Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

COLOSSIANS 4:12KJV
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Colossians 4:12 (KJV)

What does Colossians 4:12 mean?

Colossians 4:12 describes how Epaphras, a fellow believer from Colossae and a devoted servant of Christ, is sending his greetings to the church while always praying intensely for them. The verse highlights that Epaphras prays so that the believers may stand mature and fully assured in everything God wants for them.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Colossae, mentioning Epaphras as someone who is both one of their own and deeply committed to their spiritual well-being. The verse shows Epaphras’s dedication, not just in words but through constant and passionate prayer, with the aim that the church would grow to spiritual maturity and completeness in following God’s will.

The Greek behind Colossians 4:12

  • The word "servant" (δοῦλος, doulos) means a bondservant or slave, emphasizing Epaphras’s humble and committed role in serving Christ rather than seeking his own status.
  • "Labouring fervently" (ἀγωνιζόμενος, agōnizomenos) carries the sense of struggling or striving intensely, like an athlete in a contest, which shows how seriously Epaphras takes his prayers for the church.
  • "Perfect" (τέλειος, teleios) often means mature or fully developed, not flawless, so Epaphras is praying for the believers to reach full spiritual maturity.
  • "Complete" (πεπληρωμένοι, peplērōmenoi) means filled up or fully assured, suggesting Epaphras wants the church to have a deep, settled confidence in all of God’s will.

Why Colossians 4:12 matters

  • This verse clears up that spiritual maturity and assurance are not automatic but are things that others can pray for on our behalf, showing the value of intercessory prayer.
  • The focus on Epaphras’s intense prayer life highlights that real spiritual care involves ongoing effort and concern, not just occasional thoughts or words.
  • Colossians 4:12 connects to the wider letter by showing practical examples of how believers can support each other, reinforcing Paul’s theme of community and growth in Christ.

Where else these words appear

“Epaphras” Greek G1889 · used in 3 verses

  • Colossians 1:7 As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;
  • Philemon 1:23 There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;

“fervently” Greek G75 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
  • 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

“perfect” Greek G5046 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
  • Hebrews 9:11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;

“prayers” Greek G4335 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 17:21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
  • Acts 10:4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
  • Colossians 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;