Colossians 4:12

Authorized King James Version

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἀσπάζεται
G782
saluteth
to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome
#2
ὑμᾶς
G5209
you
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
#3
Ἐπαφρᾶς
G1889
Epaphras
epaphras, a christian
#4
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἐξ
G1537
who is one of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#6
ὑμῶν
G5216
you
of (from or concerning) you
#7
δοῦλος
G1401
a servant
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
#8
Χριστοῦ
G5547
of Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#9
πάντοτε
G3842
always
every when, i.e., at all times
#10
ἀγωνιζόμενος
G75
labouring fervently
to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize), figuratively (to contend with an adversary), or genitive case (to endeavor to accomplish something)
#11
ὑπὲρ
G5228
for
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
#12
ὑμῶν
G5216
you
of (from or concerning) you
#13
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#14
ταῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
προσευχαῖς
G4335
prayers
prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)
#16
ἵνα
G2443
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#17
στῆτε
G2476
ye may stand
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#18
τέλειοι
G5046
perfect
complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with g3588) completeness
#19
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#20
πεπληρωμένοι
G4137
complete
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
#21
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#22
παντὶ
G3956
all
all, any, every, the whole
#23
θελήματι
G2307
the will
a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
#24
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#25
θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 salvation 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection