Colossians 4:16
And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὅταν
when
G3752
ὅταν
when
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
2 of 23
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
παρ'
among
G3844
παρ'
among
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
4 of 23
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ποιήσατε
cause
G4160
ποιήσατε
cause
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
8 of 23
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Λαοδικέων
of the Laodiceans
G2994
Λαοδικέων
of the Laodiceans
Strong's:
G2994
Word #:
13 of 23
a laodicean, i.e., inhabitant of laodicia
ἐκκλησίᾳ
the church
G1577
ἐκκλησίᾳ
the church
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
14 of 23
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
the epistle from
G1537
ἐκ
the epistle from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
18 of 23
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Historical Context
Before printing, documents circulated through copying and personal delivery. Paul's letters were considered authoritative apostolic teaching, worthy of preservation and circulation beyond original recipients (2 Peter 3:15-16). This organic canonization process—churches recognizing, collecting, and circulating apostolic writings—eventually resulted in NT canon. Not all Paul's letters survived; some were lost (1 Corinthians 5:9 references another letter to Corinth).
Questions for Reflection
- How seriously do you treat Scripture's public reading—casual routine or encounter with God's authoritative word?
- What modern equivalents of letter circulation spread sound teaching among churches today?
- How can churches today promote theological unity while respecting legitimate diversity, as Paul did through shared letters?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. Paul instructs letter circulation. "When this epistle is read among you" (hotan anagnōsthē par' hymin hē epistolē, ὅταν ἀναγνωσθῇ παρ' ὑμῖν ἡ ἐπιστολή) assumes public reading during church gathering—standard practice before widespread literacy or personal Bible ownership. "Cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans" directs sharing this letter with neighboring congregation.
"That ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea" (kai tēn ek Laodikeia s hina kai hymeis anagnōte, καὶ τὴν ἐκ Λαοδικείας ἵνα καὶ ὑμεῖς ἀναγνῶτε) mentions another letter, likely Paul's letter to Laodicea (now lost, unless it's Ephesians as some speculate). This mutual exchange ensured both churches received comprehensive apostolic instruction. The practice established precedent for circulating apostolic writings, eventually forming NT canon.