Colossians 4:16

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ὅταν
G3752
when
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
#3
ἀναγνῶτε
G314
is read
to know again, i.e., (by extension) to read
#4
παρ'
G3844
among
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
#5
ὑμῖν
G5213
you
to (with or by) you
#6
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
ἐπιστολή
G1992
this epistle
a written message
#8
ποιήσατε
G4160
cause
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#9
ἵνα
G2443
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#10
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#12
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
Λαοδικέων
G2994
of the Laodiceans
a laodicean, i.e., inhabitant of laodicia
#14
ἐκκλησίᾳ
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
#15
ἀναγνῶτε
G314
is read
to know again, i.e., (by extension) to read
#16
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
ἐκ
G1537
the epistle from
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#19
Λαοδικείας
G2993
Laodicea
laodicia, a place in asia minor
#20
ἵνα
G2443
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#21
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#22
ὑμεῖς
G5210
ye
you (as subjective of verb)
#23
ἀναγνῶτε
G314
is read
to know again, i.e., (by extension) to read

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection