| World English Bible (WEB) | New International Version (NIV) |
| 1 Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. | 1 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven. |
| 2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving; | 2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. |
| 3 praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds; | 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. |
| 4 that I may reveal it as I ought to speak. | 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. |
| 5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. | 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. |
| 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. | 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. |
| 7 All my affairs will be made known to you by Tychicus, the beloved brother, faithful servant, and fellow bondservant in the Lord. | 7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. |
| 8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, | 8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. |
| 9 together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things that are going on here. | 9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here. |
| 10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you received commandments, "if he comes to you, receive him"), | 10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) |
| 11 and Jesus who is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These are my only fellow workers to the kingdom of God, men who have been a comfort to me. | 11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. |
| 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. | 12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. |
| 13 For I testify about him, that he has great zeal for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis. | 13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. |
| 14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you. | 14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. |
| 15 Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the assembly that is in his house. | 15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. |
| 16 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. | 16 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. |
| 17 Tell Archippus, "Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it." | 17 Tell Archippus: "See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord." |
| 18 The salutation of me, Paul, with my own hand. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. | 18 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. |
| The World English Bible is in the public domain. (The World English Bible Online) | Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (New International Version Bible Online) |