| New King James Version | NET Bible |
| 1Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. | 1Masters, treat your slaves with justice and fairness, because you know that you also have a master in heaven. |
| 2Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; | 2Be devoted to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving. |
| 3meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, | 3At the same time pray for us too, that God may open a door for the message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. |
| 4that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. | 4Pray that I may make it known as I should. |
| 5Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. | 5Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunities. |
| 6Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. | 6Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer everyone. |
| 7Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. | 7Tychicus, a dear brother, faithful minister, and fellow slave in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. |
| 8I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, | 8I sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are doing and that he may encourage your hearts. |
| 9with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here. | 9I sent him with Onesimus, the faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here. |
| 10Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), | 10Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him). |
| 11and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me. | 11And Jesus who is called Justus also sends greetings. In terms of Jewish converts, these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. |
| 12Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. | 12Epaphras, who is one of you and a slave of Christ, greets you. He is always struggling in prayer on your behalf, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. |
| 13For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis. | 13For I can testify that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis. |
| 14Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you. | 14Our dear friend Luke the physician and Demas greet you. |
| 15Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house. | 15Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters who are in Laodicea and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house. |
| 16Now 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. | 16And after you have read this letter, have it read to the church of Laodicea. In turn, read the letter from Laodicea as well. |
| 17And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” | 17And tell Archippus, "See to it that you complete the ministry you received in the Lord." |
| 18This salutation by my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen. | 18I, Paul, write this greeting by my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. |
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