King James Version

What Does Colossians 4:18 Mean?

Colossians 4:18 in the King James Version says “The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. Written from Rome to Colossians by Ty...” — study this verse from Colossians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Colossians 4:18 · KJV

Grace

Context

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
The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. Paul concludes with personal signature. "The salutation by the hand of me Paul" (ho aspasmos tē emē cheiri Paulou, ὁ ἀσπασμὸς τῇ ἐμῇ χειρὶ Παύλου) indicates Paul personally wrote this closing, authenticating the letter (amanuensis likely wrote the body). "Remember my bonds" (mnēmoneuete mou tōn desmōn, μνημονεύετέ μου τῶν δεσμῶν) requests ongoing prayer and concern for his imprisonment.

"Grace be with you" (hē charis meth' hymōn, ἡ χάρις μεθ' ὑμῶν) pronounces benediction—appropriate conclusion for letter beginning with grace (1:2) and emphasizing Christ's sufficiency throughout. "Amen" (amēn, ἀμήν, "truly/so be it") seals the letter with affirmation. Grace opened and closes Paul's message: believers live, stand, and persevere by grace alone, through Christ alone, for God's glory alone.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient letters often concluded with personal authentication to prevent forgeries (2 Thessalonians 3:17). Paul's personal signature validated this letter's apostolic authority. His mention of bonds reminds readers of his suffering for gospel, adding weight to his exhortations and modeling faithful endurance under persecution. The grace benediction became standard Christian closing, distinguishing Christian correspondence from conventional Greco-Roman letters.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you remember and pray for persecuted Christians facing imprisonment for faith?
  2. Does grace frame your Christian experience—both beginning and ongoing life source?
  3. What closing thoughts from Colossians challenge or encourage you most as you conclude studying this epistle?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Ὁ1 of 15
G3588

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

ἀσπασμὸς2 of 15

“The salutation”

G783

a greeting (in person or by letter)

τῇ3 of 15
G3588

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

ἐμῇ4 of 15

“of me”

G1699

my

χειρὶ5 of 15

“by the hand”

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

Παύλου6 of 15

“Paul”

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

μνημονεύετέ7 of 15

“Remember”

G3421

to exercise memory, i.e., recollect; by implication, to punish; also to rehearse

μου8 of 15

“my”

G3450

of me

τῶν9 of 15
G3588

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

δεσμῶν10 of 15

“bonds”

G1199

a band, i.e., ligament (of the body) or shackle (of a prisoner); figuratively, an impediment or disability

ἡ11 of 15
G3588

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

χάρις12 of 15

“Grace”

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

μεθ'13 of 15

“be with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ὑμῶν14 of 15

“you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἀμήν15 of 15

“Amen”

G281

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

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 4:18 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 4:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 13:31 Timothy 6:211 Corinthians 16:212 Timothy 4:22Hebrews 13:252 Timothy 1:8

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