Colossians 4
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Masters, give unto your servants - This verse should have been added to the preceding, to which it properly belongs; and this chapter should have begun with Col 4:2. That which is just and equal - As they are bondmen or slaves of whom the apostle speaks, we may at once see with what propriety this exhortation is given. The condition of slaves among the Greeks and Romans was wretched in the extreme; they could appeal to no law; and they could neither expect justice nor equity. The apostle, therefore, informs the proprietors of these slaves that they should act towards them both according to justice and equity; for God, their Master, required this of them, and would at last call them to account for their conduct in this respect. Justice and equity required that they should have proper food, proper raiment, due rest, and no more than moderate work. This is a lesson that all masters throughout the universe should carefully learn. Do not treat your servants as if God had made them of an inferior blood to yours.
Open source ↗EXHORTATIONS CONTINUED. TO PRAYER: WISDOM IN RELATION TO THE UNCONVERTED: AS TO THE BEARERS OF THE EPISTLE, TYCHICUS AND ONESIMUS: CLOSING SALUTATIONS. (Col. 4:1-18) give--Greek "render": literally, "afford." equal--that is, as the slaves owe their duties to you, so you equally owe to them your duties as masters. Compare "ye masters do the same things" (see on Eph 6:9). ALFORD translates, "fairness," "equity," which gives a large and liberal interpretation of justice in common matters (Plm 1:16). knowing-- (Col 3:24). ye also--as well as they.
Open source ↗Masters, give unto your servants,.... This verse properly belongs to the preceding chapter, with which it should have been concluded. It is indeed strange, that those who made the division of chapters and verses should separate this from the former chapter, to which it so manifestly belongs, and begin a new one with it, when it has no connection with what follows; for the apostle having observed the duty of servants to their masters, proceeds to direct masters to the discharge of their duty to their servants, by giving them that which is just and equal: proper food and raiment, which is sufficient and fitting for them; the wages due unto them by law or contract; using them with gentleness and humanity, taking care of them when under affliction, and in sickness; encouraging the diligent and laborious by an addition to their salaries; correcting the disobedient within just bounds, not with too much rigour and severity; and carrying it with an even hand to all, not preferring or indulging one before another, without any reason: knowing that ye also have a master in heaven: See Gill on Eph 6:9.
Open source ↗The apostle proceeds with the duty of masters to their servants, which might have been joined to the foregoing chapter, and is a part of that discourse. Here observe, 1. Justice is required of them: Give unto your servants that which is just and equal (Col 4:1), not only strict justice, but equity and kindness. Be faithful to your promises to them, and perform your agreements; not defrauding them of their dues, nor keeping back by fraud the hire of the labourers, Jam 5:4. Require no more of them than they are able to perform; and do not lay unreasonable burdens upon them, and beyond their strength. Provide for them what is fit, supply proper food and physic, and allow them such liberties as may fit them the better for cheerful service and make it the easier to them, and this though they be employed in the meanest and lowest offices, and of another country and a different religion from yourselves. 2. A good reason for this regard: "Knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. You who are masters of others have a Master yourself, and are servants of another Lord. You are not lords of yourselves, and are accountable to one above you. Deal with your servants as you expect God should deal with you, and as those who believe they must give an account. You are both servants of the same Lord in the different relations in which you stand, and are equally accountable to him at last. Knowing that your Master also is in heaven, neither is there respect of persons with him," Eph 6:9.
Open source ↗4:1 Masters: Christian slave owners had to recognize that they, too, were slaves bound to obey Jesus Christ, their Master in heaven who treats all people with dignity and grace.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… παρέχω (paréchō, G3930) — to hold near, i.e. present, afford, exhibit, furnish occasion δοῦλος (doûlos, G1401) — a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a… δίκαιος (díkaios, G1342) — equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἰσότης (isótēs, G2471) — likeness (in condition or proportion); by implication, equity εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ὑμεῖς (hymeîs, G5210) — you (as subjective of verb) ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,…
Open source ↗προσκαρτερέω (proskarteréō, G4342) — to be earnest towards, i.e. (to a thing) to persevere, be constantly diligent, or (in a… προσευχή (proseuchḗ, G4335) — prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel) γρηγορεύω (grēgoreúō, G1127) — to keep awake, i.e. watch (literally or figuratively) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… εὐχαριστία (eucharistía, G2169) — gratitude; actively, grateful language (to God, as an act of worship)
Open source ↗ἅμα (háma, G260) — properly, at the "same" time, but freely used as a preposition or adverb denoting close… προσεύχομαι (proseúchomai, G4336) — to pray to God, i.e. supplicate, worship καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… περί (perí, G4012) — properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various… ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very ἀνοίγω (anoígō, G455) — to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications) ἡμῖν (hēmîn, G2254) — to (or for, with, by) us θύρα (thýra, G2374) — a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively) λόγος (lógos, G3056) — something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse),… λαλέω (laléō, G2980) — to talk, i.e. utter words μυστήριον (mystḗrion, G3466) — a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious… Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus
Open source ↗ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) φανερόω (phaneróō, G5319) — to render apparent (literally or figuratively) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) μέ (mé, G3165) — me δεῖ (deî, G1163) — also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is… λαλέω (laléō, G2980) — to talk, i.e. utter words
Open source ↗περιπατέω (peripatéō, G4043) — to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively,… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. σοφία (sophía, G4678) — wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual) πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… ἔξω (éxō, G1854) — out(-side, of doors), literally or figuratively ἐξαγοράζω (exagorázō, G1805) — to buy up, i.e. ransom; figuratively, to rescue from loss (improve opportunity) καιρός (kairós, G2540) — an occasion, i.e. set or proper time
Open source ↗ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you λόγος (lógos, G3056) — something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse),… πάντοτε (pántote, G3842) — every when, i.e. at all times ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. χάρις (cháris, G5485) — graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative… ἀρτύω (artýō, G741) — to prepare, i.e. spice (with stimulating condiments) ἅλας (hálas, G217) — salt; figuratively, prudence εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… πῶς (pōs, G4459) — an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect,… ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) δεῖ (deî, G1163) — also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is… ἀποκρίνομαι (apokrínomai, G611) — to conclude for oneself, i.e. (by implication) to respond; by Hebraism (compare H06030)… ἕκαστος (hékastos, G1538) — each or every εἷς (heîs, G1520) — one
Open source ↗πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole ἐμέ (emé, G1691) — me κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… γνωρίζω (gnōrízō, G1107) — to make known; subjectively, to know Τυχικός (Tychikós, G5190) — fortuitous, i.e. fortunate; Tychicus, a Christian ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you ἀγαπητός (agapētós, G27) — beloved ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… πιστός (pistós, G4103) — objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful διάκονος (diákonos, G1249) — an attendant, i.e. (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties);… σύνδουλος (sýndoulos, G4889) — a co-slave, i.e. servitor or ministrant of the same master (human or divine) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful…
Open source ↗ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that πέμπω (pémpō, G3992) — to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas (as a stronger form… πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… τοῦτο (toûto, G5124) — that thing ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) γινώσκω (ginṓskō, G1097) — to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as… ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you περί (perí, G4012) — properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… παρακαλέω (parakaléō, G3870) — to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation) καρδία (kardía, G2588) — the heart, i.e. (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the…
Open source ↗σύν (sýn, G4862) — with or together (but much closer than G3326 (μετά) or G3844 (παρά)), i.e. by… Ὀνήσιμος (Onḗsimos, G3682) — profitable; Onesimus, a Christian πιστός (pistós, G4103) — objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἀγαπητός (agapētós, G27) — beloved ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you γνωρίζω (gnōrízō, G1107) — to make known; subjectively, to know ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
Open source ↗Ἀρίσταρχος (Arístarchos, G708) — best ruling; Aristarchus, a Macedonian μοῦ (moû, G3450) — of me συναιχμάλωτος (synaichmálōtos, G4869) — a co-captive ἀσπάζομαι (aspázomai, G782) — to enfold in the arms, i.e. (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… Μάρκος (Márkos, G3138) — Marcus, a Christian ἀνεψιός (anepsiós, G431) — properly, akin, i.e. (specially) a cousin Βαρνάβας (Barnábas, G921) — son of Nabas (i.e. prophecy); Barnabas, an Israelite περί (perí, G4012) — properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various… ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that λαμβάνω (lambánō, G2983) — while G138 (αἱρέομαι) is more violent, to seize or remove)) ἐντολή (entolḗ, G1785) — injunction, i.e. an authoritative prescription ἐάν (eán, G1437) — a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… Ἰοῦστος (Ioûstos, G2459) — Justus, the name of three Christian ὤν (ṓn, G5607) — being ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) περιτομή (peritomḗ, G4061) — circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively) οὗτος (hoûtos, G3778) — the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated) μόνος (mónos, G3441) — remaining, i.e. sole or single; by implication, mere συνεργός (synergós, G4904) — a co-laborer, i.e. coadjutor εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… βασιλεία (basileía, G932) — properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
Open source ↗Ἐπαφρᾶς (Epaphrâs, G1889) — Epaphras, a Christian ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you δοῦλος (doûlos, G1401) — a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a… Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus ἀσπάζομαι (aspázomai, G782) — to enfold in the arms, i.e. (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) πάντοτε (pántote, G3842) — every when, i.e. at all times ἀγωνίζομαι (agōnízomai, G75) — to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize), figuratively (to contend with an… ὑπέρ (hypér, G5228) — "over", i.e. (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. προσευχή (proseuchḗ, G4335) — prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel) ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) ἵστημι (hístēmi, G2476) — to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or…
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… μαρτυρέω (martyréō, G3140) — to be a witness, i.e. testify (literally or figuratively) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… πολύς (polýs, G4183) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial,… ζῆλος (zēlos, G2205) — properly, heat, i.e. (figuratively) "zeal" (in a favorable sense, ardor; in an… ὑπέρ (hypér, G5228) — "over", i.e. (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the… ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. Λαοδίκεια (Laodíkeia, G2993) — Laodicia, a place in Asia Minor Ἱεράπολις (Hierápolis, G2404) — holy city; Hierapolis, a place in Asia Minor
Open source ↗Λουκᾶς (Loukâs, G3065) — Lucas, a Christian ἀγαπητός (agapētós, G27) — beloved ἰατρός (iatrós, G2395) — a physician καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… Δημᾶς (Dēmâs, G1214) — Demas, a Christian ἀσπάζομαι (aspázomai, G782) — to enfold in the arms, i.e. (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
They will make war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will triumph over them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and He will be accompanied by His called and chosen and faithful ones.”
Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts.
If you see the oppression of the poor and the denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be astonished at the matter; for one official is watched by a superior, and others higher still are over them.
And He has a name written on His robe and on His thigh: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
When he returned from procuring his kingship, he summoned the servants to whom he had given the money, to find out what each one had earned.
You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand.
“Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts.
“Why have we fasted, and You have not seen? Why have we humbled ourselves, and You have not noticed?” “Behold, on the day of your fast, you do as you please, and you oppress all your workers.