Colossians 4:13
For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
Original Language Analysis
μαρτυρῶ
I bear
G3140
μαρτυρῶ
I bear
Strong's:
G3140
Word #:
1 of 17
to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 17
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
4 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἔχει
he hath
G2192
ἔχει
he hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
5 of 17
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ζῆλον
zeal
G2205
ζῆλον
zeal
Strong's:
G2205
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, heat, i.e., (figuratively) "zeal" (in a favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable one, jealousy, as of a husband (figuratively, of god), or
πολὺν
a great
G4183
πολὺν
a great
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
7 of 17
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
8 of 17
"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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
The three cities—Colossae, Laodicea, Hierapolis—were connected commercially and culturally, facing similar religious pressures from mixed pagan-Jewish-philosophical environment. Epaphras's ministry to all three suggests coordinated evangelistic/pastoral strategy and recognition that doctrinal errors spread regionally, requiring comprehensive response. Later church history confirms Laodicea's spiritual struggles (Revelation 3:14-22).
Questions for Reflection
- How does your pastoral concern extend beyond immediate circle to wider church and region?
- What evidence of 'great zeal' for others' spiritual welfare exists in your life and ministry?
- How do you balance local church commitment with concern for broader Christian community?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis. Paul testifies to Epaphras's devoted ministry. "I bear him record" (martyrō gar autō, μαρτυρῶ γὰρ αὐτῷ) means "I testify concerning him"—Paul witnesses Epaphras's character and labor. "That he hath a great zeal" (hoti echei polyn ponon, ὅτι ἔχει πολὺν πόνον) literally "much labor/toil," describing intense, exhausting effort for others' spiritual good.
Epaphras's concern extended beyond Colossae to neighboring cities: Laodicea and Hierapolis, forming the Lycus Valley triangle. This regional ministry demonstrates comprehensive pastoral concern for entire area threatened by similar heresies. Faithful pastors don't limit care to immediate congregation but engage wider church health, recognizing gospel's corporate nature transcending local boundaries.