King James Version

What Does Colossians 4:15 Mean?

Colossians 4:15 in the King James Version says “Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.” — study this verse from Colossians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.”

Colossians 4:15 · KJV

Context

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.

Read Colossians 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. Paul sends greetings to Laodicean Christians seven miles from Colossae. "The brethren which are in Laodicea" likely formed house church or multiple house churches. "Nymphas" is individual believer (name's gender is uncertain—could be male Nymphas or female Nympha depending on manuscript tradition). "The church which is in his house" (tēn kat' oikon autou ekklēsian, τὴν κατ' οἶκον αὐτοῦ ἐκκλησίαν) indicates congregation meeting in this person's home.

House churches characterized early Christianity—believers lacked dedicated buildings and met in members' homes, typically the wealthiest member large enough to accommodate congregation. This created intimate, family-like fellowship but limited size (perhaps 30-50 people maximum per house church). House church pattern continued for three centuries until Christianity gained legal status and constructed buildings.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Roman houses of wealthy featured open courtyards or large dining rooms accommodating extended household and guests. Christians utilized these spaces for worship, teaching, and fellowship. House churches faced persecution risk—if authorities discovered illegal assembly, host faced property confiscation or worse. Nymphas's willingness to host church demonstrated commitment and courage, providing essential infrastructure for early Christian community.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your home serve the church—hospitality, Bible studies, fellowship, or merely private space?
  2. What risks or costs are you willing to bear for church community like early house church hosts?
  3. How can modern churches recapture intimate, family-like fellowship of house church model?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
Ἀσπάσασθε1 of 13

“Salute”

G782

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

τοὺς2 of 13
G3588

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

ἐν3 of 13

“which are in”

G1722

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

Λαοδικείᾳ4 of 13

“Laodicea”

G2993

laodicia, a place in asia minor

ἀδελφοὺς5 of 13

“the brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

καὶ6 of 13

“and”

G2532

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

Νύμφαν7 of 13

“Nymphas”

G3564

nymph-given (i.e., -born); nymphas, a christian

καὶ8 of 13

“and”

G2532

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

τὴν9 of 13
G3588

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

κατ'10 of 13

“which is in”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

οἶκον11 of 13

“house”

G3624

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

αὐτοῦ12 of 13

“his”

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

ἐκκλησίαν13 of 13

“the church”

G1577

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

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 4:15 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 4:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 16:5Philemon 1:21 Corinthians 16:9

Places in This Verse

LaodiceaSettlement · Modern: Laodicea on the Lycus · 37.84°N, 29.11°E6 verses across 2 books
View all places in Colossians 4 →

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