UTN uW Translation Notes:

Colossians 4 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

4:1 belongs to the section that begins in 3:18, even though it is in this chapter.

3. Exhortation Section
   • Prayer Request and Behavior towards Outsiders (4:2–6)
4. Letter Closing (4:7–18)
   • The Messengers (4:7–9)
   • Greetings from Friends (4:10–14)
   • Greetings and Instructions from Paul (4:15–17)
   • Greeting in Paul’s Own Hand (4:18)

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

Letter writing and sending

In this culture, someone who wanted to send a letter often spoke what they wanted to say, and a scribe would write it down for them. Then, they would send the letter with a messenger, who would read the letter to the person or people to whom it was addressed. In this chapter, Paul mentions the messengers with whom he is sending his letter: Tychicus and Onesimus (4:7–9). They also are able to communicate more about Paul’s situation than he says in the letter. Additionally, Paul mentions that he writes the final greeting “by my own hand” (4:18). This is because the rest of the letter was written by a scribe, who wrote down what Paul dictated. Paul writes the last greeting as a personal touch and to prove that he was indeed the author.

Greetings

In this culture, it was common for those who sent letters to include greetings to and from others in their letter. In this way, many people could greet each other but only send one letter. In 4:10–15 Paul includes greetings to and from many people whom he and the Colossians know.

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Paul’s chains

Paul refers to his imprisonment in this chapter by using the language of “chains” and “binding.” He says that he has “been bound” in 4:3, and he mentions his “chains” in 4:18. The language of binding and chains emphasizes how Paul is restricted in his movements and activities by being imprisoned.

Translation Issues in This Chapter

A “master in heaven”

In 4:1, Paul refers to a “master in heaven.” The word translated as “master” and “masters” in this verse is the same word that is translated as “Lord” throughout Colossians. It is translated as “master” in this verse to illustrate Paul’s point: those who are “masters” on earth also have a “master,” their Lord in heaven. If possible, make this wordplay clear in your translation.