time to talk to God and listen for His voice. We must also be watchful, staying alert to the needs of those around us and the opportunities that God places in our path. Additionally, we must maintain a spirit of gratitude, thanking God for all that He has done and will continue to do in our lives.
What's Next? Read Our Bible Verses About Life With Purpose and Encouragement
Conclusion: As we devote ourselves to prayer, we will grow in our relationship with God and in our ability to minister to others. We will be equipped to share the Gospel boldly and to live out our faith in a way that honors God.
Prayer Points:
l Ask God to help us prioritize prayer in our daily lives.
l Pray for wisdom in our speech and interactions with non-believers.
l Ask God to open doors for us to share the Gospel with those around us.
l Thank God for His faithfulness and provision in our lives.
What's Next? See our Inspirational Motivational Bible Quotes Today
