King James Version

What Does Colossians 4:9 Mean?

Colossians 4:9 in the King James Version says “With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are do... — study this verse from Colossians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.

Colossians 4:9 · KJV


Context

7

All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:

8

Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;

9

With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here. Paul introduces Onesimus, traveling with Tychicus. Onesimus was Philemon's runaway slave (Philemon 10-16), converted under Paul's ministry, now returning to Colossae. Paul's description—"faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you"—emphasizes Onesimus's Christian identity and Colossian origin, preparing the church to receive him as brother, not merely slave.

"They shall make known unto you all things which are done here" (panta hymin gnōrisousin ta hōde, πάντα ὑμῖν γνωρίσουσιν τὰ ὧδε) indicates both Tychicus and Onesimus would update Colossae on Paul's situation. Including Onesimus in this ministry validated his transformation and Christian service. Paul's commendation would facilitate his reception despite his past offense as runaway slave.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Runaway slaves faced severe punishment, even death, if captured. Onesimus's voluntary return demonstrated genuine conversion and trust in gospel transformation. Paul's letter to Philemon urged receiving Onesimus as brother, not slave (Philemon 16). This radical application of gospel principles challenged slavery's foundations, demonstrating Christianity's transforming social impact even before directly attacking institutions.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you receive transformed sinners—with suspicion about past or celebration of grace?
  2. What past failures or sins define how you see people versus their new identity in Christ?
  3. How does Onesimus's story illustrate gospel power to transform relationships and break social barriers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
σὺν1 of 16

With

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

Ὀνησίμῳ2 of 16

Onesimus

G3682

profitable; onesimus, a christian

τὰ3 of 16

which

G3588

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

πιστῷ4 of 16

a faithful

G4103

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful

καὶ5 of 16

and

G2532

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

ἀγαπητῷ6 of 16

beloved

G27

beloved

ἀδελφῷ7 of 16

brother

G80

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

ὅς8 of 16

who

G3739

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

ἐστιν9 of 16

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἐξ10 of 16

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

ὑμῶν·11 of 16

you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

πάντα12 of 16

all things

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὑμῖν13 of 16

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

γνωριοῦσιν14 of 16

They shall make known

G1107

to make known; subjectively, to know

τὰ15 of 16

which

G3588

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

ὧδε16 of 16

are done here

G5602

in this same spot, i.e., here or hither


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 4:9 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 4:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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