King James Version

What Does Colossians 4:10 Mean?

Colossians 4:10 in the King James Version says “Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandment... — study this verse from Colossians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

Colossians 4:10 · KJV


Context

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. labouring: or, striving complete: or, filled


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) Paul sends greetings from companions. Aristarchus, "my fellowprisoner" (ho synaichmalōtos mou, ὁ συναιχμάλωτός μου), shares Paul's imprisonment—whether literally imprisoned or metaphorically as prisoner of Christ's service (Romans 16:7). Aristarchus exemplifies sacrificial friendship, accompanying Paul through travels and trials (Acts 19:29; 20:4; 27:2).

Marcus (John Mark) receives special mention with relational identification: "sister's son to Barnabas" (Barnabas was Paul's former ministry partner). Mark had deserted Paul's first missionary journey (Acts 15:37-39), causing sharp contention between Paul and Barnabas. This greeting indicates reconciliation—Paul now commends Mark, showing restored relationship. The parenthetical instruction to receive Mark warmly suggests his coming visit required advance encouragement given past failures.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

John Mark authored the second gospel. His restoration after early failure demonstrates grace's transforming power and mature leaders' willingness to forgive and restore failing workers. Paul and Barnabas's sharp separation over Mark (Acts 15:39) eventually healed, with Paul later calling Mark "profitable to me for the ministry" (2 Timothy 4:11). This models biblical conflict resolution and restoration of failed workers.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who has failed in ministry or relationships that you need to forgive and restore like Paul restored Mark?
  2. How do you respond to others' past failures—permanent disqualification or gracious restoration opportunity?
  3. What role does reconciliation play in your Christian relationships and church community?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
Ἀσπάζεται1 of 21

saluteth

G782

to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome

ὑμᾶς2 of 21

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

Ἀρίσταρχος3 of 21

Aristarchus

G708

best ruling; aristarchus, a macedonian

4 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

συναιχμάλωτός5 of 21

fellowprisoner

G4869

a co-captive

μου6 of 21

my

G3450

of me

καὶ7 of 21

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Μᾶρκος8 of 21

Marcus

G3138

marcus, a christian

9 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀνεψιὸς10 of 21

sister's son

G431

properly, akin, i.e., (specially) a cousin

Βαρναβᾶ11 of 21

to Barnabas

G921

son of nabas (i.e., prophecy); barnabas, an israelite

περὶ12 of 21

(touching

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

οὗ13 of 21

whom

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐλάβετε14 of 21

ye received

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

ἐντολάς15 of 21

commandments

G1785

injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription

ἐὰν16 of 21

if

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

ἔλθῃ17 of 21

he come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

πρὸς18 of 21

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

ὑμᾶς19 of 21

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

δέξασθε20 of 21

receive

G1209

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

αὐτόν21 of 21

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Colossians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Colossians 4:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Colossians 4:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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