King James Version

What Does Colossians 4:11 Mean?

Colossians 4:11 in the King James Version says “And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God,...” — study this verse from Colossians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Colossians 4:11 · KJV

Comfort

Context

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

13

For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

Read Colossians 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. Paul mentions Jesus Justus, otherwise unknown. "Which is called Justus" distinguishes him from Jesus Christ; Justus (Latin "righteous") was likely Roman name supplementing Hebrew name. "Who are of the circumcision" identifies these three (Aristarchus, Mark, Justus) as Jewish believers—"these only" indicates they alone among Jewish Christians actively supported Paul's imprisoned ministry.

"My fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God" (synergoi eis tēn basileian tou theou, συνεργοὶ εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ) describes shared labor for God's kingdom. "Which have been a comfort unto me" (hoitines egenēthēsan moi parēgoria, οἵτινες ἐγενήθησάν μοι παρηγορία) reveals these men's encouragement during Paul's imprisonment. Many Jewish Christians apparently abandoned or opposed Paul; these three remained faithful, providing crucial emotional and ministerial support.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's ministry to Gentiles created tension with Jewish Christians prioritizing Jewish mission or requiring Gentile conformity to Jewish customs. That "these only" of Jewish believers supported Paul suggests widespread Jewish Christian opposition or indifference to his imprisonment. These three men's faithfulness during Paul's isolation demonstrates costly loyalty and shared commitment to Gentile inclusion gospel.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who remains faithful when others abandon you, and do you treasure such friendship?
  2. How do you respond when your theological convictions create tension with fellow believers?
  3. What makes someone a 'comfort' during difficulty—presence, encouragement, shared labor, prayer?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
καὶ1 of 21

“And”

G2532

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

Ἰησοῦς2 of 21

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

τοῦ3 of 21

“which”

G3588

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

λεγόμενος4 of 21

“is called”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Ἰοῦστος5 of 21

“Justus”

G2459

justus, the name of three christian

τοῦ6 of 21

“which”

G3588

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

ὄντες7 of 21

“are”

G5607

being

ἐκ8 of 21

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

περιτομῆς9 of 21

“the circumcision”

G4061

circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively)

οὗτοι10 of 21

“These”

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

μόνοι11 of 21

“only”

G3441

remaining, i.e., sole or single; by implication, mere

συνεργοὶ12 of 21

“are my fellowworkers”

G4904

a co-laborer, i.e., coadjutor

εἰς13 of 21

“unto”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τοῦ14 of 21

“which”

G3588

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

βασιλείαν15 of 21

“the kingdom”

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ16 of 21

“which”

G3588

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

θεοῦ17 of 21

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

οἵτινες18 of 21

“which”

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

ἐγενήθησάν19 of 21

“have been”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

μοι20 of 21

“unto me”

G3427

to me

παρηγορία21 of 21

“a comfort”

G3931

an address alongside, i.e., (specially), consolation

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 4:11 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 4:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 11:2Colossians 4:7Philemon 1:24Acts 10:45Romans 4:121 Thessalonians 3:2

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