Colossians 4:16 After this letter has been read among you, make sure that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.

Bible > Colossians > Chapter 4 > Verse 16

◄ Colossians 4:16 ►

New International Version
After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.

New Living Translation
After you have read this letter, pass it on to the church at Laodicea so they can read it, too. And you should read the letter I wrote to them.

English Standard Version
And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea.

Berean Standard Bible
After this letter has been read among you, make sure that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.

Berean Literal Bible
And when the letter shall be read among you, cause that it may be read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you also may read the one from Laodicea.

King James Bible
And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.

New King James Version
Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.

New American Standard Bible
When this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part, read my letter that is coming from Laodicea.

NASB 1995
When this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part read my letter that is coming from Laodicea.

NASB 1977
And when this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part read my letter that is coming from Laodicea.

Legacy Standard Bible
And when this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part read my letter that is coming from Laodicea.

Amplified Bible
When this letter has been read among you, see that it is read in the church of the Laodiceans; and also that you in turn read my letter [that is coming to you] from Laodicea.

Christian Standard Bible
After this letter has been read at your gathering, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea.

American Standard Version
And when this epistle hath been read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye also read the epistle from Laodicea.

Contemporary English Version
After this letter has been read to your people, be sure to have it read in the church at Laodicea. And you should read the letter that I have sent to them.

English Revised Version
And when this epistle hath been read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye also read the epistle from Laodicea.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
After you have read this letter, read it in the church at Laodicea. Make sure that you also read the letter from Laodicea.

Good News Translation
After you read this letter, make sure that it is read also in the church at Laodicea. At the same time, you are to read the letter that the believers in Laodicea will send you.

International Standard Version
When this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and be sure to read the one from Laodicea.

Majority Standard Bible
After this letter has been read among you, make sure that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.

NET Bible
And after you have read this letter, have it read to the church of Laodicea. In turn, read the letter from Laodicea as well.

New Heart English Bible
When this letter has been read among you, cause it to be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that you also read the letter from Laodicea.

Webster's Bible Translation
And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.

Weymouth New Testament
And when this Letter has been read among you, let it be read also in the Church of the Laodiceans, and you in turn must read the one I am sending to Laodicea.

World English Bible
When this letter has been read among you, cause it to be read also in the assembly of the Laodiceans, and that you also read the letter from Laodicea.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and when the letter may be read with you, cause that it may also be read in the assembly of the Laodiceans, and the [letter] from Laodicea that you also may read;

Berean Literal Bible
And when the letter shall be read among you, cause that it may be read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you also may read the one from Laodicea.

Young's Literal Translation
and when the epistle may be read with you, cause that also in the assembly of the Laodiceans it may be read, and the epistle from Laodicea that ye also may read;

Smith's Literal Translation
And when the epistle shall be read among you, make that also it be read to the church in Laodicea; and that ye also read that from Laodicea.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And when this epistle shall have been read with you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans: and that you read that which is of the Laodiceans.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when this epistle has been read among you, cause it to be read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and you should read that which is from the Laodiceans.

New American Bible
And when this letter is read before you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and you yourselves read the one from Laodicea.

New Revised Standard Version
And when this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you read also the letter from Laodicea.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And when this epistle has been read to you, see that it is read also in the church of the La-od-i-ce’ans; and likewise you read the epistle written from La-od-i-ce’a.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And whenever this letter is read to you, cause it to be read in the church of Laidiqia and read that which was written from Laidiqia.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
And when this letter has been read among you, cause that it be read in the church of the Laodiceans also; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea;

Godbey New Testament
And when the letter may be read by you, cause that it may also be read in the church of the Laodiceans; and that you may also read the letter from Laodicea.

Haweis New Testament
And when this epistle hath been read among you, cause that it also be read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that ye also read that from Laodicea.

Mace New Testament
church which uses to meet in his house, when this epistle has been read among you, take care that it be read likewise in the church of the Laodiceans, and

Weymouth New Testament
And when this Letter has been read among you, let it be read also in the Church of the Laodiceans, and you in turn must read the one I am sending to Laodicea.

Worrell New Testament
And, when the letter may be read among you, cause that it be read also in the assembly of the Laodiceans, and that ye also read the one from Laodicea.

Worsley New Testament
And when this letter has been read amongst you, cause it to be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; that ye may also read that from Laodicea.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Sharing This Letter
15Greet the brothers in Laodicea, as well as Nympha and the church that meets at her house. 16 After this letter has been read among you, make sure that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea. 17Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

1 Thessalonians 5:27
I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.

2 Corinthians 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia:

Ephesians 3:3-4
that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. / In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,

1 Timothy 4:13
Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching.

Revelation 1:3
Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and obey what is written in it, because the time is near.

Acts 15:30-31
So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they assembled the congregation and delivered the letter. / When the people read it, they rejoiced at its encouraging message.

2 Peter 3:15-16
Consider also that our Lord’s patience brings salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom God gave him. / He writes this way in all his letters, speaking in them about such matters. Some parts of his letters are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.

1 Corinthians 16:1
Now about the collection for the saints, you are to do as I directed the churches of Galatia:

Galatians 1:2
and all the brothers with me, To the churches of Galatia:

Philippians 1:1
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:

Romans 16:16
Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send you greetings.

2 Corinthians 10:10
For some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but his physical presence is unimpressive, and his speaking is of no account.”

1 Thessalonians 1:1
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.

Acts 20:27
For I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole will of God.

2 Timothy 4:13
When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.

Treasury of Scripture

And when this letter is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that you likewise read the letter from Laodicea.

1 Thessalonians 5:27
I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.

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Assembly Cause Church Epistle Letter Likewise Part Public Read Sending Turn

Colossians 4

1. He exhorts them to be fervent in prayer;
5. to walk wisely toward those who are not yet come to the true knowledge of Christ.
10. He salutes them, and wishes them all prosperity.

Berean Study Bible

After this letter has been read among you
The phrase "After this letter has been read among you" emphasizes the importance of communal reading and understanding of Scripture within the early church. The Greek word for "read" (ἀναγινώσκω, anaginōskō) implies not just a private reading but a public proclamation. This reflects the practice of the early Christian communities where letters from apostles were read aloud to ensure that all members, regardless of literacy, could hear and understand the teachings. It underscores the communal nature of early Christian worship and the shared responsibility of the church to engage with apostolic teachings.

have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans
The instruction to "have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans" highlights the interconnectedness of the early Christian communities. The city of Laodicea was a neighboring city to Colossae, and this directive suggests a network of churches that shared teachings and supported one another. Historically, Laodicea was a wealthy city, known for its banking, textiles, and medical schools. The sharing of letters between churches indicates the early practice of circulating apostolic writings, which would eventually form the New Testament canon. This practice ensured doctrinal consistency and unity among the early Christians.

and you in turn are to read the letter from Laodicea
The phrase "and you in turn are to read the letter from Laodicea" suggests that there was a reciprocal exchange of letters between the churches. While the specific "letter from Laodicea" is not extant, this instruction implies that Paul wrote multiple letters to various churches, some of which have not survived. This exchange of letters would have been crucial for maintaining theological coherence and mutual encouragement among the early Christians. It also reflects the apostolic authority that Paul held, as his letters were considered vital for instruction and edification.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(16) When this epistle.--In the implied direction to read this Epistle in the Church--a direction expressly given under like circumstances to the Church at Thessalonica (1Thessalonians 5:27)--we discern the method of first publication of the Apostolic Epistles; in the direction to interchange Epistles with the Laodicean Church, we trace the way in which these Epistles became more widely diffused, and recognised as authoritative in the Church at large. Thus it was that they were "canonised," i.e., accepted as a part of the "canon" or rule of divine truth. The likelihood, or unlikelihood, of this public reading has an important bearing on the question of the authenticity of some of the books, which were placed among the "doubtful" by Eusebius and other ancient authorities. The fact that other books (such as our so-called Apocryphal books) were also publicly read was the cause of their being wrongly confused with the books of Holy Scripture.

The epistle from Laodicea.--The question, What was this "Epistle from Laodicea"? has given birth to a crowd of conjectures, of which an admirable and exhaustive examination will be found in Dr. Lightfoot's Excursus on this verse. But many of these may be at once dismissed. It seems perfectly clear, from the obvious parallelism of this Epistle from Laodicea with the Epistle to the Colossians itself, that it was a letter not from the Laodicean Church, not from any other Apostle, or Apostolic writer, but from St. Paul himself, either written at Laodicea, or (as is more likely) written to the Laodicean Church, and to be sent "from Laodicea" to Colossae. Hence the question is narrowed to a single alternative--(1) Is it an Epistle which has been lost, or, at any rate, not found in the canon? This is, of course, possible; it cannot be necessary, as it is certainly difficult, to suppose that all St. Paul's Epistles have been preserved to us in Holy Scripture. Now, there is extant an "Epistle to the Laodiceans," circulated in the West, and known only in the Latin, although it has been thought to bear traces of translation from a Greek original. This letter (for which see Excursus B.) is obviously a forgery, probably not of early date, being little more than a tame compilation of phrases from St. Paul's Epistles. Putting this unhesitatingly aside, we may suppose the letter to have been lost. But this is a supposition merely arbitrary, and not to be adopted, except in default of something which has a better claim to attention. (2) Is it some other of St. Paul's known Epistles? The only letter which is noticed in our ordinary copies of the Greek Testament as written from Laodicea is the First Epistle to Timothy; but this is put out of the question, both in date and character; and, moreover, the very idea of a letter written from Laodicea at this time is negatived by St. Paul's declaration (Colossians 2:1) that the Laodiceans had not seen his face in the flesh. A fourth century tradition declares our "Epistle to the Hebrews" to have been written to the Laodiceans; but (setting aside all question of the authorship) the whole character and argument of the Epistle make this extremely unlikely. Far the most probable supposition identifies it with our "Epistle to the Ephesians." For the reasons for supposing this an encyclical letter, see Introduction to that Epistle. In particular it should not be forgotten that Marcion expressly calls it an "Epistle to the Laodiceans." Laodicea lay lower down the valley, and was the larger town: an encyclical letter might well be left there to be sent on to Colossae. The two Epistles, as we have seen, have both strong likeness and marked distinction. Nothing could be more natural than that they should be interchanged, according to the direction of the text.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 16. - And when this letter has been read among you, see to it (literally, cause) that it be read also in the Church of (the) Laodiceans (1 Thessalonians 5:27). For these two Churches were closely allied in origin and condition, as well as by situation and acquaintanceship (Colossians 2:1-5; Colossians 4:13). The leaven of the Colossian error was doubtless beginning to work in Laodicea also. The words addressed to Laodicea in the Apocalypse (Revelation 3:14-22) bear reference apparently to the language of this Epistle (Colossians 1:15-18); see Lightfoot, pp. 41, etc. The phrase, "Church of Laodiceans," corresponds to that used in the salutation of 1 and 2 Thessalonians, but is not found elsewhere in St. Paul. And that ye also read the letter from Laodicea. What was this letter? Clearly a letter from St. Paul which would be received at Laodicea, and which the Colossians were to obtain from there. The connection of this sentence with the foregoing, and the absence of any other definition of the words, "the letter (from Laodicea)," make this evident. Nothing further can be affirmed with certainty. But several considerations point to the probability that this missing Epistle is none other than our (so-called) Epistle to the Ephesians. For:

(1) Both letters were sent at the same time, and by the same messenger (Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7).

(2) The relation between the two is more intimate than exists between any other of St. Paul's writings; they are twins, the birth of the same crisis in the condition of the Church and in the apostle's own mind. Each serves as a commentary on the other. And there are several important topics, lightly touched upon in this letter, on which the writer dilates at length in the other (comp. Colossians 1:9 b and Ephesians 1:17, 18; Colossians 1:23 b-25 and Ephesians 3:1-13; Colossians 1:18 a, 24 b, 2:19 and Ephesians 4:4-16, 5:23-32; Colossians 1:21, 27, 2:11-13, 3:11 and Ephesians 2; Colossians 1:18 ("Firstborn out of the dead"), 2:12 b and Ephesians 1:19-23; Colossians 3:12 ("God's elect") and Ephesians 1:3-14; Colossians 3:18, 19 and Ephesians 5:22-33). On the other hand, the main arguments of the Colossian letter are, as it seems, assumed and presupposed in the Ephesian (comp. Ephesians 1:10, 20 b-23, 2:20 b, 3:8 b-11, 19 b, 4:13 b with Colossians 1:15-20, 2:9, 10; Ephesians 4:14 with Colossians 2:4, 8, 16-23).

(3) The words ἐν Αφέδῳ in Ephesians 1:1 are of doubtful authenticity; and there is much in the internal character of that Epistle to favour the hypothesis, proposed by Archbishop Usher, that it was a circular letter, destined for a number of Churches in Asia Minor, of which Ephesus may have been the first and Laodicea the last (compare the order of Revelation 2:3.). In that case a copy of the Ephesian Epistle would be left at Laodicea by Tychicus on his way to Colossae. (See Introduction, § 6; compare that to Ephesians.) . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

After
ὅταν (hotan)
Conjunction
Strong's 3752: When, whenever. From hote and an; whenever; also causatively inasmuch as.

[this]
ἡ (hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

letter
ἐπιστολή (epistolē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1992: A letter, dispatch, epistle, message. From epistello; a written message.

has been read
ἀναγνωσθῇ (anagnōsthē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 314: To read, know again, know certainly, recognize, discern. From ana and ginosko; to know again, i.e. to read.

among
παρ’ (par’)
Preposition
Strong's 3844: Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of.

you,
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

make sure
ποιήσατε (poiēsate)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

it is also read
ἀναγνωσθῇ (anagnōsthē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 314: To read, know again, know certainly, recognize, discern. From ana and ginosko; to know again, i.e. to read.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
τῇ (tē)
Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

church
ἐκκλησίᾳ (ekklēsia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1577: From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.

of [the] Laodiceans,
Λαοδικέων (Laodikeōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 2994: A Laodicean, an inhabitant of Laodicea. From Laodikeia; a Laodicean, i.e. Inhabitant of Laodicia.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

you
ὑμεῖς (hymeis)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

in turn
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

read
ἀναγνῶτε (anagnōte)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 314: To read, know again, know certainly, recognize, discern. From ana and ginosko; to know again, i.e. to read.

the [letter]
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

from
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

Laodicea.
Λαοδικείας (Laodikeias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2993: From a compound of laos and dike; Laodicia, a place in Asia Minor.

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NT Letters: Colossians 4:16 When this letter has been read among (Coloss. Col Co)