Colossians 4:18
The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.
Original Language Analysis
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χειρὶ
by the hand
G5495
χειρὶ
by the hand
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
5 of 15
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
Παύλου
Paul
G3972
Παύλου
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
6 of 15
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
μνημονεύετέ
Remember
G3421
μνημονεύετέ
Remember
Strong's:
G3421
Word #:
7 of 15
to exercise memory, i.e., recollect; by implication, to punish; also to rehearse
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δεσμῶν
bonds
G1199
δεσμῶν
bonds
Strong's:
G1199
Word #:
10 of 15
a band, i.e., ligament (of the body) or shackle (of a prisoner); figuratively, an impediment or disability
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χάρις
Grace
G5485
χάρις
Grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
12 of 15
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
Cross References
Hebrews 13:3Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.1 Corinthians 16:21The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.1 Timothy 6:21Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.2 Timothy 4:22The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.Hebrews 13:25Grace be with you all. Amen.Titus 3:15All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.2 Timothy 1:8Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;Philippians 1:7Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
Historical Context
Ancient letters often concluded with personal authentication to prevent forgeries (2 Thessalonians 3:17). Paul's personal signature validated this letter's apostolic authority. His mention of bonds reminds readers of his suffering for gospel, adding weight to his exhortations and modeling faithful endurance under persecution. The grace benediction became standard Christian closing, distinguishing Christian correspondence from conventional Greco-Roman letters.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you remember and pray for persecuted Christians facing imprisonment for faith?
- Does grace frame your Christian experience—both beginning and ongoing life source?
- What closing thoughts from Colossians challenge or encourage you most as you conclude studying this epistle?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. Paul concludes with personal signature. "The salutation by the hand of me Paul" (ho aspasmos tē emē cheiri Paulou, ὁ ἀσπασμὸς τῇ ἐμῇ χειρὶ Παύλου) indicates Paul personally wrote this closing, authenticating the letter (amanuensis likely wrote the body). "Remember my bonds" (mnēmoneuete mou tōn desmōn, μνημονεύετέ μου τῶν δεσμῶν) requests ongoing prayer and concern for his imprisonment.
"Grace be with you" (hē charis meth' hymōn, ἡ χάρις μεθ' ὑμῶν) pronounces benediction—appropriate conclusion for letter beginning with grace (1:2) and emphasizing Christ's sufficiency throughout. "Amen" (amēn, ἀμήν, "truly/so be it") seals the letter with affirmation. Grace opened and closes Paul's message: believers live, stand, and persevere by grace alone, through Christ alone, for God's glory alone.