But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:

EPHESIANS 6:21KJV
Know the Bible

Ephesians 6:21 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 6:21 mean?

Ephesians 6:21 says that Paul is sending Tychicus, a dear friend and trustworthy servant of the Lord, to inform the believers in Ephesus about Paul’s situation and how he is doing. Paul wants the church to have a clear update on his well-being and activities.

Paul is writing this letter from prison to Christians in Ephesus. He cannot visit them himself, so he sends Tychicus to deliver news and reassure them. By calling Tychicus a “beloved brother and faithful minister,” Paul highlights both his affection for Tychicus and his trustworthiness in sharing accurate information.

The Greek behind Ephesians 6:21

  • Τυχικός (Tychikos; “Tychicus”): This is the name of Paul’s messenger. Tychicus was a trusted companion, and his mention here shows Paul’s reliance on him for important tasks.
  • ἀγαπητός (agapētos; “beloved”): This word means deeply loved or cherished, emphasizing the close bond between Paul and Tychicus.
  • πιστός (pistos; “faithful”): This word means trustworthy or reliable. Paul uses it to assure the Ephesians that Tychicus is dependable in his service to the Lord and in delivering Paul’s message.
  • διάκονος (diakonos; “minister”): This term refers to someone who serves, especially in a church context. Here, it shows Tychicus’s active role in ministry, not just as a messenger but as a servant leader.

Why Ephesians 6:21 matters

  • Ephesians 6:21 shows Paul’s concern for personal connection and transparency, even while he is imprisoned, by making sure the church is informed and encouraged.
  • The verse highlights the importance of trustworthy relationships in ministry, as Paul entrusts sensitive news to Tychicus.
  • This verse connects the teaching part of the letter to real-life relationships, reminding readers that faith is lived out in community and communication.

Where else these words appear

“Tychicus” Greek G5190 · used in 7 verses

  • Acts 20:4 And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.
  • Colossians 4:7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:
  • 2 Timothy 4:12 And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.

“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,

“minister” Greek G1249 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 20:26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
  • Romans 15:8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
  • Ephesians 3:7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

“do” Greek G4238 · used in 36 verses

  • Luke 3:13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
  • Acts 17:7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.
  • Romans 2:3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?