Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

COLOSSIANS 4:3KJV
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Colossians 4:3 (KJV)

What does Colossians 4:3 mean?

Colossians 4:3 describes Paul asking the believers to pray for him and his companions, specifically that God would give them opportunities ("a door of utterance") to share the message about Christ, even though Paul is currently imprisoned because of this message. Paul’s main concern is not his own comfort, but that he can continue to speak about the mystery of Christ.

Paul is writing this letter to the Christians in Colossae while he is in prison. He asks for their prayers, not for his release, but for God to provide chances to speak about Christ’s message, which he calls a "mystery"—something once hidden but now revealed. The focus is on spreading the gospel, even in difficult circumstances.

The Greek behind Colossians 4:3

  • "Door" (θύρα, thýra): This word often means a literal door, but here it is used figuratively for an opportunity or opening. Paul is asking for God to create opportunities for him to speak.
  • "Utterance" (λόγος, lógos): This word means "word" or "message." Paul is not just asking for a chance to talk, but specifically to share the message about Christ.
  • "Mystery" (μυστήριον, mystērion): In Paul’s letters, this word refers to something God has revealed—here, the good news about Christ that was once hidden but is now made known.
  • "Bonds" (δέω, deō): This word means "to bind" or "to tie." Paul mentions being in "bonds" to remind the readers that he is imprisoned because of his commitment to sharing Christ.

Why Colossians 4:3 matters

  • Colossians 4:3 shows that Paul’s main concern is the spread of the gospel, not his own situation, which can challenge assumptions about what to pray for in hard times.
  • The verse highlights the idea that sharing the message of Christ is not always easy or safe; Paul is in prison because of it, yet he still seeks more opportunities to speak.
  • By calling the message of Christ a "mystery," Paul connects this verse to a larger theme in his letters: the gospel is something God has revealed to all people, not just a select few.

Where else these words appear

“Withal” Greek G260 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 13:29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
  • Acts 27:40 And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

“mystery” Greek G3466 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
  • Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

“door” Greek G2374 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
  • Luke 13:25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
  • Acts 12:6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

“am” Greek G1210 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 12:29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.
  • Mark 11:4 And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him.
  • Acts 12:6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.