Colossians 4:8
Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;
Original Language Analysis
ὃν
Whom
G3739
ὃν
Whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἔπεμψα
I have sent
G3992
ἔπεμψα
I have sent
Strong's:
G3992
Word #:
2 of 17
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
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
3 of 17
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,
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 17
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
αὐτὸ
the same
G846
αὐτὸ
the same
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 17
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
γνῷ
he might know
G1097
γνῷ
he might know
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
9 of 17
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περὶ
estate
G4012
περὶ
estate
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
11 of 17
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παρακαλέσῃ
comfort
G3870
παρακαλέσῃ
comfort
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
14 of 17
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Ephesians 6:22Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.Colossians 2:2That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
Historical Context
Ancient communication was slow and difficult. Letters took weeks or months to arrive; personal visits were rare. Traveling representatives like Tychicus provided crucial link between apostle and churches, maintaining relationships and extending ministry beyond Paul's immediate location. Such representatives required complete trustworthiness since they represented apostolic authority and teaching.
Questions for Reflection
- Who has God sent to encourage your heart, and do you receive such ministry gratefully?
- How can you extend encouragement to fellow believers who feel isolated or discouraged?
- What makes encouragement effective—truth, presence, prayer, or combination?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts. Paul specifies Tychicus's dual purpose: "that he might know your estate" (hina gnō ta peri hymōn, ἵνα γνῷ τὰ περὶ ὑμῶν) and "comfort your hearts" (parakalesē tas kardias hymōn, παρακαλέσῃ τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν). Tychicus would gather information about Colossae for Paul and provide pastoral encouragement to the church. This bidirectional ministry—reporting back and strengthening forward—exemplifies faithful pastoral service.
The verb parakaleō (παρακαλέω, "comfort/encourage") appears throughout Paul's letters, describing ministry of strengthening believers through truth, presence, and prayer. Tychicus's visit would assure Colossians of Paul's continued concern despite physical absence, encouraging them to remain faithful amid doctrinal challenges.