Devine Scripture

Colossians 4:18

What does Colossians 4:18 mean?

A plain-English look at Colossians 4:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Colossians 4:18 means

Paul authenticates the letter with his own hand, a personal mark that reassures the church of its source. “Remember my bonds” calls them to prayerful sympathy and perseverance, not pity alone; his chains are for the gospel’s sake. He ends with, “Grace be with you,” anchoring everything in God’s unmerited favor. Grace began their life in Christ and must sustain it. The closing gathers themes of the letter: Christ’s supremacy, the church’s unity, and steadfastness under trial. Paul’s signature and benediction remind the Colossians that authoritative truth comes with pastoral love and that God’s grace remains the final word.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. Written from Rome to the Colossians by Tychicus and Onesimus.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

I, Paul, give you this word of love in my handwriting. Keep in memory that I am a prisoner. Grace be with you.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

The salutation by the hand of me, Paul; remember my bonds; the grace <FI>is<Fi> with you. Amen.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

The salutation of Paul with my own hand. Be mindful of my bands. Grace be with you. Amen.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace [be] with you.

Context

This final verse serves as Paul’s personal seal on the entire epistle. After instructions, greetings, and exhortations, he ends with a reminder of his imprisonment and a blessing of grace. The flow closes the circle: from the lordship of Christ over households and witness, through the web of coworkers and churches, to the apostle’s own suffering and trust. The letter concludes on a note of grace, inviting the Colossians to rely on God’s kindness as they obey.

v.17And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

v.18This passage

Cross references

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

  • Hebrews 13:3

    Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; them that are ill-treated, as being yourselves also in the body.

  • Romans 16:23

    Gaius my host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the treasurer of the city saluteth you, and Quartus the brother.

  • 1 Timothy 6:21

    which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with you.

  • Romans 16:20

    And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

  • Titus 3:15

    All that are with me salute thee. Salute them that love us in faith. Grace be with you all.

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:17

    The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.

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