Devine Scripture

Colossians 4:8

What does Colossians 4:8 mean?

A plain-English look at Colossians 4:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Colossians 4:8 means

Paul explains he sent Tychicus so the Colossians would know his situation and be encouraged. Information and comfort go together. Uncertainty can unsettle believers; firsthand, trustworthy reporting strengthens hearts. Tychicus is tasked not only with delivering a document but with pastoring through presence—answering questions, clarifying concerns, and conveying Paul’s love. Encouragement is part of gospel ministry, especially when leaders suffer. By sharing his state, Paul invites the church into partnership, turning private trials into communal prayer and hope. Transparency is not weakness; it is a means God uses to knit the body together in mutual care.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

whom I have sent unto you for this very purpose, that ye may know our state, and that he may comfort your hearts;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

whom I have sent unto you for this very purpose, that ye may know our state, and that he may comfort your hearts;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may have news of how we are, and so that he may give your hearts comfort;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

whom I did send unto you for this very thing, that he might know the things concerning you, and might comfort your hearts,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

What I have sent to you for this same purpose, that he may know the things that concern you and comfort your hearts:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that he might know your state, and that he might encourage your hearts:

Context

This continues the introduction of Tychicus begun in verse 7. Paul now states Tychicus’s purpose: to inform and to comfort. The next verse adds Onesimus as a co-messenger, linking Colossae directly to Paul’s imprisonment and work. These verses bridge from instruction to lived fellowship, preparing for a cascade of greetings (verses 10–14) that reveal the breadth of Paul’s team and the unity of the churches.

v.7All my affairs shall Tychicus make known unto you, the beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord:

v.8This passage

v.9together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things that are done here.

Cross references

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

  • Philippians 2:28

    I have sent him therefore the more diligently, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

  • 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;

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:14

    And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be longsuffering toward all.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:11

    as ye know how we dealt with each one of you, as a father with his own children, exhorting you, and encouraging you, and testifying,

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:17

    comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:5

    For this cause I also, when I could no longer forbear, sent that I might know your faith, lest by any means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor should be in vain.

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