Translation commentary on Colossians 4:10

With the exception of Joshua (verse 11), all individuals named in verses 10-14 as sending greetings are also named in Philemon 23-24. Aristarchus (see also Acts 19.29, 20.4, 27.2) is called Paul’s “fellow prisoner” (Revised Standard Version). Some, like Moule and Beare, contend this is to be understood metaphorically, that is, as a fellow prisoner of Christ’s—so New English Bible “Christ’s captive like myself.” Most, however (see Lohse), take it in the literal sense.

Languages differ considerably in the way in which they “send greetings.” For example, one may say “Aristarchus says he thinks of you,” or “… wants you to know he remembers you,” or “… wishes to say, ‘May you live well,’ ” or “… says, May God be good to you.”

Mark (identified with the John Mark in Acts 12.12, 25; 13.5, 13; 15.37-39; see also 2 Tim 4.11, 1 Peter 5.13) is identified as Barnabas’ cousin (King James Version “nephew” is wrong), and reference is made to previous instructions that had been sent to the Colossians to the effect that they should welcome him if he visited them. There is no way of knowing in what form the instructions had been sent.

In view of the fact that no one knows precisely the form of the instructions which had been sent to the believers in Colossae concerning Mark, it may be best to simply say “you have been told to welcome Mark” or “you have already received a letter in which you have been told to welcome Mark.” In a number of languages, “to welcome a person” may be translated as “receive a person in your homes” or “to offer a person food when he arrives.”

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on Paul’s Letter to the Colossians. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1977. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

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