Colossians 4 4

Colossians 4:4 kjv

That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

Colossians 4:4 nkjv

that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

Colossians 4:4 niv

Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.

Colossians 4:4 esv

that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

Colossians 4:4 nlt

Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.

Colossians 4 verses

Colossians 4 4 Meaning

This verse expresses the apostle Paul's specific prayer request while imprisoned: that God would enable him to declare the "mystery of Christ"—the profound truth of God's redemptive plan, particularly the inclusion of Gentiles—with utmost clarity and distinctness. Paul emphasizes his divinely appointed duty, underscoring that this proclamation is not merely an option but a solemn obligation he must fulfill according to God's will and purpose. His deepest desire is that the gospel's truth be made plainly visible and comprehensible to all.

Colossians 4 4 Context

Colossians 4:4 is nestled within Paul's concluding exhortations and personal remarks in his letter to the Colossians. Following a series of ethical instructions on Christian living (Col 3:1-4:1), Paul transitions to the crucial role of prayer and evangelism. In Col 4:2-3, he first urges the Colossians to persevere in prayer, watchful and thankful, and then specifically requests prayers for himself and his fellow ministers. His core request is for "a door for the word" (Col 4:3) – an opportunity to preach – and the content of that preaching: "the mystery of Christ." Verse 4 elaborates on this content, emphasizing that the proclamation must be clear and according to his divine duty. This verse, therefore, directly connects the Colossians' prayers to Paul's specific apostolic mission, demonstrating that even from imprisonment, his greatest concern is the effective spread of the gospel. It also serves as a model for all believers in the subsequent verses (Col 4:5-6) to walk in wisdom towards outsiders and speak graciously, implying that personal conduct supports clear verbal witness. Historically, Paul, likely writing from Roman imprisonment, was in chains precisely "for this mystery" of Jew and Gentile unity in Christ (Eph 3:1, 6). The need for clarity was vital amidst the complex philosophies and syncretistic religious ideas prevalent in Colossae, which threatened to obscure the simple, yet profound, truth of Christ's all-sufficiency.

Colossians 4 4 Word analysis

• that (ἵνα - hina): This is a conjunction introducing a purpose clause. It indicates the goal or objective of the preceding prayer request. The prayer for an open door (v.3) is for the purpose of fulfilling Paul's mission as described in this verse.
• I (με - me): Refers to Paul himself. It highlights his personal commission and profound sense of responsibility as an apostle, divinely chosen and set apart to communicate God's truth.
• may make it clear (φανερώσω - phanerōsō): From φανερόω (phaneroō), meaning "to make manifest," "to disclose," "to bring to light," or "to render visible and apparent." It implies more than simply speaking; it means to illuminate, to reveal the inherent truth so it becomes unmistakably clear and comprehensible. This contrasts with something hidden or obscured. In context, it relates to the previously "hidden" mystery (Col 1:26-27).
• it (αὐτὸ - auto): This pronoun refers directly back to the "mystery of Christ" mentioned in Col 4:3. The "mystery" (μυστήριον - mystērion) in Pauline theology is not something obscure or incomprehensible, but rather a truth previously concealed by God and now, in the New Covenant, divinely revealed through Christ and proclaimed by His apostles (Rom 16:25-27, Eph 3:3-5). The core of this mystery is the inclusion of Gentiles as co-heirs with Israel in the one body of Christ (Eph 3:6).
• as (ὡς - hōs): A comparative particle, indicating manner, correspondence, or "just as." It introduces the standard or the way Paul understands his proclamation ought to be carried out.
• I ought (δεῖ με - dei me): δεῖ (dei) is an impersonal verb meaning "it is necessary," "it is proper," "it is obligatory." It expresses a divine or moral necessity, indicating a divinely imposed obligation or an absolute spiritual compulsion. This is not Paul's personal preference, but God's requirement for him. It carries a sense of spiritual imperative. Paul elsewhere speaks of a "necessity" (ἀνάγκη - anagkē) being laid upon him to preach the gospel (1 Cor 9:16).
• to speak (λαλῆσαι - lalēsai): This is an aorist infinitive of λαλέω (laleō), meaning "to speak," "to proclaim," "to declare." While it can mean ordinary conversation, in this context of apostolic mission and prayer for an "open door for the word," it implies a purposeful and authoritative declaration of the divine message.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• that I may make it clear: This phrase highlights the purpose of the open door mentioned in Col 4:3. It's not just about opportunity, but about the effectiveness of Paul's communication. The divine truth must be transparent and understandable, stripping away confusion and misconceptions. This shows Paul's deep concern not only with the fact of proclamation but its quality and impact.
• as I ought to speak: This powerful clause underscores Paul's conviction of his divinely mandated role. It reveals his awareness of the high standards set for his apostolic ministry, not merely in terms of what to speak (the mystery), but how to speak it (clearly, fearlessly, accurately, fitting the divine necessity). It implies a faithfulness to his calling, regardless of his circumstances (imprisonment). His duty is derived from God's explicit commission and his obedience is a direct reflection of his walk with Christ.

Colossians 4 4 Bonus section

Paul's reliance on prayer for his preaching effectiveness, even as an apostle with direct revelation from Christ, underscores that spiritual ministry is empowered by God, not by human ability alone. His specific request for clarity in proclaiming the mystery shows that while the gospel's truth is profound, it must be presented intelligibly, without unnecessary jargon or philosophical obscurities. The link between Colossians 4:3 (opening a "door for the word") and Colossians 4:4 ("that I may make it clear") suggests a symbiotic relationship: opportunity is given so that clarity can be achieved. An open door without a clear message leads nowhere. Conversely, a clear message needs an open door to reach its intended audience. This reveals Paul's holistic view of evangelism, combining divine enablement (opportunity and clarity) with human responsibility (speaking faithfully). His prayer here for himself directly anticipates and sets the stage for his general instructions to the Colossian believers regarding their own speech and conduct towards outsiders in Colossians 4:5-6, indicating that effective evangelism is a concern for all believers, not just apostles.

Colossians 4 4 Commentary

Colossians 4:4 is a concise yet profound expression of Paul's heart for ministry and a model for all who seek to share the Christian message. Imprisoned for the gospel, his concern is not his own freedom but the effective proclamation of "the mystery of Christ." This mystery, referring primarily to God's plan to unite Jew and Gentile into one body in Christ, was previously hidden but now revealed. Paul's earnest prayer is that he might "make it clear," signifying a revelation that cuts through obscurity, allowing divine truth to shine plainly. This is a task that requires God's enablement. Furthermore, the phrase "as I ought to speak" encapsulates Paul's profound sense of divine compulsion and responsibility. He sees himself as a commissioned messenger under an obligation, not an option, to speak accurately, boldly, and understandably. This highlights his commitment to faithful stewardship of God's Word, even from behind bars. The verse thus teaches that genuine gospel ministry is driven by prayer, focused on making Christ clear, and rooted in a divinely appointed responsibility that transcends personal comfort or freedom.

• Example for Practical Usage: A missionary praying not just for open doors to enter new territories, but for God's enabling grace to present the Gospel message in a culturally relevant and unmistakably clear way once there. A youth pastor not just giving a sermon, but striving through preparation and reliance on the Spirit to "make clear" complex theological truths to his audience.