Colossians 4:11

Authorized King James Version

And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
Ἰησοῦς
G2424
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#3
τοῦ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
λεγόμενος
G3004
is called
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#5
Ἰοῦστος
G2459
Justus
justus, the name of three christian
#6
τοῦ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
ὄντες
G5607
are
being
#8
ἐκ
G1537
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#9
περιτομῆς
G4061
the circumcision
circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively)
#10
οὗτοι
G3778
These
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#11
μόνοι
G3441
only
remaining, i.e., sole or single; by implication, mere
#12
συνεργοὶ
G4904
are my fellowworkers
a co-laborer, i.e., coadjutor
#13
εἰς
G1519
unto
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#14
τοῦ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
βασιλείαν
G932
the kingdom
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
#16
τοῦ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#18
οἵτινες
G3748
which
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
#19
ἐγενήθησάν
G1096
have been
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#20
μοι
G3427
unto me
to me
#21
παρηγορία
G3931
a comfort
an address alongside, i.e., (specially), consolation

Analysis

Within the broader context of Colossians, this passage highlights kingdom of God through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of kingdom connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about kingdom, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Colossians.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Colossians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes kingdom in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection