Colossians 4:7
All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:
Original Language Analysis
Τὰ
G3588
Τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατ'
state
G2596
κατ'
state
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
2 of 17
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφὸς
brother
G80
ἀδελφὸς
brother
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
10 of 17
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διάκονος
minister
G1249
διάκονος
minister
Strong's:
G1249
Word #:
13 of 17
an attendant, i.e., (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Acts 20:4And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.2 Timothy 4:12And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.Titus 3:12When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.
Historical Context
Letter delivery in the ancient world required trusted couriers traveling dangerous routes. Tychicus apparently carried multiple letters simultaneously (Ephesians 6:21-22; possibly Philemon). Such couriers often provided oral elaboration beyond written content, answering questions and applying apostolic teaching to specific situations. Tychicus's faithful service enabled Paul's continued ministry despite imprisonment.
Questions for Reflection
- Who serves faithfully in unglamorous roles—like letter carriers—enabling ministry but receiving little recognition?
- How do you receive and honor faithful servants God sends, even if they lack prominent titles?
- What qualities make someone 'faithful' in ministry—reliability, character, perseverance, or all three?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord. Paul introduces Tychicus, letter carrier and personal representative. "All my state" (ta kat' eme panta, τὰ κατ' ἐμὲ πάντα) refers to Paul's personal circumstances. "Shall Tychicus declare" (gnōrisei hymin Tychikos, γνωρίσει ὑμῖν Τυχικός) indicates Tychicus would verbally supplement the written letter with personal details.
Three descriptions commend Tychicus: "beloved brother" (agapētos adelphos, ἀγαπητὸς ἀδελφός) emphasizes affection and spiritual kinship; "faithful minister" (pistos diakonos, πιστὸς διάκονος) stresses reliability in service; "fellowservant in the Lord" (syndoulos en Kyriō, σύνδουλος ἐν Κυρίῳ) indicates shared slavery to Christ. These commendations validate Tychicus's authority to represent Paul and encourage Colossians to receive him warmly.