King James Version

What Does Colossians 4:12 Mean?

Colossians 4:12 in the King James Version says “Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye m... — study this verse from Colossians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Colossians 4:12 · KJV


Context

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.

14

Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. Paul returns to Epaphras, Colossae's apparent founder (1:7). "Who is one of you" (ho ex hymōn, ὁ ἐξ ὑμῶν) emphasizes his Colossian origin. "A servant of Christ" (doulos Christou Iēsou, δοῦλος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ) identifies him as Christ's slave, devoted exclusively to His service.

"Always labouring fervently for you in prayers" (pantote agōnizomenos hyper hymōn en tais proseuchais, πάντοτε ἀγωνιζόμενος ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν ἐν ταῖς προσευχαῖς) describes intense intercessory prayer. Agōnizomenos (ἀγωνιζόμενος, "agonizing") pictures athletic striving or military combat—Epaphras wrestled in prayer for Colossae. His goal: "that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God" (hina stathēte teleioi kai peplērophōrēmenoi en panti thelēmati tou theou, ἵνα σταθῆτε τέλειοι καὶ πεπληροφορημένοι ἐν παντὶ θελήματι τοῦ θεοῦ)—spiritual maturity and full assurance in God's will.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Epaphras apparently traveled from Colossae to Rome seeking Paul's guidance about emerging heresy threatening his church. Rather than abandoning them during crisis, he interceded fervently, demonstrating pastoral faithfulness. His prayer ministry from distance exemplifies how geographic separation need not mean spiritual disconnection. Faithful intercessors remain crucial to church health, though their ministry often receives less recognition than public teaching or leadership.

Reflection Questions

  1. For whom do you 'labor fervently in prayer' with athletic intensity and perseverance?
  2. How does Epaphras's example challenge casual, sporadic prayer habits?
  3. What specifically should you pray for believers you care about—comfort, circumstances, or maturity in God's will?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
ἀσπάζεται1 of 25

saluteth

G782

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

ὑμᾶς2 of 25

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

Ἐπαφρᾶς3 of 25

Epaphras

G1889

epaphras, a christian

4 of 25
G3588

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

ἐξ5 of 25

who is one 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

ὑμῶν6 of 25

you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

δοῦλος7 of 25

a servant

G1401

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

Χριστοῦ8 of 25

of Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

πάντοτε9 of 25

always

G3842

every when, i.e., at all times

ἀγωνιζόμενος10 of 25

labouring fervently

G75

to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize), figuratively (to contend with an adversary), or genitive case (to endeavor to accomplish something)

ὑπὲρ11 of 25

for

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

ὑμῶν12 of 25

you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἐν13 of 25

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ταῖς14 of 25
G3588

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

προσευχαῖς15 of 25

prayers

G4335

prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)

ἵνα16 of 25

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

στῆτε17 of 25

ye may stand

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

τέλειοι18 of 25

perfect

G5046

complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with g3588) completeness

καὶ19 of 25

and

G2532

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

πεπληρωμένοι20 of 25

complete

G4137

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

ἐν21 of 25

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

παντὶ22 of 25

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

θελήματι23 of 25

the will

G2307

a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination

τοῦ24 of 25
G3588

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

θεοῦ25 of 25

of God

G2316

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


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 4:12 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 4:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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