The Meaning of Colossians 4:3 Explained

Colossians 4:3

KJV: 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:

YLT: praying at the same time also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the secret of the Christ, because of which also I have been bound,

Darby: praying at the same time for us also, that God may open to us a door of the word to speak the mystery of Christ, on account of which also I am bound,

ASV: withal praying for us also, that God may open unto us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds;

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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: 

What does Colossians 4:3 Mean?

Study Notes

mystery
.
mysteries
A "mystery" in Scripture is a previously hidden truth, now divinely revealed; but in which a supernatural element still remains despite the revelation. The greater mysteries are:
(1) The mysteries of the kingdom of heaven Matthew 13:3-50 .
(2) the mystery of Israel's blindness during this age Romans 11:25 (with context);
(3) the mystery of the translation of living saints at the end of this age 1 Corinthians 15:51 ; 1 Corinthians 15:52 ; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17 .
(4) the mystery of N.T. church as one body composed of Jew and Gentile Ephesians 3:1-11 ; Romans 16:25 ; Ephesians 6:19 ; Colossians 4:3 .
(5) the mystery of the church as the bride of Christ Ephesians 5:28-32 .
(6) the mystery of the inliving Christ Galatians 2:20 ; Colossians 1:26 ; Colossians 1:27 .
(7) the "mystery of God even Christ," i.e. Christ as the incarnate fullness of the Godhead embodied, in whom all the divine wisdom for man subsists Colossians 2:2 ; Colossians 2:9 ; 1 Corinthians 2:7 .
(8) the mystery of the processes by which godlikeness is restored to man 1 Timothy 3:16 .
(9) the mystery of iniquity 2 Thessalonians 2:7 ; Matthew 13:33 .
(10) the mystery of the seven stars Revelation 1:20 .
(11) the mystery of Babylon Revelation 17:5 ; Revelation 17:7 .
kingdom (See Scofield " Matthew 3:2 ") .

Context Summary

Colossians 4:2-9 - Prayer And Daily Living
We must pray more. Our lives cannot maintain the Godward attitude without prolonged seasons of communication with Him through the Word. This is so important that we must be ever on the watch against whatever might mar the life of devotion. Intercession will often unlock frost-bitten lips and make our souls glow. Withal praying also for us. If we are shut in and cannot perform active service, we can surely pray for those who are entrusted with the mystery of Christ; and let those who are called to active service be ready to step in when God opens the door, Colossians 4:3. The limitations of life are no excuse for idleness, Colossians 4:4.
It is not easy to walk in wisdom towards those that are without. But God will teach us how to buy up opportunities and crowd each of them with good service. Our talk may sparkle like salt and purify as it does. Paul bound his fellow-workers to himself by the high estimate he placed on them. Love idealizes. Probably we should have thought some of these men to be very ordinary, but the Apostle saw them in hues borrowed from his own heart. Onesimus, a runaway slave, recently converted, is described as a faithful and beloved brother! [source]

Chapter Summary: Colossians 4

1  He exhorts them to be fervent in prayer;
5  to walk wisely toward those who are not yet come to the true knowledge of Christ
10  He salutes them, and wishes them all prosperity

Greek Commentary for Colossians 4:3

Withal [αμα]
At the same time. [source]
That God may open [ινα ο τεος ανοιχηι]
Common use of ινα — hina and the subjunctive (aorist), the sub-final use so common in the N.T. as in the Koiné. A door for the word (τυραν του λογου — thuran tou logou). Objective genitive, a door for preaching. It is comforting to other preachers to see the greatest of all preachers here asking prayer that he may be set free again to preach. He uses this figure elsewhere, once of a great and open door with many adversaries in Ephesus (1 Corinthians 16:9), once of an open door that he could not enter in Troas (2 Corinthians 2:12). The mystery of Christ The genitive of apposition, the mystery which is Christ (Colossians 2:2), one that puts out of comparison the foolish “mysteries” of the Gnostics. For which I am also in bonds (δι ο και δεδεμαι — di' ho kai dedemai). Perfect passive indicative of δεω — deō Paul is always conscious of this limitation, this chain. At bottom he is a prisoner because of his preaching to the Gentiles. [source]
A door for the word [τυραν του λογου]
Objective genitive, a door for preaching. It is comforting to other preachers to see the greatest of all preachers here asking prayer that he may be set free again to preach. He uses this figure elsewhere, once of a great and open door with many adversaries in Ephesus (1 Corinthians 16:9), once of an open door that he could not enter in Troas (2 Corinthians 2:12). [source]
The mystery of Christ [το μυστηριον του Χριστου]
The genitive of apposition, the mystery which is Christ (Colossians 2:2), one that puts out of comparison the foolish “mysteries” of the Gnostics. For which I am also in bonds (δι ο και δεδεμαι — di' ho kai dedemai). Perfect passive indicative of δεω — deō Paul is always conscious of this limitation, this chain. At bottom he is a prisoner because of his preaching to the Gentiles. [source]
For which I am also in bonds [δι ο και δεδεμαι]
Perfect passive indicative of δεω — deō Paul is always conscious of this limitation, this chain. At bottom he is a prisoner because of his preaching to the Gentiles. [source]
Door of utterance [θύραν τοῦ λόγου]
Rev., better, a door for the world. Compare 1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12; Revelation 3:8. See also entering in, 1 Thessalonians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 2:1. And the parallel passage, Ephesians 6:19. There may be an allusion to a release from imprisonment. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Colossians 4:3

Acts 14:27 Rehearsed [ανηγγελλον]
Imperfect active. It was a long story for they had many things to tell of God‘s dealings “with them” Paul could recount some of the details given later in 2 Corinthians 11. And how (και οτι — kai hoti). Or “and that” in particular, as the upshot of it all. He had opened a door of faith unto the Gentiles Three times in Paul‘s Epistles (1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12; Colossians 4:3) he employed the metaphor of “door,” perhaps a reminiscence of the very language of Paul here. This work in Galatia gained a large place in Paul‘s heart (Galatians 4:14.). The Gentiles now, it was plain, could enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22) through the door of faith, not by law or by circumcision or by heathen philosophy or mythology. [source]
Acts 14:27 He had opened a door of faith unto the Gentiles [ηνοιχεν τοις ετνεσιν τυραν πιστεως]
Three times in Paul‘s Epistles (1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12; Colossians 4:3) he employed the metaphor of “door,” perhaps a reminiscence of the very language of Paul here. This work in Galatia gained a large place in Paul‘s heart (Galatians 4:14.). The Gentiles now, it was plain, could enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22) through the door of faith, not by law or by circumcision or by heathen philosophy or mythology. [source]
Romans 11:25 Mystery [μυστήριον]
In the Septuagint only in Daniel. See Daniel 2:18, Daniel 2:19, Daniel 2:27, Daniel 2:28, Daniel 2:30, of the king's secret. It occurs frequently in the apocryphal books, mostly of secrets of state, or plans kept by a king in his own mind. This meaning illustrates the use of the word in passages like Matthew 13:11, “mysteries of the kingdom of heaven” - secret purposes or counsels which God intends to carry into effect in His kingdom. So here; Romans 16:25; Ephesians 1:9; Ephesians 3:9; Colossians 1:26, Colossians 1:27; Colossians 2:2; Colossians 4:3; Revelation 10:7. In Justin Martyr (second century) it is commonly used in connection with σύμβολον symbol τύπος type παραβολή parableand so is evidently closely related in meaning to these words. Compare Revelation 1:20; Revelation 17:7, This meaning may possibly throw light on Ephesians 5:32. In early ecclesiastical Latin μυστήριον was rendered by sacramentum, which in classical Latin means the military oath. The explanation of the word sacrament, which is so often founded on this etymology, is therefore mistaken, since the meaning of sacrament belongs to μυστήριον and not to sacramentum in the classical sense. In Ephesians 3:3-6, Paul uses the word as here, of the admission of the Gentiles. [source]
2 Corinthians 2:12 When a door was opened unto me [τυρας μοι ανεωιγμενης]
Genitive absolute with second perfect passive participle of ανοιγνυμι — anoignumi Paul used this very metaphor in 1 Corinthians 16:9. He will use it again in Colossians 4:3. Here was an open door that he could not enter. [source]
Galatians 6:6 In the word [τὸν λόγον]
The gospel. Usually in Paul with some qualifying word, as of God. Comp. Acts 4:4; Acts 8:4; Acts 11:19; Acts 14:25; Acts 16:6; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; Colossians 4:3. [source]
Ephesians 6:19 That utterance may be given unto me [ινα μοι δοτηι λογος]
Final clause with ινα — hina and first aorist passive subjunctive of διδωμι — didōmi to give. See a like request in Colossians 4:3. Paul wishes their prayer for courage for himself. [source]
2 Thessalonians 1:11 That [ινα]
Common after προσευχομαι — proseuchomai (Colossians 4:3; Ephesians 1:17; Philemon 1:9) when the content of the prayer blends with the purpose (purport and purpose). Count you worthy (υμας αχιωσηι — humas axiōsēi). Causative verb (aorist active subjunctive) like καταχιοω — kataxioō in 2 Thessalonians 1:5 with genitive. Of your calling Κλησις — Klēsis can apply to the beginning as in 1 Corinthians 1:26; Romans 11:29, but it can also apply to the final issue as in Philemon 3:14; Hebrews 3:1. Both ideas may be here. It is God‘s calling of the Thessalonians. And fulfil every desire of goodness (και πληρωσηι πασαν ευδοκιαν αγατωσυνης — kai plērōsēi pasan eudokian agathōsunēs). “Whom he counts worthy he first makes worthy” (Lillie). Yes, in purpose, but the wonder and the glory of it all is that God begins to count us worthy in Christ before the process is completed in Christ (Romans 8:29.). But God will see it through and so Paul prays to God. Ευδοκια — Eudokia (cf. Luke 2:14) is more than mere desire, rather good pleasure, God‘s purpose of goodness, not in ancient Greek, only in lxx and N.T. Αγατωσυνη — Agathōsunē like a dozen other words in συνη — ̇sunē occurs only in late Greek. This word occurs only in lxx, N.T., writings based on them. It is made from αγατος — agathos good, akin to αγαμαι — agamai to admire. May the Thessalonians find delight in goodness, a worthy and pertinent prayer. Work of faith The same phrase in 1 Thessalonians 1:3. Paul prays for rich fruition of what he had seen in the beginning. Work marked by faith, springs from faith, sustained by faith. With power (εν δυναμει — en dunamei). In power. Connect with πληρωσηι — plērōsēi (fulfil), God‘s power (Romans 1:29; Colossians 1:4) in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:24) through the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 1:5). [source]
Revelation 3:8 An open door [θύραν ἀνεῳγμένην]
Rev., more literally, a door opened. This is variously explained. Some refer it to the entrance into the joy of the Lord; others to the initiation into the meaning of scripture; others again to the opportunity for the mission-work of the Church. In this last sense the phrase is often used by Paul. See 1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12; Colossians 4:3. Compare Acts 14:27. I have given is appropriate, since all opportunities of service are gifts of God. See on Revelation 2:7. [source]
Revelation 3:8 I have set [δεδωκα]
Perfect active indicative of διδωμι — didōmi “I have given” (a gift of Christ, this open door). See Luke 12:51 for a like use of διδωμι — didōmi door opened Perfect (triple reduplication) passive predicate participle of ανοιγω — anoigō (Revelation 3:7) accusative feminine singular. The metaphor of the open door was a common one (John 10:7-9; Acts 14:27; 1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12; Colossians 4:3; Revelation 3:20; Revelation 4:1). Probably it means here a good opportunity for missionary effort in spite of the Jewish hostility. [source]

What do the individual words in Colossians 4:3 mean?

praying at the same time also for us that - God may open to us a door for the word to declare the mystery - of Christ on account of which I have been bound
προσευχόμενοι ἅμα καὶ περὶ ἡμῶν ἵνα Θεὸς ἀνοίξῃ ἡμῖν θύραν τοῦ λόγου λαλῆσαι τὸ μυστήριον τοῦ Χριστοῦ δι’ δέδεμαι

προσευχόμενοι  praying 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Middle or Passive, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: προσεύχομαι  
Sense: to offer prayers, to pray.
ἅμα  at  the  same  time 
Parse: Adverb
Root: ἅμα  
Sense: at the same time, at once, together prep.
καὶ  also 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: καί  
Sense: and, also, even, indeed, but.
ἡμῶν  us 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive 1st Person Plural
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.
ἵνα  that 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: ἵνα  
Sense: that, in order that, so that.
  - 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Θεὸς  God 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: θεός  
Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities.
ἀνοίξῃ  may  open 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Subjunctive Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ἀνοίγω 
Sense: to open.
ἡμῖν  to  us 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Dative 1st Person Plural
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.
θύραν  a  door 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: θύρα  
Sense: a door.
τοῦ  for  the 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
λόγου  word 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: λόγος  
Sense: of speech.
λαλῆσαι  to  declare 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Infinitive Active
Root: ἀπολαλέω 
Sense: to utter a voice or emit a sound.
μυστήριον  mystery 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: μυστήριον  
Sense: hidden thing, secret, mystery.
τοῦ  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Χριστοῦ  of  Christ 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: Χριστός  
Sense: Christ was the Messiah, the Son of God.
δι’  on  account  of 
Parse: Preposition
Root: διά  
Sense: through.
δέδεμαι  I  have  been  bound 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive, 1st Person Singular
Root: δέω  
Sense: to bind tie, fasten.