Colossians 4:3
Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
Original Language Analysis
ἅμα
Withal
G260
ἅμα
Withal
Strong's:
G260
Word #:
2 of 22
properly, at the "same" time, but freely used as a preposition or adverb denoting close association
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
περὶ
for
G4012
περὶ
for
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
4 of 22
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
8 of 22
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἀνοίξῃ
would open
G455
ἀνοίξῃ
would open
Strong's:
G455
Word #:
9 of 22
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
θύραν
a door
G2374
θύραν
a door
Strong's:
G2374
Word #:
11 of 22
a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγου
of utterance
G3056
λόγου
of utterance
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
13 of 22
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μυστήριον
the mystery
G3466
μυστήριον
the mystery
Strong's:
G3466
Word #:
16 of 22
a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δι'
for
G1223
δι'
for
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
19 of 22
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
ὃ
which
G3739
ὃ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
20 of 22
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
Acts 14:27And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.Colossians 1:26Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:Ephesians 4:1I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,1 Corinthians 4:1Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.2 Corinthians 2:12Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,2 Timothy 2:9Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.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.1 Corinthians 16:9For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.Matthew 13:11He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.1 Thessalonians 5:25Brethren, pray for us.
Historical Context
Paul wrote from Roman imprisonment, likely chained to guards (Acts 28:16, 20). Despite restricted freedom, he continued preaching to visitors and guards (Philippians 1:12-14). His prayer request—not for release but for opportunity—demonstrates missionary passion transcending circumstances. Early Christianity spread partly through imprisoned believers witnessing to guards, fellow prisoners, and visitors, turning prisons into unlikely mission fields.
Questions for Reflection
- For whom do you pray regularly—personal concerns or gospel workers needing prayer support?
- How do you respond to limitations—accepting defeat or seeking opportunities within constraints?
- What would change if your primary prayer was for gospel advancement rather than personal comfort?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds. Paul requests personal prayer support. "Praying also for us" (proseuchomenoi hama kai peri hēmōn, προσευχόμενοι ἅμα καὶ περὶ ἡμῶν) asks Colossians to intercede for Paul's missionary team. Despite imprisonment, Paul prioritizes gospel advance, not personal comfort or release.
"That God would open unto us a door of utterance" (hina ho theos anoixē hēmin thyran tou logou, ἵνα ὁ θεὸς ἀνοίξῃ ἡμῖν θύραν τοῦ λόγου) requests opportunity to proclaim the gospel. "To speak the mystery of Christ" (lalēsai to mystērion tou Christou, λαλῆσαι τὸ μυστήριον τοῦ Χριστοῦ) identifies message: Christ's person and work, especially Gentile inclusion. "For which I am also in bonds" (di' ho kai dedemai, δι' ὃ καὶ δέδεμαι) acknowledges his imprisonment's cause—proclaiming Christ brought persecution, yet Paul prioritizes continued witness over safety.