King James Version

What Does Colossians 4:17 Mean?

Colossians 4:17 in the King James Version says “And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.” — study this verse from Colossians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.”

Colossians 4:17 · KJV

Context

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.

18

The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. Written from Rome to Colossians by Tychicus and Onesimus.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it. Paul singles out Archippus for specific exhortation. "Say to Archippus" (kai eipate Archippō, καὶ εἴπατε Ἀρχίππῳ) delivers personal message through church. Archippus appears in Philemon 2 as "fellowsoldier," suggesting significant ministry role, possibly Colossae's pastor after Epaphras left, or leadership position facing discouragement or temptation to quit.

"Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord" (blepe tēn diakonian hēn pareliabes en Kyriō, βλέπε τὴν διακονίαν ἣν παρέλαβες ἐν Κυρίῳ) commands careful attention to divinely assigned service. "That thou fulfil it" (hina autēn plērois, ἵνα αὐτὴν πληρο ῖς) urges completion—not starting well but finishing faithfully. Whatever discouragement, difficulty, or distraction Archippus faced, Paul calls him to persevere and complete his God-given ministry task.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ministry in first-century church faced constant challenges: persecution, false teaching, internal conflict, personal discouragement. Leaders like Archippus needed encouragement to persevere. Paul's public exhortation through the church provided accountability and support, enlisting congregation to encourage their leader. This models healthy church dynamic where leaders receive support, accountability, and encouragement from those they serve.

Reflection Questions

  1. What ministry has God given you that requires renewed diligence and commitment to fulfill?
  2. How do you support and encourage your church leaders to complete their God-given ministries faithfully?
  3. What threatens your perseverance in ministry—discouragement, distraction, difficulty—and how do you combat it?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

“And”

G2532

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

εἴπατε2 of 13

“say”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Ἀρχίππῳ·3 of 13

“to Archippus”

G751

horse-ruler; archippus, a christian

Βλέπε4 of 13

“Take heed”

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

τὴν5 of 13
G3588

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

διακονίαν6 of 13

“to the ministry”

G1248

attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the christian teacher, or technically of the diaco

ἣν7 of 13

“which”

G3739

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

παρέλαβες8 of 13

“thou hast received”

G3880

to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn

ἐν9 of 13

“in”

G1722

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

κυρίῳ10 of 13

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἵνα11 of 13

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

αὐτὴν12 of 13

“it”

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

πληροῖς13 of 13

“thou fulfil”

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

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 4:17 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 4:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philemon 1:2Acts 1:172 Timothy 4:1-5Ezekiel 44:23-241 Corinthians 4:1-2Ephesians 4:11

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