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Merge material on Colossians 3 and 4 (#2210) 

Co-authored-by: stephenwunrow <stephenwunrow@noreply.door43.org>
Reviewed-on: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_tn/pulls/2210
Co-authored-by: Stephen Wunrow <stephenwunrow@noreply.door43.org>
Co-committed-by: Stephen Wunrow <stephenwunrow@noreply.door43.org>
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@ -264,7 +264,7 @@ COL 2 23 g9i8 translate-unknown ἀφειδίᾳ σώματος 1 The phrase **
COL 2 23 e7p5 figs-abstractnouns ἐστιν…οὐκ ἐν τιμῇ τινι 1 are not of any value against the indulgence of the flesh If it would be clearer, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **value** by combining it with the verbal phrase **are not** to create a phrase such as “do nothing” or “are ineffective.” Alternate translation: “do nothing” or “are ineffective” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
COL 2 23 blil figs-possession πλησμονὴν τῆς σαρκός 1 Paul uses the possessive form to speak of **indulgence** one gives to the **flesh**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate **indulgence** with a verb such as “indulging.” alternate translation: “indulging the flesh.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
COL 2 23 e70e translate-unknown πλησμονὴν τῆς σαρκός 1 If one “indulges” **the flesh**, this means that one has behaved in ways that match what one’s weak and sinful parts wish. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this idea by using the word for “sin.” Alternate translation: “sin” or “giving in to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
COL 3 intro qtl2 0 # Colossians 3 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>The second part of this chapter parallels Ephesians 5 and 6.<br><br>3. Exhortation Section<br> * Seek the Things Above (3:1–4)<br> * Take off Vices, Put on Virtues (3:5–17)<br> * Commands for the Household (3:18–4:1)<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Old and new self<br><br>The old and new self mean the same as the old and new man. The term “old man” probably refers to the sinful nature with which a person is born. The “new man” is the new nature or new life that God gives a person after they come to believe in Christ. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Character<br><br>Many of the things Paul encourages his readers to pursue or avoid are not actions but character qualities. Because of this, they may be difficult to translate. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])<br><br>### “The things above”<br><br>Where God dwells is often pictured as being located “above.” Paul says to “seek the things above” and to “think about the things above.” He is implying Christians should seek and think about heavenly and godly things.
COL 3 intro qtl2 0 # Colossians 3 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>[4:1](../04/01.md) belongs to the section that begins in [3:18](../03/18.md), even though it is in the next chapter.<br><br>3. Exhortation Section<br> * Seek the Things Above (3:1–4)<br> * Take off Vices, Put on Virtues (3:5–17)<br> * Commands for the Household (3:18–4:1)<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Old and new “man”<br><br>Paul refers to the old and new “man” in [3:9–10](../03/09–10.md). These terms refer to the person before (“old”) and after (“new”) dying and rising with Christ. With these key words, Paul makes a similar claim to what he argued in [2:11–13](../02/11–13.md): believers are not who they used to be; rather, they have received new life in Christ and are new people. Your translation should reflect the idea that Paul tells the Colossians that they are new people in their union with Christ.<br><br>### The wrath of God<br><br>In [3:6](../03/06.md), Paul speaks of the “wrath of God,” which is “coming.” God’s “wrath” is not primarily an emotion but rather his act of judgment on those who do not believe and who disobey. It is “coming” because God will act in judgment soon. In your translation, emphasize God’s act over his emotion.<br><br>### No Greek and Jew…<br><br>In [3:11](../03/11.md), Paul refers to multiple different ways to categorize people in his world. See the notes on that verse for details. Paul says that none of these categories exist in the “new man.” By this, he means that these categories are not relevant for those who have died and risen with Christ. It is one’s status as a “new” person that is relevant and important.<br><br>## Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>### Christ, your life<br><br>In [3:4](../03/04.md), Paul identifies Christ as the Colossians’ “life.” This metaphor comes from the previous verse, where Paul says that the Colossians’ life is “hidden with Christ.” Since their life is in Christ, Christ can be called their life. To say this a different way, the Colossians only have life in Christ, so their life and Christ’s life are bound together.<br><br>### Avoiding vices, pursuing virtues<br><br>In his exhortation to the Colossians to avoid vices and pursue virtues, Paul uses a number of metaphors. For avoiding vices, he uses the language of “putting to death” ([3:5](../03/05.md)), “laying aside” ([3:8](../03/08.md)), and “taking off” ([3:9](../03/09.md)). All these metaphors require separation from vices, whether that is pictured as putting to death parts of the body that pursue vices or as taking off evil desires as if they were clothing. For pursuing virtues, he opposes “taking off” with “putting on” ([3:10](../03/10.md); [3:12](../03/12.md)). Just as the Colossians should “take off” the desire to pursue vices, they should “put on” the desire to pursue virtues. These metaphors are all intended to help the Colossians pursue virtue instead of vice.<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Vice and virtue lists<br><br>In [3:5](../03/05.md) and [3:8](../03/08.md), Paul gives lists of vices. These lists are not meant to provide a complete catalog of immoral and evil behaviors. Instead, they provide some examples that are meant to show the Colossians the sort of things that Paul has in mind. In [3:12](../03/12.md), he provides a corresponding list of virtues. The same thinking applies here: this is not a complete catalog of correct or good behavior but instead gives examples of the kinds of things that Paul wants the Colossians to do. You could introduce these lists as examples if it would help your readers understand. <br><br>### The “household code”<br><br>In [3:18](../03/18.md)–[4:1](../04/01.md), Paul uses a form that was well-known in his culture. It is often called a “household code,” and it consists of a list of instructions to different members of the household, including parents, children, slaves, and others. Paul uses this form and gives his own specific instructions to members of the household. Of course, he is not addressing a household but a church. He gives his instructions to whomever in the audience was a parent or a child or a slave.
COL 3 1 r5yh grammar-connect-words-phrases οὖν 1 If, therefore The word translated **therefore** introduces an inference or, in this case, an exhortation based on what Paul has already said about being “raised with Christ” in [2:12](../02/12.md). Use a word or phrase that introduces an inference or concluding command based on what has already been said. Alternate translation: “then” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
COL 3 1 oav8 grammar-connect-condition-fact εἰ…συνηγέρθητε τῷ Χριστῷ 1 Paul is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “Since … you were raised with Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])
COL 3 1 t1jv figs-metaphor συνηγέρθητε τῷ Χριστῷ 1 you were raised with Christ Paul again states that believers have been raised from the dead with Christ. By this, he means that, by being united to Christ in his resurrection, believers receive new life. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “in union with the Messiah in his resurrection you received new life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
@ -404,7 +404,7 @@ COL 3 25 fvw0 grammar-connect-words-phrases γὰρ 1 the reward of the inherita
COL 3 25 u5lx figs-genericnoun ὁ…ἀδικῶν…ἠδίκησεν 1 the one who does unrighteousness will receive what he did unrighteously Here, Paul speaks in general of anyone who does **unrighteousness**. However, he directs this general statement to the slaves he has been addressing (not the masters, since he does not address them until [4:1](../04/01.md)). If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a customary form for generic statements or include the slaves as the ones being addressed. Alternate translation: “any of you who do unrighteousness … you did unrighteously” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
COL 3 25 ak8j figs-metaphor κομιεῖται ὃ ἠδίκησεν 1 doing unrighteousness In this context, the word translated **will receive** refers to getting something in payment or in return for something else. Paul, then, speaks as if “the one doing unrighteousness” will **receive** as payment or recompense exactly **what he did unrighteously**. By this, Paul means that God will punish those who do “unrighteousness” in a way that fits with what they did. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “will receive a punishment that fits the crime” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 3 25 c9fx figs-abstractnouns οὐκ ἔστιν προσωπολημψία 1 there is no favoritism If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **favoritism** with a verb such as “favor” or a short phrase. Alternate translation: “God does not favor anyone” or “God judges everyone by the same standard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
COL 4 intro nm3y 0 # Colossians 4 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>[Colossians 4:1](../../col/04/01.md) appears to belong with the topics of Chapter 3 instead of Chapter 4.<br><br>3. Exhortation Section<br> * Prayer Request and Behavior towards Outsiders (4:2–6)<br>4. Letter Closing (4:7–18)<br> * The Messengers (4:7–9)<br> * Greetings from Friends (4:10–14)<br> * Greetings and Instructions from Paul (4:15–17)<br> * Greeting in Paul’s Own Hand (4:18)<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### “In my own hand”<br><br>It was common in the ancient Near East for the author to speak and someone else to write down the words. Many of the New Testament letters were written this way. Paul wrote the final greeting himself.<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Secret truth<br><br>Paul refers to a “secret truth” in this chapter. The role of the church in the plans of God was once unknown. But God has now revealed it. Part of this involves the Gentiles having equal standing with the Jews in the plans of God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/reveal]])
COL 4 intro nm3y 0 # Colossians 4 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>[4:1](../../col/04/01.md) belongs to the section that begins in [3:18](../03/18.md), even though it is in this chapter.<br><br>3\. Exhortation Section<br><br>* Prayer Request and Behavior towards Outsiders (4:2–6)<br><br>4\. Letter Closing (4:7–18)<br><br>* The Messengers (4:7–9)<br>* Greetings from Friends (4:10–14)<br>* Greetings and Instructions from Paul (4:15–17)<br>* Greeting in Paul’s Own Hand (4:18)<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Letter writing and sending<br><br>In this culture, someone who wanted to send a letter often spoke what they wanted to say, and a scribe would write it down for them. Then, they would send the letter with a messenger, who would read the letter to the person or people it was addressed to. In this chapter, Paul mentions the messengers he is sending his letter with: Tychicus and Onesimus ([4:7–9](../04/07–09.md)). They also are able to communicate more about Paul’s situation than he says in the letter. Additionally, Paul mentions that he writes the final greeting “by my own hand” ([4:18](../04/18.md)). This is because the rest of the letter was written by a scribe, who wrote down what Paul dictated. Paul writes the last greeting as a personal touch and to prove that he was indeed the author. <br><br>### Greetings<br><br>In this culture, it was common for those who sent letters to include greetings to and from others in their letter. In this way, many people could greet each other but only send one letter. Paul includes greetings to and from many people that he and the Colossians know in [4:10–15](../04/10–15.md). <br><br>## Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>### Paul’s chains<br><br>Paul refers to his imprisonment in this chapter by using the language of “chains” and “binding.” He says that he has “been bound” in [4:3](../04/03.md), and he mentions his “chains” in [4:18](../04/18.md). The language of binding and chains emphasizes how Paul is restricted in his movements and activities by being imprisoned. <br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### A “master in heaven”<br><br>In [4:1](../04/01.md), Paul refers to a “master in heaven.” The word translated “master” and “masters” in this verse is the same word that is translated as “Lord” throughout Colossians. It is translated “master” in this verse to illustrate Paul’s point: those who are “masters” on earth also have a “master,” their Lord in heaven. If possible, make this wordplay clear in your translation.
COL 4 1 b9nm οἱ κύριοι 1 what is right and fair Here, Paul directly addresses the **Masters** in the audience. Use a form in your language that indicates that the speaker is singling out a specific group of people as the intended audience of the following words. Alternate translation: “You masters”
COL 4 1 orih figs-metaphor τὸ δίκαιον καὶ τὴν ἰσότητα τοῖς δούλοις παρέχεσθε 1 what is right and fair Here, Paul speaks of how masters treat their slaves as if the master was “giving” the character of their relationship. By this, means that the thing given (**what is right and fair**) is what characterizes the master's dealing with the slave. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this idea by using adverbs such as “rightly” and “fairly” with a verb such as “treat.” Alternate translation: “act rightly and fairly towards your slaves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
COL 4 1 ae3y figs-doublet τὸ δίκαιον καὶ τὴν ἰσότητα 1 what is right and fair The word translated **right** describes someone or something that properly follows laws, principles, and expectations. The word translated **fair** describes someone or something that is impartial and does not pick sides. If you have words in your language that roughly represent these ideas, you could them here. If you do not have words that make these distinctions, you could express the idea with one word that indicates that something is fair, legal, and proper. Alternate translation: “what is just and impartial” or “what is right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

1 Book Chapter Verse ID SupportReference OrigQuote Occurrence GLQuote OccurrenceNote
264 COL 2 23 e7p5 figs-abstractnouns ἐστιν…οὐκ ἐν τιμῇ τινι 1 are not of any value against the indulgence of the flesh If it would be clearer, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **value** by combining it with the verbal phrase **are not** to create a phrase such as “do nothing” or “are ineffective.” Alternate translation: “do nothing” or “are ineffective” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
265 COL 2 23 blil figs-possession πλησμονὴν τῆς σαρκός 1 Paul uses the possessive form to speak of **indulgence** one gives to the **flesh**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate **indulgence** with a verb such as “indulging.” alternate translation: “indulging the flesh.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])
266 COL 2 23 e70e translate-unknown πλησμονὴν τῆς σαρκός 1 If one “indulges” **the flesh**, this means that one has behaved in ways that match what one’s weak and sinful parts wish. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this idea by using the word for “sin.” Alternate translation: “sin” or “giving in to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
267 COL 3 intro qtl2 0 # Colossians 3 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>The second part of this chapter parallels Ephesians 5 and 6.<br><br>3. Exhortation Section<br> * Seek the Things Above (3:1–4)<br> * Take off Vices, Put on Virtues (3:5–17)<br> * Commands for the Household (3:18–4:1)<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Old and new self<br><br>The old and new self mean the same as the old and new man. The term “old man” probably refers to the sinful nature with which a person is born. The “new man” is the new nature or new life that God gives a person after they come to believe in Christ. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Character<br><br>Many of the things Paul encourages his readers to pursue or avoid are not actions but character qualities. Because of this, they may be difficult to translate. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])<br><br>### “The things above”<br><br>Where God dwells is often pictured as being located “above.” Paul says to “seek the things above” and to “think about the things above.” He is implying Christians should seek and think about heavenly and godly things. # Colossians 3 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>[4:1](../04/01.md) belongs to the section that begins in [3:18](../03/18.md), even though it is in the next chapter.<br><br>3. Exhortation Section<br> * Seek the Things Above (3:1–4)<br> * Take off Vices, Put on Virtues (3:5–17)<br> * Commands for the Household (3:18–4:1)<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Old and new “man”<br><br>Paul refers to the old and new “man” in [3:9–10](../03/09–10.md). These terms refer to the person before (“old”) and after (“new”) dying and rising with Christ. With these key words, Paul makes a similar claim to what he argued in [2:11–13](../02/11–13.md): believers are not who they used to be; rather, they have received new life in Christ and are new people. Your translation should reflect the idea that Paul tells the Colossians that they are new people in their union with Christ.<br><br>### The wrath of God<br><br>In [3:6](../03/06.md), Paul speaks of the “wrath of God,” which is “coming.” God’s “wrath” is not primarily an emotion but rather his act of judgment on those who do not believe and who disobey. It is “coming” because God will act in judgment soon. In your translation, emphasize God’s act over his emotion.<br><br>### No Greek and Jew…<br><br>In [3:11](../03/11.md), Paul refers to multiple different ways to categorize people in his world. See the notes on that verse for details. Paul says that none of these categories exist in the “new man.” By this, he means that these categories are not relevant for those who have died and risen with Christ. It is one’s status as a “new” person that is relevant and important.<br><br>## Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>### Christ, your life<br><br>In [3:4](../03/04.md), Paul identifies Christ as the Colossians’ “life.” This metaphor comes from the previous verse, where Paul says that the Colossians’ life is “hidden with Christ.” Since their life is in Christ, Christ can be called their life. To say this a different way, the Colossians only have life in Christ, so their life and Christ’s life are bound together.<br><br>### Avoiding vices, pursuing virtues<br><br>In his exhortation to the Colossians to avoid vices and pursue virtues, Paul uses a number of metaphors. For avoiding vices, he uses the language of “putting to death” ([3:5](../03/05.md)), “laying aside” ([3:8](../03/08.md)), and “taking off” ([3:9](../03/09.md)). All these metaphors require separation from vices, whether that is pictured as putting to death parts of the body that pursue vices or as taking off evil desires as if they were clothing. For pursuing virtues, he opposes “taking off” with “putting on” ([3:10](../03/10.md); [3:12](../03/12.md)). Just as the Colossians should “take off” the desire to pursue vices, they should “put on” the desire to pursue virtues. These metaphors are all intended to help the Colossians pursue virtue instead of vice.<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Vice and virtue lists<br><br>In [3:5](../03/05.md) and [3:8](../03/08.md), Paul gives lists of vices. These lists are not meant to provide a complete catalog of immoral and evil behaviors. Instead, they provide some examples that are meant to show the Colossians the sort of things that Paul has in mind. In [3:12](../03/12.md), he provides a corresponding list of virtues. The same thinking applies here: this is not a complete catalog of correct or good behavior but instead gives examples of the kinds of things that Paul wants the Colossians to do. You could introduce these lists as examples if it would help your readers understand. <br><br>### The “household code”<br><br>In [3:18](../03/18.md)–[4:1](../04/01.md), Paul uses a form that was well-known in his culture. It is often called a “household code,” and it consists of a list of instructions to different members of the household, including parents, children, slaves, and others. Paul uses this form and gives his own specific instructions to members of the household. Of course, he is not addressing a household but a church. He gives his instructions to whomever in the audience was a parent or a child or a slave.
268 COL 3 1 r5yh grammar-connect-words-phrases οὖν 1 If, therefore The word translated **therefore** introduces an inference or, in this case, an exhortation based on what Paul has already said about being “raised with Christ” in [2:12](../02/12.md). Use a word or phrase that introduces an inference or concluding command based on what has already been said. Alternate translation: “then” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases]])
269 COL 3 1 oav8 grammar-connect-condition-fact εἰ…συνηγέρθητε τῷ Χριστῷ 1 Paul is speaking as if this were a hypothetical possibility, but he means that it is actually true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “Since … you were raised with Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]])
270 COL 3 1 t1jv figs-metaphor συνηγέρθητε τῷ Χριστῷ 1 you were raised with Christ Paul again states that believers have been raised from the dead with Christ. By this, he means that, by being united to Christ in his resurrection, believers receive new life. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “in union with the Messiah in his resurrection you received new life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
404 COL 3 25 u5lx figs-genericnoun ὁ…ἀδικῶν…ἠδίκησεν 1 the one who does unrighteousness will receive what he did unrighteously Here, Paul speaks in general of anyone who does **unrighteousness**. However, he directs this general statement to the slaves he has been addressing (not the masters, since he does not address them until [4:1](../04/01.md)). If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a customary form for generic statements or include the slaves as the ones being addressed. Alternate translation: “any of you who do unrighteousness … you did unrighteously” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])
405 COL 3 25 ak8j figs-metaphor κομιεῖται ὃ ἠδίκησεν 1 doing unrighteousness In this context, the word translated **will receive** refers to getting something in payment or in return for something else. Paul, then, speaks as if “the one doing unrighteousness” will **receive** as payment or recompense exactly **what he did unrighteously**. By this, Paul means that God will punish those who do “unrighteousness” in a way that fits with what they did. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or express the idea non-figuratively. Alternate translation: “will receive a punishment that fits the crime” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
406 COL 3 25 c9fx figs-abstractnouns οὐκ ἔστιν προσωπολημψία 1 there is no favoritism If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **favoritism** with a verb such as “favor” or a short phrase. Alternate translation: “God does not favor anyone” or “God judges everyone by the same standard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
407 COL 4 intro nm3y 0 # Colossians 4 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>[Colossians 4:1](../../col/04/01.md) appears to belong with the topics of Chapter 3 instead of Chapter 4.<br><br>3. Exhortation Section<br> * Prayer Request and Behavior towards Outsiders (4:2–6)<br>4. Letter Closing (4:7–18)<br> * The Messengers (4:7–9)<br> * Greetings from Friends (4:10–14)<br> * Greetings and Instructions from Paul (4:15–17)<br> * Greeting in Paul’s Own Hand (4:18)<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### “In my own hand”<br><br>It was common in the ancient Near East for the author to speak and someone else to write down the words. Many of the New Testament letters were written this way. Paul wrote the final greeting himself.<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Secret truth<br><br>Paul refers to a “secret truth” in this chapter. The role of the church in the plans of God was once unknown. But God has now revealed it. Part of this involves the Gentiles having equal standing with the Jews in the plans of God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/reveal]]) # Colossians 4 General Notes<br><br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>[4:1](../../col/04/01.md) belongs to the section that begins in [3:18](../03/18.md), even though it is in this chapter.<br><br>3\. Exhortation Section<br><br>* Prayer Request and Behavior towards Outsiders (4:2–6)<br><br>4\. Letter Closing (4:7–18)<br><br>* The Messengers (4:7–9)<br>* Greetings from Friends (4:10–14)<br>* Greetings and Instructions from Paul (4:15–17)<br>* Greeting in Paul’s Own Hand (4:18)<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Letter writing and sending<br><br>In this culture, someone who wanted to send a letter often spoke what they wanted to say, and a scribe would write it down for them. Then, they would send the letter with a messenger, who would read the letter to the person or people it was addressed to. In this chapter, Paul mentions the messengers he is sending his letter with: Tychicus and Onesimus ([4:7–9](../04/07–09.md)). They also are able to communicate more about Paul’s situation than he says in the letter. Additionally, Paul mentions that he writes the final greeting “by my own hand” ([4:18](../04/18.md)). This is because the rest of the letter was written by a scribe, who wrote down what Paul dictated. Paul writes the last greeting as a personal touch and to prove that he was indeed the author. <br><br>### Greetings<br><br>In this culture, it was common for those who sent letters to include greetings to and from others in their letter. In this way, many people could greet each other but only send one letter. Paul includes greetings to and from many people that he and the Colossians know in [4:10–15](../04/10–15.md). <br><br>## Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>### Paul’s chains<br><br>Paul refers to his imprisonment in this chapter by using the language of “chains” and “binding.” He says that he has “been bound” in [4:3](../04/03.md), and he mentions his “chains” in [4:18](../04/18.md). The language of binding and chains emphasizes how Paul is restricted in his movements and activities by being imprisoned. <br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### A “master in heaven”<br><br>In [4:1](../04/01.md), Paul refers to a “master in heaven.” The word translated “master” and “masters” in this verse is the same word that is translated as “Lord” throughout Colossians. It is translated “master” in this verse to illustrate Paul’s point: those who are “masters” on earth also have a “master,” their Lord in heaven. If possible, make this wordplay clear in your translation.
408 COL 4 1 b9nm οἱ κύριοι 1 what is right and fair Here, Paul directly addresses the **Masters** in the audience. Use a form in your language that indicates that the speaker is singling out a specific group of people as the intended audience of the following words. Alternate translation: “You masters”
409 COL 4 1 orih figs-metaphor τὸ δίκαιον καὶ τὴν ἰσότητα τοῖς δούλοις παρέχεσθε 1 what is right and fair Here, Paul speaks of how masters treat their slaves as if the master was “giving” the character of their relationship. By this, means that the thing given (**what is right and fair**) is what characterizes the master's dealing with the slave. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this idea by using adverbs such as “rightly” and “fairly” with a verb such as “treat.” Alternate translation: “act rightly and fairly towards your slaves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
410 COL 4 1 ae3y figs-doublet τὸ δίκαιον καὶ τὴν ἰσότητα 1 what is right and fair The word translated **right** describes someone or something that properly follows laws, principles, and expectations. The word translated **fair** describes someone or something that is impartial and does not pick sides. If you have words in your language that roughly represent these ideas, you could them here. If you do not have words that make these distinctions, you could express the idea with one word that indicates that something is fair, legal, and proper. Alternate translation: “what is just and impartial” or “what is right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])