King James Version
What Does Colossians 4:14 Mean?
“Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.”
Context
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.
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.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(14) **Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas.**—Comp. Philemon 1:24. The original is even more emphatic, “Luke the physician, the beloved one.” Demas, on the contrary, is barely named. It is impossible not to pass on in thought to the last notice of the two by St. Paul (2Timothy 4:10), “Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world. . . . only Luke is with me.”
On the relation of St. Luke to St. Paul, see *Introduction to the Acts.* Here we need only remark that the emphatic mention of him as “the beloved physician” suggests the idea that it was both as physician and as friend that St. Luke, now, as in the last captivity, was with the Apostle. Though the captivity was not, according to ancient ideas, severe, it must have told upon his weak and shattered health.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 4:14 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 4:14
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge