Colossians 4

1 Ye masters! that which is just and equitable, unto your servants, be rendering, knowing that, ye also, have a Master in heaven.

Masters, give to slaves what is right and fair. You know that you also have a master in heaven.

2 Unto prayer, be devoting yourselves, watching therein with thanksgiving:

Continue steadfastly in prayer. Stay alert in it in thanksgiving.

3 Praying, at the same time, for us also, —that, God, would open unto us a door for the word, so that we may speak the sacred secret of the Christ—for the sake of which also I am in bonds,

Pray together for us also, that God would open a door for the word, to speak the secret truth of Christ. Because of this, I am chained up.

4 That I may make it manifest as behoveth me to speak.

Pray that I may make it clear, as I ought to speak.

5 In wisdom, be walking towards them who are without, —the opportunity, buying out for yourselves,

Walk in wisdom toward those outside, and redeem the time.

6 Your discourse being always with benefit, with salt, seasoned, —that ye may know how it behoveth you, unto each one, to be making answer.

Let your words always be with grace. Let them be seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.

7 All the things which relate unto myself, shall Tychicus make known unto you—the beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord,

As for the things concerning me, Tychicus will make them known to you. He is a beloved brother, a faithful servant, and fellow slave in the Lord.

8 Whom I have sent unto you, to this very end, —that ye may get to know the things which concern us, and he may encourage you hearts:

I sent him to you for this, that you might know the matters about us, and so that he may encourage your hearts.

9 Together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is from among you: —all things, unto you, will they make known, that [are taking place] here.

I sent him together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that has happened here.

10 Aristarchus, my fellow-captive, saluteth you; and Mark, the first cousin of Barnabas, —concerning whom ye have received commands—if he come unto you, give him welcome;

Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, as well as Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received orders; if he comes to you, receive him),

11 And Jesus, he that is called Justus, —they being of the circumcision; these only, [are my] fellow-workers unto the kingdom of God, men who have been, unto me, a comfort.

and also Jesus who is called Justus. These alone of the circumcision are my fellow workers for the kingdom of God. They have been a comfort to me.

12 Epaphras who is from among you, a servant of Christ Jesus, saluteth you, —at all times, contending in your behalf in his prayers, that ye may be caused to stand complete and fully assured in everything willed by God;

Epaphras greets you. He is one of you and a slave of Christ Jesus. He always strives for you in prayer, so that you may stand complete and fully assured in all the will of God.

13 For I bear him witness, that he hath great toil in behalf of you, and them in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

For I bear witness of him, that he works hard for you, for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis.

14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, salute you.

Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you.

15 Salute ye the brethren, in Laodicea, also Nymphas, and the assembly, which meeteth at her house.

Greet the brothers in Laodicea, and Nympha, and the church that is in her house.

16 And, as soon as the epistle hath been read amongst you, cause that, in the assembly of Laodiceans also, it be read; and, that from Laodicea, that, ye also, read.

When this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea.

17 And say to Archippus: be taking heed unto the ministry which thou hast accepted in the Lord, —that, the same, thou fulfil.

Say to Archippus, “Look to the ministry that you have received in the Lord, that you should fulfill it.”

18 The salutation of me Paul, with my own hand: —keep in mind my bonds. Favour be with you!

This greeting is with my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. May grace be with you.