Devine Scripture

Colossians 4:3

What does Colossians 4:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Colossians 4:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Colossians 4:3 means

Paul invites the Colossians to pray specifically for his mission: that God would open a door for the word. He knows that opportunities for the gospel are God-given. He aims to proclaim “the mystery of Christ,” the once-hidden plan now revealed—Christ Himself as Lord and Savior, bringing salvation to Jew and Gentile alike. Paul’s imprisonment (“bonds”) does not silence the message; it becomes a platform for it. He asks for divine openings, not merely human strategies. The focus is not on easing his chains, but on advancing Christ’s word. This verse models Christ-centered, mission-driven prayer, trusting God to turn obstacles into avenues.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

withal praying for us also, that God may open unto us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

withal praying for us also, that God may open unto us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And making prayer for us, that God may give us an open door for the preaching of the word, the secret of Christ, for which I am now in chains;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

praying at the same time also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the secret of the Christ, because of which also I have been bound,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Praying withal for us also, that God may open unto us a door of speech to speak the mystery of Christ (for which also I am bound):

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

praying at the same time for us also, thatGod may open to us a door of the word to speak the mystery of Christ, on account of which also I am bound,

Context

Flowing from the general call to prayer, Paul now makes a concrete request connected to his apostolic calling. The Colossians, though distant, can partner with him by prayer for open doors and clear proclamation. Verse 4 will sharpen the aim—clarity and faithfulness in speaking. Then Paul shifts to how the Colossians themselves should engage outsiders (verses 5–6), showing the shared nature of gospel work: Paul preaches near his prison; they witness in their city. The transition emphasizes coordinated mission—some go, others pray, all speak.

v.2Continue stedfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving;

v.3This passage

v.4that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 2:12

    Now when I came to Troas for the gospel of Christ, and when a door was opened unto me in the Lord,

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:1

    Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run and be glorified, even as alsoit iswith you;

  • 1 Corinthians 16:9

    for a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

  • Acts 14:27

    And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all things that God had done with them, and that he had opened a door of faith unto the Gentiles.

  • 2 Timothy 2:9

    wherein I suffer hardship unto bonds, as a malefactor; but the word of God is not bound.

  • Philippians 1:7

    even as it is right for me to be thus minded on behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as, both in my bonds and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers with me of grace.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Colossians 4

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Colossians 4.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Colossians 4:3.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary