With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.

COLOSSIANS 4:9KJV
Know the Bible

Colossians 4:9 (KJV)

What does Colossians 4:9 mean?

Colossians 4:9 describes Paul sending Onesimus, calling him a faithful and beloved brother who belongs to the Colossian community, along with Tychicus to deliver news about Paul’s situation. Paul assures the Colossians that Onesimus and Tychicus will inform them about everything happening with Paul and his companions.

Paul is writing from prison to the church in Colossae, sending this letter with two trusted messengers. Onesimus, once a runaway slave from Colossae, is now described in warm, family-like terms, showing his new status among believers. Paul’s words highlight trust, reconciliation, and the unity of the Christian community.

The Greek behind Colossians 4:9

  • Ὀνήσιμος (Onēsimos): This is the name of the messenger, meaning “useful” or “profitable.” Paul’s use of the name subtly points to Onesimus’s transformation from a runaway slave to a valuable member of the church.
  • πιστός (pistos, “faithful”): This word is often understood as trustworthy or reliable. Paul’s use of it for Onesimus emphasizes that he is now someone the Colossians can depend on.
  • ἀγαπητός (agapētos, “beloved”): This term means dearly loved. Paul uses it to show the deep affection and acceptance Onesimus now enjoys in the Christian family.
  • ἐξ ὑμῶν (ex hymōn, “one of you”): This phrase stresses that Onesimus is not an outsider but belongs to the Colossian church, reinforcing his restored relationship with the community.

Why Colossians 4:9 matters

  • Paul’s description of Onesimus as both “faithful” and “beloved” challenges social boundaries, especially since Onesimus was previously a slave, showing the new identity found in Christ.
  • The verse sets up the context for the letter to Philemon, which deals directly with Onesimus’s situation, helping readers see the personal connections behind Paul’s letters.
  • Paul’s trust in Onesimus to deliver important news signals a powerful message of reconciliation and restored relationships within the early church.

Where else these words appear

“Onesimus” Greek G3682 · used in 4 verses

  • Colossians 4:18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. Written from Rome to Colossians by Tychicus and Onesimus.
  • Philemon 1:10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
  • Philemon 1:25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. Written from Rome to Philemon, by Onesimus a servant.

“known” Greek G1107 · used in 23 verses

  • Luke 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
  • 1 Corinthians 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
  • Ephesians 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

“here” Greek G5602 · used in 56 verses

  • Matthew 8:29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
  • Mark 9:1 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.
  • Luke 22:38 And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.

“beloved” Greek G27 · used in 61 verses

  • Matthew 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
  • 1 Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;