Colossians 4 8

Colossians 4:8 kjv

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

Colossians 4:8 nkjv

I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts,

Colossians 4:8 niv

I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.

Colossians 4:8 esv

I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts,

Colossians 4:8 nlt

I have sent him to you for this very purpose ? to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you.

Colossians 4 verses

Colossians 4 8 Meaning

Colossians 4:8 reveals Paul's clear, two-fold purpose for sending Tychicus to the Colossian believers. Firstly, Tychicus was to accurately inform them about Paul's current circumstances and well-being. Secondly, and just as critically, Tychicus's mission was to comfort and encourage their hearts, addressing any anxieties or concerns they might have had regarding Paul's imprisonment or the challenges they themselves faced. This demonstrates Paul's deep pastoral care, emphasizing open communication and spiritual fortification among the early Christian communities.

Colossians 4 8 Context

Colossians 4:8 concludes a specific section within Paul's letter where he provides practical exhortations for Christian living and announces his plans for a special messenger. The preceding verse, Colossians 4:7, introduces Tychicus as Paul's chosen envoy, describing him as a "beloved brother, a faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord." This sets the stage for Tychicus's specific mission detailed in verse 8. Historically, during Paul's various imprisonments, letters were critical for maintaining communication, instructing distant churches, and offering pastoral support, as direct travel was often impossible or impractical. Letters, however, needed a trustworthy courier who could not only deliver the physical message but also provide a verbal report and answer questions. Tychicus served this vital role for the churches in Colossae and Ephesus. Paul's sending of a trusted messenger like Tychicus was a common practice in the Roman world for relaying information, demonstrating his concern for the well-being and steadfastness of the churches, particularly in an environment where they faced external pressures and potential internal disputes or false teachings that Paul addresses elsewhere in Colossians.

Colossians 4 8 Word analysis

• For this very purpose (Εἰς αὐτὸ τοῦτο - Eis auto touto): This strong, emphatic phrase highlights that Tychicus's mission was deliberate and singularly focused on the following two declared reasons. It conveys intentionality and urgency, indicating that his journey was not casual but aimed at specific, vital objectives.
• I have sent (ἔπεμψα - epempsa): This verb is in the aorist tense, signifying a completed and decisive action. Paul, as an apostle, exercised his authority and pastoral responsibility by initiating this dispatch. It speaks to the purposeful, authoritative nature of his ministry.
• him (ὃν - hon): Refers directly to Tychicus, a trusted companion and co-laborer introduced in Colossians 4:7. The effectiveness of Paul's pastoral care was greatly dependent on the reliability and character of his messengers, making Tychicus's identity critical to the success of this mission.
• to you (πρὸς ὑμᾶς - pros hymas): Specifies the recipients as the Colossian believers. This personal address underscores Paul's direct and intimate concern for this particular church.
• that you may know (ἵνα γνῶτε - hina gnōte): This is a purpose clause, employing the subjunctive mood, indicating the intended outcome. The verb ginōskō (to know) here implies not just intellectual apprehension but also experiential knowledge, a full and deep understanding of Paul's situation. This knowledge was intended to alleviate any rumors or misunderstandings.
• how we are (τὰ περὶ ἡμῶν - ta peri hēmōn): Literally "the things concerning us" or "the things around us." This refers to Paul's general circumstances, including his health, spiritual state, and perhaps his imprisonment (Col 4:18 mentions his chains). Such updates provided a personal connection and allowed the Colossians to pray specifically for him.
• and that he may encourage your hearts (καὶ παρακαλέσῃ τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν - kai parakalesē tas kardias hymōn): This is the second crucial purpose, parallel to the first, introduced by "and that."
  • encourage (παρακαλέσῃ - parakalesē): From parakaleō, a rich term meaning to call alongside, comfort, console, exhort, admonish, cheer up, or strengthen. It goes beyond simple emotional comfort to include strengthening, offering wise counsel, and boosting resolve. It implies addressing fear, doubt, or distress.
  • your hearts (τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν - tas kardias hymōn): In the biblical sense, the "heart" (kardia) is not merely the seat of emotions but the core of a person's being—the center of thought, will, intention, and spiritual life. Therefore, "encouraging their hearts" means fortifying their inner person, comforting their spirits, steadying their faith, and strengthening their resolve amidst any anxieties, trials, or spiritual struggles. This was a vital aspect of their spiritual well-being.

Colossians 4 8 Bonus section

The very act of sending Tychicus with this two-fold purpose underscored Paul's apostolic love and vigilance. It revealed his profound understanding of the interconnectedness of early Christian communities; believers could not thrive in isolation. Their stability depended on reliable information and authentic fellowship. Furthermore, this verse exemplifies the value placed on personal presence and verbal communication in addition to written words. While Paul’s letter conveyed doctrinal truths and commands, Tychicus’s presence allowed for clarification, personalization, and a deeper transmission of emotional support and pastoral comfort than a letter alone could achieve. This illustrates a foundational practice in early Christian ministry: the deliberate fostering of healthy, supportive relationships between leaders and congregants, and among believers themselves, for mutual edification and perseverance in faith.

Colossians 4 8 Commentary

Colossians 4:8 distills a profound principle of Christian pastoral care and communication. Paul, though physically absent and imprisoned, actively ensured the spiritual and emotional well-being of the Colossian church. Tychicus's mission was two-fold and equally essential: to inform and to encourage. The practical updates about Paul's condition would dispel worry and foster connection, while the direct act of encouragement by a trusted representative would soothe anxious hearts, provide comfort in trials, and bolster faith against challenges, including the deceptive teachings Paul combated in the letter. This demonstrates that genuine Christian fellowship requires both transparent communication and active, empathetic support for one another's spiritual and emotional states. It highlights the indispensable role of individuals within the church in building up and sustaining the body of Christ, echoing the work of the Holy Spirit as the "Comforter" or "Paraclete."

Examples:

• A church leader visiting a sick member not just to check on health but to offer prayer and comfort for their spirit.
• Sending a care package and a heartfelt letter to missionaries on the field, along with updates from home.
• Regular check-ins (calls, visits) with new believers to see how they are growing in faith and offer spiritual counsel.