Devine Scripture

Ephesians 6:21

What does Ephesians 6:21 mean?

A plain-English look at Ephesians 6:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Ephesians 6:21 means

Paul introduces Tychicus as a beloved brother and faithful minister who will inform the Ephesians about his situation. This personal note reveals Paul’s pastoral heart and his reliance on trusted coworkers. Tychicus’s role is both practical—delivering news—and spiritual, as he embodies the faithfulness Paul commends throughout the letter. By commending him, Paul builds trust and continuity between himself and the church. The community is not left to speculate about Paul’s condition; they will receive accurate, encouraging reports. This transparency strengthens fellowship and keeps the focus on God’s work, not on rumors or fears about the apostle’s imprisonment.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But that ye also may know my affairs, how I do, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But that ye also may know my affairs, how I do, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But so that you may have knowledge of my business, and how I am, Tychicus, the well-loved brother and tested servant in the Lord, will give you news of all things:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And that ye may know--ye also--the things concerning me--what I do, all things make known to you shall Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful ministrant in the Lord,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But that you also may know the things that concern me and what I am doing, Tychicus, my dearest brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make known to you all things:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But in order that ye also may know what concerns me, how I am getting on, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in [the] Lord, shall make all things known to you;

Context

After the weighty call to prayer and boldness (vv. 18–20), verse 21 shifts to logistics: the Ephesians will learn more through Tychicus. This sets up verse 22, which explains the purpose of his sending—so they may know Paul’s state and be comforted. These closing lines lead naturally into the final blessings in verses 23–24, sealing the letter with peace, love, faith, and grace.

v.20for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

v.21This passage

v.22whom I have sent unto you for this very purpose, that ye may know our state, and that he may comfort your hearts.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 4:17

    For this cause have I sent unto you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who shall put you in remembrance of my ways which are in Christ, even as I teach everywhere in every church.

  • Acts 20:4

    And there accompanied him as far as Asia, Sopater of Beroea, the son of Pyrrhus; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.

  • Titus 3:12

    When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, give diligence to come unto me to Nicopolis: for there I have determined to winter.

  • 2 Timothy 4:12

    But Tychicus I sent to Ephesus.

  • Colossians 1:7

    even as ye learned of Epaphras our beloved fellow-servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf,

  • Philippians 1:12

    Now I would have you know, brethren, that the thingswhich happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the progress of the gospel;

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