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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Colossians 4:4 Pray that I may declare it clearly, as I should.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/colossians/4-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/51_Col_04_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Colossians 4:4 - Fellow Workers" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Pray that I may declare it clearly, as I should." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script 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frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/colossians/4-3.htm" title="Colossians 4:3">◄</a> Colossians 4:4 <a href="/colossians/4-5.htm" title="Colossians 4:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/colossians/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/colossians/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/colossians/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/colossians/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/colossians/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Pray that I may declare it clearly, as I should.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/colossians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />so that I should make it clear, as it behooves me to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/colossians/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/colossians/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/colossians/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />that I may make it clear in the way that I ought to proclaim <i>it.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/colossians/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/colossians/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />in order that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/colossians/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />that I may make it manifest in the way I ought to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/colossians/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />that I may make it clear [and speak boldly and unfold the mystery] in the way I should.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/colossians/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />so that I may make it known as I should.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/colossians/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />so that I may reveal it as I am required to speak. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/colossians/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/colossians/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Please pray that I will make the message as clear as possible. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/colossians/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/colossians/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Pray that I may make this mystery as clear as possible. This is what I have to do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/colossians/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Pray, then, that I may speak, as I should, in such a way as to make it clear. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/colossians/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />May I reveal it as clearly as I should! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/colossians/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Pray that I may declare it clearly, as I should.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/colossians/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Pray that I may make it known as I should.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/colossians/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />that I may reveal it as I ought to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/colossians/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/colossians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Then I shall proclaim it fully, as it is my duty to do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/colossians/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />that I may reveal it as I ought to speak. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/colossians/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />that I may reveal it, as it is necessary for me to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/colossians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />so that I should make it clear, as it behooves me to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/colossians/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> that I may manifest it, as it behoveth me to speak;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/colossians/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />That I might manifest, as is fitting for me to speak.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/colossians/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />That I may make it manifest as I ought to speak. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/colossians/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />so that I may manifest it in the manner that I ought to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/colossians/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />that I may make it clear, as I must speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/colossians/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />so that I may reveal it clearly, as I should.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/colossians/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />So that I may make it manifest and speak about it as I should.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/colossians/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />That I may reveal it and speak it just as I must.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/colossians/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/colossians/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />in order that I may manifest the same, as it behooves me to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/colossians/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />that I may make it evident, as I ought to speak.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/colossians/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />that I may publish it in the manner, it should necessarily be done.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/colossians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Then I shall proclaim it fully, as it is my duty to do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/colossians/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />that I may make it manifest as I ought to speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/colossians/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Behave yourselves wisely towards them that are without,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/colossians/4-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7q-K-qsfihQ?start=745" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/colossians/4.htm">Fellow Workers</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>as you pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">Pray that</a> <a href="/greek/5319.htm" title="5319: phanerōsō (V-ASA-1S) -- To make clear (visible, manifest), make known. From phaneros; to render apparent.">I may declare it clearly,</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auto (PPro-AN3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">as</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: me (PPro-A1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">I</a> <a href="/greek/1163.htm" title="1163: dei (V-PIA-3S) -- Third person singular active present of deo; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is Necessary.">should.</a> <a href="/greek/2980.htm" title="2980: lalēsai (V-ANA) -- A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words."></a> </span> <span class="reftext">5</span>Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-19.htm">Ephesians 6:19-20</a></span><br />Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel, / for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/4-29.htm">Acts 4:29</a></span><br />And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-1.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:1</a></span><br />Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread quickly and be held in honor, just as it was with you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">1 Corinthians 2:4</a></span><br />My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-20.htm">Philippians 1:20</a></span><br />I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/15-30.htm">Romans 15:30-32</a></span><br />Now I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. / Pray that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there, / so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/3-12.htm">2 Corinthians 3:12</a></span><br />Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-15.htm">1 Peter 3:15</a></span><br />But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/28-31.htm">Acts 28:31</a></span><br />Boldly and freely he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/4-17.htm">2 Timothy 4:17</a></span><br />But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/1-7.htm">Jeremiah 1:7-9</a></span><br />But the LORD told me: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak. / Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD. / Then the LORD reached out His hand, touched my mouth, and said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/50-4.htm">Isaiah 50:4</a></span><br />The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship, to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/4-12.htm">Exodus 4:12</a></span><br />Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/51-15.htm">Psalm 51:15</a></span><br />O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/6-5.htm">Isaiah 6:5-8</a></span><br />Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.” / Then one of the seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. / And with it he touched my mouth and said: “Now that this has touched your lips, your iniquity is removed and your sin is atoned for.” ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2"> That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.</p><p class="hdg">I may.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/10-26.htm">Matthew 10:26,27</a></b></br> Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/4-29.htm">Acts 4:29</a></b></br> And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/3-12.htm">2 Corinthians 3:12</a></b></br> Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:</p><p class="hdg">as.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/colossians/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6</a></b></br> Let your speech <i>be</i> alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/5-29.htm">Acts 5:29</a></b></br> Then Peter and the <i>other</i> apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/2-4.htm">1 Corinthians 2:4,5</a></b></br> And my speech and my preaching <i>was</i> not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ephesians/6-20.htm">Behoveth</a> <a href="/colossians/1-26.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/galatians/5-21.htm">Clearly</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-7.htm">Duty</a> <a href="/colossians/3-21.htm">End</a> <a href="/colossians/1-25.htm">Fully</a> <a href="/colossians/1-26.htm">Manifest</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-20.htm">Ought</a> <a href="/colossians/4-3.htm">Proclaim</a> <a href="/philippians/3-15.htm">Reveal</a> <a href="/colossians/4-1.htm">Right</a> <a href="/colossians/4-3.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/colossians/3-14.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/colossians/4-6.htm">Behoveth</a> <a href="/colossians/4-12.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-1.htm">Clearly</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-7.htm">Duty</a> <a href="/colossians/4-17.htm">End</a> <a href="/colossians/4-12.htm">Fully</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-5.htm">Manifest</a> <a href="/colossians/4-6.htm">Ought</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-2.htm">Proclaim</a> <a href="/numbers/12-6.htm">Reveal</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-9.htm">Right</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-8.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/colossians/4-5.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Colossians 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/colossians/4-1.htm">He exhorts them to be fervent in prayer;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/colossians/4-5.htm">to walk wisely toward those who are not yet come to the true knowledge of Christ.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/colossians/4-10.htm">He salutes them, and wishes them all prosperity.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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This reflects the communal nature of the early church, where believers supported one another through prayer. The apostle's request highlights the need for clarity in communicating the gospel, a theme consistent throughout his letters (<a href="/ephesians/6-19.htm">Ephesians 6:19-20</a>). The Greek word for "declare" suggests making something known or manifest, indicating Paul's desire for the message of Christ to be understood without confusion. This aligns with the broader biblical mandate for believers to be ready to give an answer for their hope (<a href="/1_peter/3-15.htm">1 Peter 3:15</a>).<p><b>as I should</b><br>Paul acknowledges a divine obligation to preach the gospel, reflecting his calling as an apostle (<a href="/1_corinthians/9-16.htm">1 Corinthians 9:16</a>). This phrase underscores the responsibility of all believers to share their faith, but especially those in leadership. The phrase "as I should" implies a standard or expectation set by God, reminding readers of the seriousness of the task. Paul's sense of duty is rooted in his encounter with Christ and his commission to the Gentiles (<a href="/acts/9-15.htm">Acts 9:15</a>). This also connects to the prophetic role of declaring God's truth, seen throughout the Old Testament in figures like Isaiah and Jeremiah, who were called to speak God's word to the people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a></b><br>The apostle and author of the letter to the Colossians, writing from prison. He is seeking prayer support for his ministry.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/colossae.htm">Colossae</a></b><br>An ancient city in Asia Minor, where the recipients of the letter resided. The church there was dealing with false teachings.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_colossian_church.htm">The Colossian Church</a></b><br>The body of believers in Colossae, to whom Paul is writing. They are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/prayer.htm">Prayer</a></b><br>A central theme in this passage, highlighting the importance of intercession for clarity in proclaiming the gospel.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_gospel.htm">The Gospel</a></b><br>The message Paul is eager to communicate clearly, emphasizing the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_clarity_in_communication.htm">The Importance of Clarity in Communication</a></b><br>Paul emphasizes the need for clear communication of the gospel. As believers, we should strive to articulate our faith clearly and understandably.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_prayer_in_ministry.htm">The Role of Prayer in Ministry</a></b><br>Prayer is essential for effective ministry. We should regularly pray for those who preach and teach, asking God to grant them clarity and boldness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god_for_effective_witness.htm">Dependence on God for Effective Witness</a></b><br>Paul’s request for prayer highlights his dependence on God. We, too, should rely on God’s strength and wisdom in our witness to others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_community_support.htm">The Power of Community Support</a></b><br>Paul’s appeal to the Colossians for prayer underscores the importance of community support in ministry. We should actively support one another through prayer and encouragement.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responsibility_to_share_the_gospel.htm">Responsibility to Share the Gospel</a></b><br>Paul’s sense of duty to declare the gospel "as I should" reminds us of our responsibility to share the good news with others, fulfilling the Great Commission.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_colossians_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Colossians 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/are_you_aware_of_your_actions.htm">How can we maintain unity in the spirit of peace?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_faith_healing.htm">What does the Bible say about faith healing?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_it_right_to_worship_the_holy_spirit.htm">Is worshiping the Holy Spirit appropriate?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_seeker-friendly_churches.htm">What defines seeker-friendly churches?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/colossians/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak</span> (<a href="/ephesians/6-20.htm">Ephesians 6:20</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/2-17.htm">2 Corinthians 2:17</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/4-1.htm">2 Corinthians 4:1-6</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/5-11.htm">2 Corinthians 5:11, 20-6:10</a>; <a href="/romans/12-6.htm">Romans 12:6</a>; <a href="/2_timothy/2-24.htm">2 Timothy 2:24-26</a>; <a href="/2_timothy/3-10.htm">2 Timothy 3:10</a>; <a href="/acts/20-18.htm">Acts 20:18-21, 27, 33-35</a>). This clause qualifies the last; the "open door" is to be asked for the apostle, that he may make effective use of it. <span class="accented">The mystery</span> has been <span class="accented">made manifest</span> by God in the mission of Christ (<a href="/colossians/1-27.htm">Colossians 1:27</a>; <a href="/colossians/2-15.htm">Colossians 2:15</a>, note; <a href="/2_corinthians/5-19.htm">2 Corinthians 5:19</a>, etc.); but that manifestation has to be made known to the Gentile world (<a href="/ephesians/3-9.htm">Ephesians 3:9</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/2-14.htm">2 Corinthians 2:14</a>; <a href="/romans/10-14.htm">Romans 10:14</a>). To this end he had received a special manifestation of "the mystery of Christ" (<a href="/2_corinthians/4-6.htm">2 Corinthians 4:6</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/5-19.htm">2 Corinthians 5:19</a>; <a href="/galatians/1-15.htm">Galatians 1:15, 16</a>; <a href="/acts/9-15.htm">Acts 9:15, 16</a>; <a href="/acts/22-14.htm">Acts 22:14, 15, 21</a>; <a href="/acts/26-16.htm">Acts 26:16-18</a>). <span class="accented">How</span> the apostle conceives that he "ought to speak" appears from the parallel passages (see especially <a href="/2_corinthians/5.htm">2 Corinthians 5</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/6.htm">2 Corinthians 6</a>; and <a href="/acts/20.htm">Acts 20</a>.). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/colossians/4-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">[Pray] that</span><br /><span class="grk">ἵνα</span> <span class="translit">(hina)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> </span><span class="str2">In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I may declare it clearly,</span><br /><span class="grk">φανερώσω</span> <span class="translit">(phanerōsō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5319.htm">Strong's 5319: </a> </span><span class="str2">To make clear (visible, manifest), make known. From phaneros; to render apparent.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as</span><br /><span class="grk">ὡς</span> <span class="translit">(hōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> </span><span class="str2">Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I</span><br /><span class="grk">με</span> <span class="translit">(me)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">should.</span><br /><span class="grk">δεῖ</span> <span class="translit">(dei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1163.htm">Strong's 1163: </a> </span><span class="str2">Third person singular active present of deo; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is Necessary.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/colossians/4-4.htm">Colossians 4:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/colossians/4-4.htm">Colossians 4:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/colossians/4-4.htm">Colossians 4:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/colossians/4-4.htm">Colossians 4:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/colossians/4-4.htm">Colossians 4:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/colossians/4-4.htm">Colossians 4:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/colossians/4-4.htm">Colossians 4:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/colossians/4-4.htm">Colossians 4:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/colossians/4-4.htm">Colossians 4:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/colossians/4-4.htm">Colossians 4:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/colossians/4-4.htm">NT Letters: Colossians 4:4 That I may reveal it as (Coloss. Col Co) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/colossians/4-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Colossians 4:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Colossians 4:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/colossians/4-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Colossians 4:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Colossians 4:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>