OET interlinear COL 4:6

uW Translation Notes:

This verse provides one way in which Paul wants the Colossians to “walk in wisdom toward those outside” (4:5). They are to speak with words that are compelling and carefully chosen to fit the situation.

Note 1 topic: figures-of-speech / ellipsis

ὁ λόγος ὑμῶν πάντοτε ἐν χάριτι

the speech ˱of˲_you_all always in grace_‹let_be›

Paul has not included a verb for “speaking” in this phrase, because it was not necessary in his language. If your language would require a verb of speaking here, you could include it. Alternate translation: “speaking your words always with grace” or “your words always spoken with grace”

Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / abstractnouns

ἐν χάριτι

in grace_‹let_be›

If your language does not use an abstract noun to express the idea behind grace, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “gracious”

Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

ἅλατι ἠρτυμένος

˱with˲_salt /having_been/_seasoned

In Paul’s culture, when food was seasoned with salt, it would taste good and be nourishing. Paul thus speaks of seasoning one’s “words” with salt to say that the words should be interesting (like food that tastes good) and helpful (like food that is nourishing). If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea with a comparable idiom or plainly. Alternate translation: “both compelling and helpful”

Note 4 topic: grammar-connect-logic-result

εἰδέναι

/to_have/_known

Here Paul uses the phrase to know to introduce the result of speaking words with grace and seasoned with salt. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces a result. Alternate translation: “with the result that you will know” or “so that you might know”

πῶς δεῖ ὑμᾶς & ἀποκρίνεσθαι

how ˱it˲_/is/_fitting you_all & /to_be/_answering

Alternate translation: “how to best answer” or “the right answer to give to”

Note 5 topic: writing-pronouns

ἑνὶ ἑκάστῳ

˱to˲_one each

The phrase each one refers to individuals who would be considered part of “those outside” (4:5). If it would be helpful in your language, you could explicitly refer back to how you translated “those outside.” Alternate translation: “each outsider” or “each one who does not believe in the Messiah”