Devine Scripture

Colossians 4:13

What does Colossians 4:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Colossians 4:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Colossians 4:13 means

Paul vouches for Epaphras’s zeal, noting his “much labor” for the believers in Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis. His care extends beyond one congregation to neighboring cities, showing regional vision. Labor here likely includes teaching, organizing, visiting, and, as verse 12 stressed, persistent prayer. Paul’s testimony authenticates Epaphras’s character and work, encouraging the churches to value and heed him. Ministry often involves hidden effort over time; Paul brings it into the light so the churches recognize God’s gift among them. This commends faithful perseverance and honors those who pour themselves out for the maturity of Christ’s people.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For I bear him witness, that he hath much labor for you, and for them in Laodicea, and for them in Hierapolis.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For I bear him witness, that he hath much labor for you, and for them in Laodicea, and for them in Hierapolis.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For I give witness of him that he has undergone much trouble for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for I do testify to him, that he hath much zeal for you, and those in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For I bear him testimony that he hath much labour for you and for them that are at Laodicea and them at Hierapolis.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For I bear him witness that he labours much for you, and them in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

Context

This continues the commendation of Epaphras begun in verse 12, now broadening the scope of his ministry. By naming Laodicea and Hierapolis, Paul ties the Colossians to a network of nearby churches. The flow will proceed to greetings from Luke and Demas (verse 14), then to instructions for greeting the Laodiceans and Nymphas (verse 15), reinforcing interconnectedness and mutual encouragement among the assemblies.

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.

v.13This passage

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

Cross references

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

  • Romans 10:2

    For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.

  • Revelation 3:14

    And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God:

  • Revelation 1:11

    saying, What thou seest, write in a book and send it to the seven churches: unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamum, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:3

    For according to their power, I bear witness, yea and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord,

  • Colossians 2:1

    For I would have you know how greatly I strive for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

  • Colossians 4:15

    Salute the brethren that are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church that is in their house.

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