Devine Scripture

Colossians 4:11

What does Colossians 4:11 mean?

A plain-English look at Colossians 4:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Colossians 4:11 means

Jesus called Justus joins Aristarchus and Mark as Jewish believers who have been Paul’s fellow-workers “unto the kingdom of God.” Paul notes that only these from the circumcision are with him, and they have been a comfort. Their presence shows that the gospel’s kingdom gathers people from Israel and the nations, yet faithful Jewish partners were few in Paul’s setting. Their encouragement mattered deeply in a lonely season. By calling their labor kingdom work, Paul frames ministry as service under Christ the King. Comfort and cooperation are not secondary; they are essential supports for enduring service in difficult circumstances.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and Jesus that is called Justus, who are of the circumcision: these only are my fellow-workers unto the kingdom of God, men that have been a comfort unto me.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and Jesus that is called Justus, who are of the circumcision: these only are my fellow-workers unto the kingdom of God, men that have been a comfort unto me.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Jesus, whose other name is Justus; these are of the circumcision: they are my only brother-workers for the kingdom of God, who have been a comfort to me.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Jesus who is called Justus, who are of the circumcision: these only <FI>are<Fi> fellow-workers for the reign of God who did become a comfort to me.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Jesus that is called Justus: who are of the circumcision. These only are my helpers, in the kingdom of God: who have been a comfort to me.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and Jesus called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These [are the] only fellow-workers for the kingdom ofGod who have been a consolation to me.

Context

Continuing the greetings, Paul completes the list of Jewish coworkers in his immediate circle. This sets the stage for other greetings from Gentile believers (verses 12–14), highlighting the multiethnic nature of the church. The contrast underscores that while many from Israel resisted Paul’s mission, God still raised up a faithful remnant who strengthened him. The flow then moves to Epaphras, whose prayers for Colossae show pastoral love at a distance.

v.10Aristarchus my fellow-prisoner saluteth you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (touching whom ye received commandments; if he come unto you, receive him),

v.11This passage

v.12Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, saluteth you, always striving for you in his prayers, that ye may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 11:2

    And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,

  • Colossians 4:7

    All my affairs shall Tychicus make known unto you, the beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord:

  • 1 Corinthians 3:5

    What then is Apollos? and what is Paul? Ministers through whom ye believed; and each as the Lord gave to him.

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:2

    and sent Timothy, our brother and God’s minister in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith;

  • Philemon 1:24

    and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow-workers.

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:7

    for this cause, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our distress and affliction through your faith:

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