Colossians 4:18
New International Version
I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

New Living Translation
Here is my greeting in my own handwriting—Paul . Remember my chains. May God’s grace be with you.

English Standard Version
I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Berean Standard Bible
This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Berean Literal Bible
The greeting is in the own hand--Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

King James Bible
The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.

New King James Version
This salutation by my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.

New American Standard Bible
I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you.

NASB 1995
I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you.

NASB 1977
I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you.

Legacy Standard Bible
The greeting is in my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Amplified Bible
I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. May grace (God’s unmerited favor and blessing) be with you.

Christian Standard Bible
I, Paul, am writing this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you.

American Standard Version
The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you.

Contemporary English Version
I am signing this letter myself: PAUL. Don't forget that I am in jail. I pray that God will be kind to you.

English Revised Version
The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I, Paul, am writing this greeting with my own hand. Remember that I'm a prisoner. God's good will be with you.

Good News Translation
With my own hand I write this: Greetings from Paul. Do not forget my chains! May God's grace be with you.

International Standard Version
This greeting is written with my own signature —"Paul." Remember that I remain imprisoned. May grace be with you! Amen.

Majority Standard Bible
This greeting is in my own hand?Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.

NET Bible
I, Paul, write this greeting by my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

New Heart English Bible
I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Webster's Bible Translation
The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.

Weymouth New Testament
I Paul add with my own hand this final greeting. Be mindful of me in my imprisonment. Grace be with you.

World English Bible
I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
The salutation [is] by my hand, Paul. Remember my bonds. The grace [is] with you! Amen.

Berean Literal Bible
The greeting is in the own hand--Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Young's Literal Translation
The salutation by the hand of me, Paul; remember my bonds; the grace is with you. Amen.

Smith's Literal Translation
The greeting of Paul by my hand. Remember my bonds. Grace with you. Amen.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The salutation of Paul with my own hand. Be mindful of my bands. Grace be with you. Amen

Catholic Public Domain Version
The greeting of Paul by my own hand. Remember my chains. May grace be with you. Amen.

New American Bible
The greeting is in my own hand, Paul’s. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

New Revised Standard Version
I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
This salutation is by the hand of me, Paul. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you. Amen.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
This greeting is in my own hand, who am Paulus. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you. Amen.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
The salutation of me, Paul, with my own hand. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.

Godbey New Testament
Salutation of me Paul with my own hand. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you.

Haweis New Testament
The salutation of Paul with mine own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.Written to the Colossians from Rome by Tychicus and Onesimus.

Mace New Testament
have received from the Lord. I Paul salute you, and this salutation I write with my own hand, remember my bonds, grace be with you. AMEN.

Weymouth New Testament
I Paul add with my own hand this final greeting. Be mindful of me in my imprisonment. Grace be with you.

Worrell New Testament
The salutation, with my hand, of Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you.

Worsley New Testament
The salutation of me Paul, with my own hand. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Sharing This Letter
17Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.” 18This greeting is in my own hand— Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Cross References
1 Corinthians 16:21
This greeting is in my own hand—Paul.

2 Thessalonians 3:17
This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. This is my mark in every letter; it is the way I write.

Philemon 1:19
I, Paul, write this with my own hand. I will repay it—not to mention that you owe me your very self.

Galatians 6:11
See what large letters I am using to write to you with my own hand!

Romans 16:22
I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.

Philippians 1:7
It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart. For in my chains and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partners in grace with me.

2 Timothy 4:22
The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.

Ephesians 6:24
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

1 Thessalonians 5:28
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

2 Corinthians 13:14
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

Hebrews 13:25
Grace be with all of you.

1 Peter 5:14
Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

Acts 20:32
And now I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified.

1 Corinthians 1:3
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:2
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.


Treasury of Scripture

The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.

by.

1 Corinthians 16:21
The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.

2 Thessalonians 3:17
The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.

Remember.

2 Timothy 1:8
Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

Hebrews 13:3
Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

Grace.

Romans 16:20,24
And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen…

2 Corinthians 13:14
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

1 Timothy 6:21
Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

Colossians 4:1
Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

Colossians 4:3
Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

Jump to Previous
Add Amen Bonds Chains Fetters Final Grace Greeting Hand Handwriting Imprisonment Love Memory Mindful Paul Prisoner Remember Salutation Word Write
Jump to Next
Add Amen Bonds Chains Fetters Final Grace Greeting Hand Handwriting Imprisonment Love Memory Mindful Paul Prisoner Remember Salutation Word Write
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.














This greeting is in my own hand—Paul.
Paul often used a scribe to write his letters, but he would add a personal touch by writing the final greeting himself (see also 1 Corinthians 16:21, Galatians 6:11). This practice authenticated the letter and demonstrated his personal involvement and care for the recipients. It was a common practice in the ancient world for authors to dictate letters to scribes, but adding a personal signature or note was a way to ensure the letter's authenticity. This phrase emphasizes Paul's personal connection to the Colossian church and his pastoral concern for them.

Remember my chains.
Paul wrote this letter while imprisoned, likely in Rome (Acts 28:16-31). His mention of chains serves as a reminder of the cost of discipleship and the reality of persecution for the sake of the Gospel. It also highlights the theme of suffering for Christ, which is a recurring theme in Paul's writings (Philippians 1:12-14, 2 Timothy 2:9). The chains symbolize not only his physical imprisonment but also his spiritual commitment and dedication to spreading the Gospel despite adversity. This call to remember his chains is an appeal for prayer and solidarity from the Colossian believers.

Grace be with you.
Paul frequently concludes his letters with a benediction of grace (see Romans 16:20, 1 Corinthians 16:23). Grace is a central theme in Paul's theology, representing God's unmerited favor and the foundation of salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9). This closing blessing serves as a reminder of the sustaining power of God's grace in the lives of believers. It underscores the importance of grace in the Christian life, not only as the means of salvation but also as the source of strength and encouragement in daily living. The phrase encapsulates Paul's desire for the Colossians to continue experiencing God's grace in their community and personal lives.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
The apostle who authored the letter to the Colossians. He is writing from prison, emphasizing his personal connection and authority by signing the letter with his own hand.

2. Colossians
The recipients of the letter, a Christian community in the city of Colossae, located in modern-day Turkey. They were dealing with false teachings and needed encouragement and instruction.

3. Chains
Symbolic of Paul's imprisonment for the sake of the Gospel. His physical chains represent his commitment and the cost of discipleship.

4. Grace
A central theme in Paul's letters, representing God's unmerited favor and the empowerment for Christian living.
Teaching Points
The Personal Touch of Ministry
Paul’s personal greeting emphasizes the importance of personal connection in ministry. Even in chains, he reaches out personally to encourage and instruct the believers.

Endurance in Suffering
Paul’s mention of his chains serves as a reminder of the cost of following Christ. Believers are encouraged to endure hardships for the sake of the Gospel, trusting in God’s strength.

The Centrality of Grace
The closing benediction of grace highlights its necessity in the Christian life. Grace is not only the foundation of salvation but also the means by which believers live out their faith daily.

The Power of Remembrance
Paul’s request to "remember my chains" calls believers to remember those who suffer for the Gospel and to be inspired by their faithfulness.(18) The salutation by the hand of me Paul.--Comp. 2Thessalonians 3:17, "The salutation by the hand of me Paul, which is the token in every Epistle." This invariable autograph salutation was "Grace be with you" in various forms, from the brevity of the text here to the fulness of 2Corinthians 1:2, which has become the universal Christian blessing. In different epistles it is associated with different phrases of blessing; or charge. Thus we read in 1Corinthians 16:22, "If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be anathema." In the Epistle to the Galatians the autograph conclusion is expanded into a long postscript (Galatians 6:11-18). This may have been the case in the cognate conclusion (2 Corinthians 10-13) of the Second Epistle to the Corinthians, possibly from the words, "Now I Paul myself," &c. Here there is the simple and touching addition--

Remember my bonds.--In what spirit they were to be remembered we may gather from Ephesians 3:13; Ephesians 6:20; Philippians 1:13; Philippians 2:17. St. Paul evidently does not disdain to use his captivity as an appeal for sympathy (see Philemon 1:9); but mainly he dwells on it as a "glory" both to himself and to his converts. In both these different aspects it may be that he regarded it himself, according as he looked upon it "after the flesh" in the natural feeling of humanity, or "after the spirit," in the higher power of the grace of God. . . .

Verse 18. - The salutation with mine own hand - of Paul (2 Thessalonians 3:17, 18; 1 Corinthians 16:21-24; Galatians 6:11-18). So the apostle appends his authenticating signature to the letter, written, as usual, by his amanuensis, himself inscribing these last words (see parallel passages). The Epistle to Philemon he appears to have penned himself throughout (Philemon 1:19). Remember my bonds (Colossians 1:24; Philemon 1:9, 13; Ephesians 3:1, 13; Ephesians 4:1; Ephesians 6:20; 2 Timothy 2:9). This pathetic postscript is thoroughly characteristic (comp. Galatians 6:17). Grace be with you; literally, the grace (comp. Colossians 3:16). The apostle's final benediction in all his Epistles; here in its briefest form, as in 1 and 2 Timothy. In the Ephesian benediction "grace" is also used absolutely. 2 Corinthians 13:14 gives the formula in its full liturgical amplitude.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
This
(Ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

greeting
ἀσπασμὸς (aspasmos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 783: A greeting, salutation. From aspazomai; a greeting.

[is in my]
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.

own
ἐμῇ (emē)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Feminine 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1699: My, mine. From the oblique cases of ego; my.

hand—
χειρὶ (cheiri)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5495: A hand.

Paul.
Παύλου (Paulou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3972: Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.

Remember
Μνημονεύετέ (Mnēmoneuete)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 3421: From a derivative of mneme; to exercise memory, i.e. Recollect; by implication, to punish; also to rehearse.

my
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

chains.
δεσμῶν (desmōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 1199: Or desmos des-mos' neuter and masculine respectively from deo; a band, i.e. Ligament or shackle; figuratively, an impediment or disability.

Grace [be]
χάρις (charis)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5485: From chairo; graciousness, of manner or act.

with
μεθ’ (meth’)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

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


Links
Colossians 4:18 NIV
Colossians 4:18 NLT
Colossians 4:18 ESV
Colossians 4:18 NASB
Colossians 4:18 KJV

Colossians 4:18 BibleApps.com
Colossians 4:18 Biblia Paralela
Colossians 4:18 Chinese Bible
Colossians 4:18 French Bible
Colossians 4:18 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: Colossians 4:18 The salutation of me Paul with my (Coloss. Col Co)
Colossians 4:17
Top of Page
Top of Page