Colossians 4:8

Authorized King James Version

Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὃν

G3739

Whom

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἔπεμψα

G3992

I have sent

to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term

πρὸς

G4314

unto

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

εἰς

G1519

for

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

αὐτὸ

G846

the same

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τοῦτο

G5124

purpose

that thing

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

γνῷ

G1097

he might know

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

#10

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#11

περὶ

G4012

estate

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

#12

ὑμῶν,

G5216

your

of (from or concerning) you

#13

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#14

παρακαλέσῃ

G3870

comfort

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

#15

τὰς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#16

καρδίας

G2588

hearts

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

#17

ὑμῶν,

G5216

your

of (from or concerning) you

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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Colossians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this verse's literary context within Colossians chapter 4 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?