Colossians 4:13

Authorized King James Version

For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
μαρτυρῶ
G3140
I bear
to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)
#2
γὰρ
G1063
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
αὐτῷ
G846
him
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
#4
ὅτι
G3754
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#5
ἔχει
G2192
he hath
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#6
ζῆλον
G2205
zeal
properly, heat, i.e., (figuratively) "zeal" (in a favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable one, jealousy, as of a husband (figuratively, of god), or
#7
πολὺν
G4183
a great
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
#8
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
#9
ὑμῶν
G5216
you
of (from or concerning) you
#10
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ἐν
G1722
them in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#13
Λαοδικείᾳ
G2993
Laodicea
laodicia, a place in asia minor
#14
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
ἐν
G1722
them in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#17
Ἱεραπόλει
G2404
Hierapolis
holy city; hierapolis, a place in asia minor

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 revelation 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection