Menu

Colossians 4:2

Colossians 4:2 in Multiple Translations

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful,

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

Continue stedfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving;

Give yourselves to prayer at all times, keeping watch with praise;

Remember to keep on praying, with an alert and thankful mind!

Continue in prayer, and watch in the fame with thankesgiuing,

In the prayer continue ye, watching in it in thanksgiving;

Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching in it with thanksgiving,

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

Be instant in prayer; watching in it with thanksgiving:

Pray to God persistently, and as you pray, be alert and be thanking God.

Now I’m talking to all of you. Keep on praying to God, and keep on asking him to help you. Keep your minds properly awake while you pray. Don’t give up easily. And also thank God for the good things he does for you.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Colossians 4:2

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Colossians 4:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK τη προσευχη προσκαρτερειτε γρηγορουντες εν αυτη εν ευχαριστια
τη ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DSF
προσευχη proseuchē G4335 prayer Noun-DSF
προσκαρτερειτε proskartereō G4342 to continue in/with Verb-PAM-2P
γρηγορουντες grēgoreō G1127 to keep watch Verb-PAP-NPM
εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep
αυτη autos G846 it/s/he Pron-DSF
εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep
ευχαριστια eucharistia G2169 thankfulness Noun-DSF
Greek Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Greek Word Reference — Colossians 4:2

τη ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DSF
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
προσευχη proseuchē G4335 "prayer" Noun-DSF
Prayer to God, like in Matthew 21:22 and Acts 3:1, or a place for prayer, as in Matthew 21:13
Definition: προσ-ευχή, -ῆς, ἡ (προσεύχομαι), [in LXX chiefly for תְּפִלָּה ;] __1. prayer to God: Mat.17:21 (WH, R, txt., om.) Mat.21:22, Mrk.9:29, Luk.22:45, Act.3:1 6:4 10:31, Rom.12:12, 1Co.7:5, Col.4:2; pl., Act.2:42 10:4, Rom.1:10, Eph.1:16 Col.4:12, 1Th.1:2, Phm 4 22, 1Pe.3:7 4:7, Rev.5:8 8:3-4; οἶκος προσευχῆς, Mat.21:13, Mrk.11:17, Luk.19:46" (LXX) ; π. καὶ δέησις, Eph.6:18, Php.4:6; pl., 1Ti.2:1 5:5; ἡ π. τοῦ θεοῦ, prayer to God (ef. Wis.16:28), Luk.6:12; πρὸς τ. θεόν, before ὑπέρ, Act.12:5; pl., Rom.15:30; Hebraistically (B1., § 38, 3), προσευχῇ προσεύχεσθαι, Jas.5:17 (EV, prayed fervently). __2. a place of prayer: of a synagogue (3Ma.7:20, seel.; see Charles, APOT, i, 173; for other exx., see Kennedy, Sources, 114); of a place in the open (FlJ, Ant., xiv, 10, 23), Act.16:13, 16.† SYN.: see: δέησις (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 37 NT verses. KJV: X pray earnestly, prayer See also: 1 Corinthians 7:5; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Peter 3:7.
προσκαρτερειτε proskartereō G4342 "to continue in/with" Verb-PAM-2P
To continue in or with something means to persevere or be diligent, as seen in Acts 1:14 and Romans 12:12. It involves adhering closely to a person, place, or thing, often requiring patience and dedication.
Definition: προσ-καρτερέω, -ῶ (καρτερός, strong, stedfast) [in LXX: Num.13:21 (חָזַק hith.), Tob.5:8 א, Da Th Su 1:6* ;] to attend constantly, continue stedfastly, adhere to, wait on: with dative of person(s), Mrk.3:9, Act.8:13 10:7; with dative of thing(s), Act.1:14 2:42 6:4, Rom.12:12, Col.4:2; before ἐν, Act.2:46; εἰς, Rom.13:6.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 10 NT verses. KJV: attend (give self) continually (upon), continue (in, instant in, with), wait on (continually) See also: Acts 1:14; Acts 10:7; Romans 12:12.
γρηγορουντες grēgoreō G1127 "to keep watch" Verb-PAP-NPM
This verb means to stay awake or watch, like in Matthew 24:43 and 1 Thessalonians 5:10. It can also be used figuratively to mean being spiritually alert, as seen in 1 Corinthians 16:13 and 1 Peter 5:8.
Definition: γρηγορέω, -ῶ, = Attic ἐργήγορα, pf. of ἐγείρω, which see, [in LXX (later bks. only) chiefly for שׁקד ;] __1. to be awake; metaphorically, of being alive, 1Th.5:10. __2. to watch: Mat.24:43 26:38, 40 Mrk.13:34 14:34, 37 Luk.12:37, 39; metaphorically, Mat.24:42 25:13 26:41, Mrk.13:35, 37 14:38, Act.20:31, 1Co.16:13, 1Th.5:6, 1Pe.5:8, Rev.3:2, 3 16:15; before ἐν, Col.4:2. (Cf. δια-γρηγορέω).† SYN.: see: ἀγρθπνέω. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 23 NT verses. KJV: be vigilant, wake, (be) watch(-ful) See also: 1 Corinthians 16:13; Mark 14:34; 1 Peter 5:8.
εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep
This word is a preposition that means in, on, or among something. It's used in many places, like Matthew 7:3 and Luke 7:37, to describe a location or relationship. It can also mean by, with, or during.
Definition: ἐν, prep, (the most frequently of all in NT), with dative (= Heb. בְּ, Lat. in, with abl.). __I. Of place, with dative of thing(s), of person(s), in, within, on, at, by, among: ἐν τ. πόλει, Luk.7:37; τ. οφθαλμῷ, Mat.7:3; τ. κοιλίᾳ, Mat.12:40; τ. ὄρει, 2Pe.1:18; τ. θρόνῳ, Rev.3:21; τ. δεξιᾷ τ. θεοῦ, Rom.8:34; ἐν ἡμῖν Abbott-Smith has ὑμῖν., Luk.1:1; of books, ἐν τ. βιβλίῳ, Gal.3:10; τ. νόμῳ, Mat.12:5, al.; ἐν τοῖς τ. Πατρός, in my Father's house (RV; cf. M, Pr., 103), Luk.2:49; trop., of the region of thought or feeling, ἐν τ. καρδίᾳ (-αις), Mat.5:28, 2Co.4:6, al.; τ. συνειδήσεσιν, 2Co.5:11; after verbs of motion, instead of εἰς (constructio praegnans, a usage extended in late Gk. beyond the limits observed in cl.; cf. Bl., §41, 1; M, Th., 12), ἀποστέλλω . . . ἐν, Mat.10:16. δέδωκεν ἐν τ. χειρί (cf. τιθέναι ἐν χερσί, Hom., Il., i, 441, al.), Jhn.3:35; id. after verbs of coming and going (not in cl.), εἰσῆλθε, Luk.9:46; ἐξῆλθεν, Luk.7:17. __II. Of state, condition, form, occupation, etc.: ἐν ζωῇ, Rom.5:10; ἐν τ. θανάτῳ, 1Jn.3:14; ἐν πειρασμοῖς, 1Pe.1:6; ἐν εἰρήνῃ, Mrk.5:25; ἐν δόξῃ, Php.4:19; ἐν πραΰτητι, Jas.3:13; ἐν μυστηρίῳ, 1Co.2:7; ἐν τ. διδαχῇ, Mrk.4:2; of a part as contained in a whole, ἐν τ. ἀμπέλῳ, Jhn.15:4; ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι, Rom.12:4; of accompanying objects or persons (simple dative in cl.), with, ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:25; ἐν δέκα χιλιάσιν, Luk.14:31 (cf. Ju 14, Act.7:14); similarly (cl.), of clothing, armour, arms, ἐν στολαῖς, Mrk.12:38; ἐν ἐσθῆτι λαμπρᾷ, Jas.2:2; ἐν μαξαίρῃ, Luk.22:49; ἐν ῥάβδῳ, 1Co.4:21 (cf. ἐν τόξοις, Xen., Mem., 3, 9, 2); of manner (cl.), ἐν τάχει (= ταχέως), Luk.18:8 (cf. Bl., §41, 1); of spiritual influence, ἐν πνεύματι, Rom.8:9; ἐν π. ἀκαθάρτῳ, Mrk.1:23; of the mystical relation of the Christian life and the believer himself, to God and Christ (cf. ICC, Ro., 160f.; Mayor on Ju 1; M, Pr., 103): ἐν Χριστῷ, Rom.3:24, 6:11, 1Co.3:1, 4:10, 2Co.12:2, Gal.2:17, Eph.6:21, Col.4:7, 1Th.4:16, al. __III. Of the agent, instrument or means (an extension of cl. ἐν of instr.—see LS, see word Ill—corresponding to similar use of Heb. בְּ), by, with: ἐν ὑμῖν κρίνεται ὁ κόσμος (= cl. παρά, C. dative), 1Co.6:2; ἐν τ. ἄρχοντι τ. δαιμονίων, Mat.9:34; ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:22; ἐν ὕδατι, Mat.3:11, al.; ἐν μαχαίρᾳ ἀποκτενεῖ (cf. the absol. ἐν μ., ἐν ῥάβδῳ, supr., II, which some would classify here), Rev.13:10 (cf. 6:8). Allied to this usage and distinctly Semitic are the following: ἠγόρασας . . . ἐν τ. αἵματι σου (cf. BDB, see word בְּ, III, 3), Rev.5:9; ὁμολογεῖν ἐν (= Aram. אודי בּ; cf. McNeile on Mt, I.with; M, Pr., 104), Mat.10:32, Luk.12:8; ὀμνύναι ἐν (= cl. accusative, so Jas.5:12), Mat.5:34, al.; also at the rate of, amounting to, Mrk.4:8 (WH; vv. ll., εἰς, ἒν), Act.7:14 (LXX). __IV. Of time, __(a) in or during a period: ἐν τ. ἡμέρᾳ (νυκτί), Jhn.11:9, al.; ἐν σαββάτῳ, Mat.12:2, al.; ἐν τῷ μεταξύ, meanwhile, Jhn.4:31; __(b) at the time of an event: ἐν τ. παρουσίᾳ, 1Co.15:23; ἐν τ. ἀναστάσει, Mat.22:28; __(with) with art. inf., __(α) present (so sometimes in cl., but not as in NT = ἕως; V. M, Pr., 215), while: Mat.13:4, Mrk.6:48, Gal.4:18, al.; __(β) aor., when, after: Luk.9:36, al.; __(d) within (cl.): Mat.27:40, __V. In composition: (1) meaning: (a) with adjectives, it signifies usually the possession of a quality, as ἐνάλιος, ἐν́δοξος; (b) with verbs, continuance in (before ἐν) or motion into (before εἰς), as ἐμμένω, ἐμβαίνω. (ii) Assimilation: ἐν becomes ἐμ- before β, μ, π, φ, ψ; ἐγ- before γ, κ, ξ, χ; ἐλ- before λ. But in the older MSS of NT, followed by modern editions, assimilation is sometimes neglected, as in ἐνγράφω, ἐγκαινίζω, etc. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2120 NT verses. KJV: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 15:17; 1 Peter 1:2.
αυτη autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-DSF
This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.
Definition: αὐτός, -ή, -ό, determinative pron., in late Gk. much more frequently than in cl. (WM, 178f.; Jannaris, HGG, §1399). __1. Emphatic (so always in nom. exc. when preceded by the art., see infr., iii); __(1) self (ipse), expressing opposition, distinction, exclusion, etc., αὐ. ἐκχυθήσεται, Luk.5:37; αὐ. ἐγινώσκεν, Jhn.2:25; αὐ.ὑμεῖς, Jhn.3:28; καὶ αὐ. ἐγώ, Rom.15:14; αὐ. Ἰησοῦς, Jhn.2:24; αὐ. καὶ οἱ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ, Mrk.2:25; ὑμεῖς αὐ., Mrk.6:31; esp. (as freq in cl.) αὐ. ὁ, Mat.3:4, Mrk.6:17, Jhn.16:27, 1Th.3:11, al.; in late Gk., sometimes weakened, ἐν αὐτῇ τ. ὥρᾳ, in that hour, Luk.10:21 (M, Pr., 91; MM, see word); __(2) emphatic, he, she, it (M, Pr., 86; Bl., §48, 1, 2, 7), Mat.1:21, 12:50, Luk.6:35, al.; pointing to some one as master (cl.), Mat.8:24, Mrk.4:38, al.; αὐ., καὶ αὐ. = οὗτος, ὁ δε (BL, §48, 1), Mat.14:2, Mrk.14:15, 44, Luk.1:22, 2:28, al. __2. In oblique cases (cl.), for the simple pron. of 3rd of person(s), he, she, it, Mat.7:9, 10:12, 26:44, al.; with ptcp. in genitive absol., Mat.9:18, Mrk.13:1, al. (for irreg. constructions, V. Bl., §74, 5); pleonastically after the relative (cf. Heb. אֲשֶׁר לוֹ; WM, 184ff.; Bl., §50, 4; MM, see word), Mrk.7:25, Rev.3:8, 7:2, al.; in constr. ad sensum, without proper subject expressly indicated, Mat.4:23, Act.8:5, 2Co.2:13, al.; genitive αὐτοῦ = ἐκείνου, Rom.11:11, 1Th.2:19, Tit.3:5, Heb.2:4. __3. ὁ, ἡ, τὸ αὐ., the same: Heb.1:12, 13:8; τὸ αὐ., ποιεῖν, Mat.5:46, 47, al.; φρονεῖν, Rom.12:16, 15:5, Php.2:2, al.; τὰ αὐ., Act.15:27, Rom.2:1, al.; κατὰ τὸ (τὰ) αὐ. (MM, see word), Act.14:1, Luk.6:23, al.; ἐπὶ τὸ αὐ., together (MM, see word), Mat.22:34, Act.1:15, al.; ἓν κ. τὸ αὐ., 1Co.11:5, 12:11; with dative (cl.), 1Co.11:5; with a noun, λόγος, Mrk.14:39; μέτρος, Php.1:30; πνεῦμα, 1Co.12:4. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3773 NT verses. KJV: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 John 3:10; 1 Peter 1:3.
εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep
This word is a preposition that means in, on, or among something. It's used in many places, like Matthew 7:3 and Luke 7:37, to describe a location or relationship. It can also mean by, with, or during.
Definition: ἐν, prep, (the most frequently of all in NT), with dative (= Heb. בְּ, Lat. in, with abl.). __I. Of place, with dative of thing(s), of person(s), in, within, on, at, by, among: ἐν τ. πόλει, Luk.7:37; τ. οφθαλμῷ, Mat.7:3; τ. κοιλίᾳ, Mat.12:40; τ. ὄρει, 2Pe.1:18; τ. θρόνῳ, Rev.3:21; τ. δεξιᾷ τ. θεοῦ, Rom.8:34; ἐν ἡμῖν Abbott-Smith has ὑμῖν., Luk.1:1; of books, ἐν τ. βιβλίῳ, Gal.3:10; τ. νόμῳ, Mat.12:5, al.; ἐν τοῖς τ. Πατρός, in my Father's house (RV; cf. M, Pr., 103), Luk.2:49; trop., of the region of thought or feeling, ἐν τ. καρδίᾳ (-αις), Mat.5:28, 2Co.4:6, al.; τ. συνειδήσεσιν, 2Co.5:11; after verbs of motion, instead of εἰς (constructio praegnans, a usage extended in late Gk. beyond the limits observed in cl.; cf. Bl., §41, 1; M, Th., 12), ἀποστέλλω . . . ἐν, Mat.10:16. δέδωκεν ἐν τ. χειρί (cf. τιθέναι ἐν χερσί, Hom., Il., i, 441, al.), Jhn.3:35; id. after verbs of coming and going (not in cl.), εἰσῆλθε, Luk.9:46; ἐξῆλθεν, Luk.7:17. __II. Of state, condition, form, occupation, etc.: ἐν ζωῇ, Rom.5:10; ἐν τ. θανάτῳ, 1Jn.3:14; ἐν πειρασμοῖς, 1Pe.1:6; ἐν εἰρήνῃ, Mrk.5:25; ἐν δόξῃ, Php.4:19; ἐν πραΰτητι, Jas.3:13; ἐν μυστηρίῳ, 1Co.2:7; ἐν τ. διδαχῇ, Mrk.4:2; of a part as contained in a whole, ἐν τ. ἀμπέλῳ, Jhn.15:4; ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι, Rom.12:4; of accompanying objects or persons (simple dative in cl.), with, ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:25; ἐν δέκα χιλιάσιν, Luk.14:31 (cf. Ju 14, Act.7:14); similarly (cl.), of clothing, armour, arms, ἐν στολαῖς, Mrk.12:38; ἐν ἐσθῆτι λαμπρᾷ, Jas.2:2; ἐν μαξαίρῃ, Luk.22:49; ἐν ῥάβδῳ, 1Co.4:21 (cf. ἐν τόξοις, Xen., Mem., 3, 9, 2); of manner (cl.), ἐν τάχει (= ταχέως), Luk.18:8 (cf. Bl., §41, 1); of spiritual influence, ἐν πνεύματι, Rom.8:9; ἐν π. ἀκαθάρτῳ, Mrk.1:23; of the mystical relation of the Christian life and the believer himself, to God and Christ (cf. ICC, Ro., 160f.; Mayor on Ju 1; M, Pr., 103): ἐν Χριστῷ, Rom.3:24, 6:11, 1Co.3:1, 4:10, 2Co.12:2, Gal.2:17, Eph.6:21, Col.4:7, 1Th.4:16, al. __III. Of the agent, instrument or means (an extension of cl. ἐν of instr.—see LS, see word Ill—corresponding to similar use of Heb. בְּ), by, with: ἐν ὑμῖν κρίνεται ὁ κόσμος (= cl. παρά, C. dative), 1Co.6:2; ἐν τ. ἄρχοντι τ. δαιμονίων, Mat.9:34; ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:22; ἐν ὕδατι, Mat.3:11, al.; ἐν μαχαίρᾳ ἀποκτενεῖ (cf. the absol. ἐν μ., ἐν ῥάβδῳ, supr., II, which some would classify here), Rev.13:10 (cf. 6:8). Allied to this usage and distinctly Semitic are the following: ἠγόρασας . . . ἐν τ. αἵματι σου (cf. BDB, see word בְּ, III, 3), Rev.5:9; ὁμολογεῖν ἐν (= Aram. אודי בּ; cf. McNeile on Mt, I.with; M, Pr., 104), Mat.10:32, Luk.12:8; ὀμνύναι ἐν (= cl. accusative, so Jas.5:12), Mat.5:34, al.; also at the rate of, amounting to, Mrk.4:8 (WH; vv. ll., εἰς, ἒν), Act.7:14 (LXX). __IV. Of time, __(a) in or during a period: ἐν τ. ἡμέρᾳ (νυκτί), Jhn.11:9, al.; ἐν σαββάτῳ, Mat.12:2, al.; ἐν τῷ μεταξύ, meanwhile, Jhn.4:31; __(b) at the time of an event: ἐν τ. παρουσίᾳ, 1Co.15:23; ἐν τ. ἀναστάσει, Mat.22:28; __(with) with art. inf., __(α) present (so sometimes in cl., but not as in NT = ἕως; V. M, Pr., 215), while: Mat.13:4, Mrk.6:48, Gal.4:18, al.; __(β) aor., when, after: Luk.9:36, al.; __(d) within (cl.): Mat.27:40, __V. In composition: (1) meaning: (a) with adjectives, it signifies usually the possession of a quality, as ἐνάλιος, ἐν́δοξος; (b) with verbs, continuance in (before ἐν) or motion into (before εἰς), as ἐμμένω, ἐμβαίνω. (ii) Assimilation: ἐν becomes ἐμ- before β, μ, π, φ, ψ; ἐγ- before γ, κ, ξ, χ; ἐλ- before λ. But in the older MSS of NT, followed by modern editions, assimilation is sometimes neglected, as in ἐνγράφω, ἐγκαινίζω, etc. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2120 NT verses. KJV: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 15:17; 1 Peter 1:2.
ευχαριστια eucharistia G2169 "thankfulness" Noun-DSF
This word means thankfulness or gratitude, and is often used to describe worshiping God through thankful language. It appears in the New Testament, such as in 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians. It is about being grateful to God.
Definition: εὐχαριστία, -ας, ἡ (εὐχάριστος), [in LXX: Est.8:13, Wis.16:28, Sir.37:11, 2Ma.2:27 * ;] __1. thankfulness, gratitude (Polyb.; Es, Sir, 2Mac, ll. with): Act.24:3. __2. giving of thanks, thanksgiving (so in π. and Inscr.; M, Th., 41 f.): 1Co.14:16, 2Co.4:15, Eph.5:4, Php.4:6, Col.2:7 4:2, 1Th.3:9, 1Ti.4:3-4, Rev.4:9 7:12; with dative of person(s), 2Co.9:11 (cf. τ. θεοῦ, Wis, l.with); pl., 2Co.9:12, 1Ti.2:1 (Cremer, 904).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 15 NT verses. KJV: thankfulness, (giving of) thanks(-giving) See also: 1 Corinthians 14:16; 2 Corinthians 9:12; Revelation 4:9.

Study Notes — Colossians 4:2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Thessalonians 5:17–18 Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
2 Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
3 Ephesians 6:18 Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.
4 Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.
5 Matthew 26:41 “Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”
6 Luke 18:1 Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart:
7 Luke 21:36 So keep watch at all times, and pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”
8 Psalms 109:4 In return for my love they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer.
9 1 Peter 4:7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray.
10 Psalms 55:16–17 But I call to God, and the LORD saves me. Morning, noon, and night, I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice.

Colossians 4:2 Summary

[This verse is calling us to make prayer a top priority in our lives, to be watchful and aware of our thoughts and surroundings, and to be thankful for all that God has given us. It means taking time to talk to God, to listen to Him, and to trust in His goodness, as we see in Psalms 55:22. By devoting ourselves to prayer, we can deepen our relationship with God and live a more faithful, obedient life, as encouraged in Luke 18:1.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to devote ourselves to prayer?

To devote ourselves to prayer means to commit ourselves fully to a life of prayer, seeking to communicate with God regularly and sincerely, as seen in Psalms 119:145-152, where the psalmist expresses his love for prayer and meditation on God's word.

Why is being watchful important in prayer?

Being watchful in prayer means being mindful of our thoughts, surroundings, and the spiritual battle we are in, as warned in Ephesians 6:18, where we are told to be alert and pray for all the saints.

How can we cultivate a spirit of thankfulness in our prayers?

We can cultivate a spirit of thankfulness by reflecting on God's blessings in our lives, such as our salvation, as mentioned in Ephesians 2:8-9, and expressing gratitude for them in our prayers, as encouraged in Philippians 4:6.

Is it really possible to be thankful in all circumstances?

Yes, it is possible to be thankful in all circumstances, as we are called to give thanks in every situation, as written in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, and to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, as seen in Romans 8:28.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can devote myself to prayer, making it a priority in my daily life?
  2. How can I cultivate a greater sense of watchfulness in my prayers, being more mindful of my thoughts and surroundings?
  3. What are some things I can thank God for today, and how can I express my gratitude to Him?
  4. How can I balance my prayers between asking for my own needs and praying for others, like the apostle Paul asks us to do in this verse?

Gill's Exposition on Colossians 4:2

Continue in prayer,.... This is not said particularly to masters, as in the foregoing verse, but to all the members of the church in general; for the apostle having taken notice of some special

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Colossians 4:2

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Continue , [ proskartereite (G4342)] - 'Continue perseveringly' (Romans 12:12; Ephesians 6:18). In (your: tee (G3588)) prayer (1 Peter 4:7).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Colossians 4:2

Continue in prayer; persevere or hold on strongly in prayer with fervency: we are apt to grow sluggish and indisposed, and therefore have need of quickening to this duty, . And watch in the same; endeavouring to keep the heart in all fit seasons unto this, as a help to the precedent and subsequent duties, , &c.; . With thanksgiving; with acknowledgment of thanks for what we have already received, ,13 .

Trapp's Commentary on Colossians 4:2

2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Ver. 2. Continue in prayer] Constant and instant in it, wait upon it, lay all aside for it (as the word προσκταρερειτε signifieth, Acts 6:2); while prayar stands still, the trade of godliness stands still. And watch in the same] Against dulness of spirit, drowsiness of body, Satanic suggestions, secular distractions, &c. With thanksgiving] Have your thanks ready, for you are sure to speed.

Ellicott's Commentary on Colossians 4:2

[7. Conclusion of the Epistle.(1) FINAL to prayer (especially for St. Paul himself), and to wisdom towards those without, both in deed and in word (Colossians 4:2-6). (2) of Tychicus and Onesimus (Colossians 4:7-9). (3) from Aristarchus, Marcus, Justus, Epaphras, Luke, Demas (Colossians 4:10-14). (4) CHARGE to this Church to exchange greetings and letters with the Laodicean Church, and special charge to Archippus (Colossians 4:15-17). (5) FINAL (Colossians 4:18).]

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Colossians 4:2

Verse 2. Continue in prayer] This was the apostle's general advice to all; without this, neither wives, husbands, children, parents, servants, nor masters, could fulfil the duties which God, in their respective stations, required of them. All might, power, and life come from God; his creatures are continually dependent upon him for all these: to earnest, persevering prayer, he has promised every supply; but he who prays not has no promise. How few wives feel it their duty to pray to God to give them grace to behave as wives! How few husbands pray for the grace suited to their situation, that they may be able to fulfill its duties! The like may be said of children, parents, servants, and masters. As every situation in life has its peculiar duties, trials, c. so to every situation there is peculiar grace appointed. No man can fulfil the duties of any station without the grace suited to that station. The grace suited to him, as a member of society in general, will not be sufficient for him as a husband, father, or master. Many proper marriages become unhappy in the end, because the parties have not earnestly besought God for the grace necessary for them as husbands and wives. This is the origin of family broils in general; and a proper attention to the apostle's advice would prevent them all. Watch in the same] Be always on your guard; and when you have got the requisite grace by praying, take care of it, and bring it into its proper action by watchfulness; by which you will know when, and where, and how to apply it. With thanksgiving] Being always grateful to God, who has called you into such a state of salvation, and affords you such abundant means and opportunities to glorify him.

Cambridge Bible on Colossians 4:2

2–6. Prayer: Intercourse with non-Christians2. Continue in prayer] Persevere at prayer. Cp. Ephesians 6:18, where the like precept is prefaced by the elaborated thought of the spiritual combat and armour. Cp. for the phrase Romans 12:12.—Here as there he returns from the details of life to the great spiritual requisites to any true life for God.“Continue”:—it is implied that prayer is no mere spiritual luxury or interlude; it is sacred business, with its difficulties and its labour. Cp. Luke 21:36; Philippians 4:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:17.“Prayer”:—“the Christian’s vital breath.” The word includes all the elements of adoring converse with God—confession, petition, thanksgiving, ascription.watch] Cp. the Lord’s own “watch and pray”; Matthew 26:41; Mark 14:38. And on spiritual watchfulness generally, as against the coma of the world, cp. Matthew 24:42-43; Mark 13:35-37; Luke 12:37; Acts 20:31; 1 Corinthians 16:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 3:2-3; Revelation 16:15.in the same] The watching was to be conditioned and maintained in the exercise of prayer. The believer was to be ready both for the tempter and for the Judge in the strength of spiritual contact with God.with thanksgiving] which, though a normal element in true prayer, tends to be forgotten, especially under trial, and so needs special mention. Cp. ch. Colossians 1:12, Colossians 2:7, Colossians 3:15; Colossians 3:17.

Barnes' Notes on Colossians 4:2

Continue in prayer - That is, do not neglect it; observe it at all stated times; maintain the spirit of prayer, and embrace all proper occasions to engage in it; compare the Luke 18:1 note; Ephesians

Whedon's Commentary on Colossians 4:2

4. Duty of prayer, Colossians 4:2-4.2. Prayer—Keep the constant practice of it. Watch—Be earnestly active in the duty, with a wakefulness of soul, always accompanying it with thanksgiving.

Sermons on Colossians 4:2

SermonDescription
Corrie Ten Boom Youth for Christ Ladies by Corrie Ten Boom In this sermon, the speaker describes a situation where 700 prisoners were in great danger and facing punishment due to their fighting. Amidst this chaos, there was a weak and star
Leonard Ravenhill Interview of Leonard Ravenhill by David Mainse by Leonard Ravenhill Leonard Ravenhill, in an interview with David Mainse, emphasizes the critical need for prayer in ministry, arguing that a lack of prayer life among preachers leads to a spiritually
A.W. Tozer Personal Victory for the New Year by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher focuses on a verse written by Paul, emphasizing the importance of being watchful as Christians. He highlights that we cannot simply muddle through the
Sundar Krishnan Pray Big and Pray Bold by Sundar Krishnan This sermon emphasizes the power of intercessory prayer in shaping the future and creating a better world. It explores the concept of spiritual defiance through prayer, believing i
Leonard Ravenhill "Praying Payson of Portland" by Leonard Ravenhill This sermon reflects on the powerful legacy of a praying patient in Portland who dedicated himself to fervent prayer, leaving physical marks on his knees as a testament to his comm
Keith Daniel Bearing Fruit - Part 7 by Keith Daniel This sermon emphasizes the vital importance of maintaining a consistent and genuine quiet time with God, highlighting how neglecting this time can lead to spiritual downfall and th
Zac Poonen (The Foundation and the Building) the Most Important Thing in Life by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a Christlike attitude and values. He challenges the audience to not just passively listen to the message, but to all

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate