Colossians 4:4
New International Version
Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.

New Living Translation
Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.

English Standard Version
that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

Berean Standard Bible
Pray that I may declare it clearly, as I should.

Berean Literal Bible
so that I should make it clear, as it behooves me to speak.

King James Bible
That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

New King James Version
that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

New American Standard Bible
that I may make it clear in the way that I ought to proclaim it.

NASB 1995
that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.

NASB 1977
in order that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.

Legacy Standard Bible
that I may make it manifest in the way I ought to speak.

Amplified Bible
that I may make it clear [and speak boldly and unfold the mystery] in the way I should.

Christian Standard Bible
so that I may make it known as I should.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
so that I may reveal it as I am required to speak.

American Standard Version
that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

Contemporary English Version
Please pray that I will make the message as clear as possible.

English Revised Version
that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Pray that I may make this mystery as clear as possible. This is what I have to do.

Good News Translation
Pray, then, that I may speak, as I should, in such a way as to make it clear.

International Standard Version
May I reveal it as clearly as I should!

Majority Standard Bible
Pray that I may declare it clearly, as I should.

NET Bible
Pray that I may make it known as I should.

New Heart English Bible
that I may reveal it as I ought to speak.

Webster's Bible Translation
That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

Weymouth New Testament
Then I shall proclaim it fully, as it is my duty to do.

World English Bible
that I may reveal it as I ought to speak.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
that I may reveal it, as it is necessary for me to speak.

Berean Literal Bible
so that I should make it clear, as it behooves me to speak.

Young's Literal Translation
that I may manifest it, as it behoveth me to speak;

Smith's Literal Translation
That I might manifest, as is fitting for me to speak.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
That I may make it manifest as I ought to speak.

Catholic Public Domain Version
so that I may manifest it in the manner that I ought to speak.

New American Bible
that I may make it clear, as I must speak.

New Revised Standard Version
so that I may reveal it clearly, as I should.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
So that I may make it manifest and speak about it as I should.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
That I may reveal it and speak it just as I must.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

Godbey New Testament
in order that I may manifest the same, as it behooves me to speak.

Haweis New Testament
that I may make it evident, as I ought to speak.

Mace New Testament
that I may publish it in the manner, it should necessarily be done.

Weymouth New Testament
Then I shall proclaim it fully, as it is my duty to do.

Worrell New Testament
that I may make it manifest as I ought to speak.

Worsley New Testament
Behave yourselves wisely towards them that are without,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Fellow Workers
3as you pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4Pray that I may declare it clearly, as I should. 5Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time.…

Cross References
Ephesians 6:19-20
Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel, / for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should.

Acts 4:29
And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness,

2 Thessalonians 3:1
Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread quickly and be held in honor, just as it was with you.

1 Corinthians 2:4
My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,

Philippians 1:20
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

Romans 15:30-32
Now I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. / Pray that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there, / so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed.

2 Corinthians 3:12
Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.

1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,

Acts 28:31
Boldly and freely he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 4:17
But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion.

Jeremiah 1:7-9
But the LORD told me: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak. / Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD. / Then the LORD reached out His hand, touched my mouth, and said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.

Isaiah 50:4
The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship, to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.

Exodus 4:12
Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.”

Psalm 51:15
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise.

Isaiah 6:5-8
Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.” / Then one of the seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. / And with it he touched my mouth and said: “Now that this has touched your lips, your iniquity is removed and your sin is atoned for.” ...


Treasury of Scripture

That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

I may.

Matthew 10:26,27
Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known…

Acts 4:29
And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

2 Corinthians 3:12
Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:

as.

Colossians 4:6
Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Acts 5:29
Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

1 Corinthians 2:4,5
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: …

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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.














Pray
The Greek word used here is "proseuchomai," which means to earnestly communicate with God. In the context of Paul's letter, prayer is not just a ritual but a vital, living connection with God. Paul emphasizes the importance of intercessory prayer, highlighting the communal aspect of faith where believers support one another through prayer. This reflects the early Christian community's reliance on prayer as a source of strength and guidance.

that I may declare
The phrase "declare" comes from the Greek "phaneroō," meaning to make manifest or to reveal. Paul is asking for prayers that he might effectively communicate the gospel. This reflects the apostle's deep sense of responsibility and his desire to be a faithful steward of the message of Christ. Historically, Paul faced numerous challenges and opposition, making the clarity of his message crucial for the spread of Christianity.

it clearly
The word "clearly" is translated from the Greek "phanerōs," which means openly or plainly. Paul seeks to present the gospel in a way that is understandable and accessible to all. This highlights the importance of clarity in teaching and preaching, ensuring that the message of Christ is not obscured by complex language or cultural barriers. The early church faced diverse audiences, and clarity was essential for effective evangelism.

as I should
The phrase "as I should" indicates a sense of duty and obligation. The Greek word "dei" implies necessity or what is proper. Paul acknowledges his calling and the divine mandate to preach the gospel. This reflects a deep commitment to fulfilling God's will, regardless of personal cost. Historically, Paul's ministry was marked by perseverance and dedication, serving as an example for believers to follow their divine calling with the same fervor and faithfulness.

Verse 4. - That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak (Ephesians 6:20; 2 Corinthians 2:17; 2 Corinthians 4:1-6; 2 Corinthians 5:11, 20-6:10; Romans 12:6; 2 Timothy 2:24-26; 2 Timothy 3:10; Acts 20:18-21, 27, 33-35). This clause qualifies the last; the "open door" is to be asked for the apostle, that he may make effective use of it. The mystery has been made manifest by God in the mission of Christ (Colossians 1:27; Colossians 2:15, note; 2 Corinthians 5:19, etc.); but that manifestation has to be made known to the Gentile world (Ephesians 3:9; 2 Corinthians 2:14; Romans 10:14). To this end he had received a special manifestation of "the mystery of Christ" (2 Corinthians 4:6; 2 Corinthians 5:19; Galatians 1:15, 16; Acts 9:15, 16; Acts 22:14, 15, 21; Acts 26:16-18). How the apostle conceives that he "ought to speak" appears from the parallel passages (see especially 2 Corinthians 5; 2 Corinthians 6; and Acts 20.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[Pray] 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.

I may declare it clearly,
φανερώσω (phanerōsō)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 5319: To make clear (visible, manifest), make known. From phaneros; to render apparent.

as
ὡς (hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

I
με (me)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

should.
δεῖ (dei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1163: Third person singular active present of deo; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is Necessary.


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NT Letters: Colossians 4:4 That I may reveal it as (Coloss. Col Co)
Colossians 4:3
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