Colossians 4:15

Authorized King James Version

Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἀσπάσασθε
G782
Salute
to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome
#2
τοὺς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
ἐν
G1722
which are in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#4
Λαοδικείᾳ
G2993
Laodicea
laodicia, a place in asia minor
#5
ἀδελφοὺς
G80
the brethren
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
#6
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#7
Νύμφαν
G3564
Nymphas
nymph-given (i.e., -born); nymphas, a christian
#8
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#9
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
κατ'
G2596
which is in
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#11
οἶκον
G3624
house
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
#12
αὐτοῦ
G846
his
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
#13
ἐκκλησίαν
G1577
the church
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection