1 T he masters! that which is righteous and equal to the servants give ye, having known that ye also have a Master in the heavens.

Masters, deal with your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that also you have a Master in heaven.

2 I n the prayer continue ye, watching in it in thanksgiving;

Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer, being alert and intent in with thanksgiving.

3 p raying at the same time also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the secret of the Christ, because of which also I have been bound,

And at the same time pray for us also, that God may open a door to us for the Word (the Gospel), to proclaim the mystery concerning Christ (the Messiah) on account of which I am in prison;

4 t hat I may manifest it, as it behoveth me to speak;

That I may proclaim it fully and make it clear, as is my duty.

5 i n wisdom walk ye toward those without, the time forestalling;

Behave yourselves wisely in your relations with those of the outside world (the non-Christians), making the very most of the time and seizing (buying up) the opportunity.

6 y our word always in grace -- with salt being seasoned -- to know how it behoveth you to answer each one.

Let your speech at all times be gracious (pleasant and winsome), seasoned with salt, to know how you ought to answer anyone.

7 A ll the things concerning me make known to you shall Tychicus -- the beloved brother, and faithful ministrant, and fellow-servant in the Lord --

Tychicus will give you full information about my affairs; a much-loved brother and faithful ministering assistant and fellow servant in the Lord.

8 w hom I did send unto you for this very thing, that he might know the things concerning you, and might comfort your hearts,

I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are faring and that he may comfort and cheer and encourage your hearts.

9 w ith Onesimus the faithful and beloved brother, who is of you; all things to you shall they make known that here.

And with Onesimus, faithful and beloved brother, who is of yourselves. They will let you know everything that has taken place here.

10 S alute you doth Aristarchus, my fellow-captive, and Marcus, the nephew of Barnabas, (concerning whom ye did receive commands -- if he may come unto you receive him,)

Aristarchus my fellow prisoner wishes to be remembered to you, as does Mark the relative of Barnabas. You received instructions concerning him; if he comes to you give him a '> hearty] welcome.

11 a nd Jesus who is called Justus, who are of the circumcision: these only fellow-workers for the reign of God who did become a comfort to me.

And Jesus, who is called Justus. These alone of the circumcision are among my fellow workers for God’s kingdom, and they have proved a relief and a comfort to me.

12 S alute you doth Epaphras, who of you, a servant of Christ, always striving for you in the prayers, that ye may stand perfect and made full in all the will of God,

Epaphras, who is one of yourselves, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. always striving for you earnestly in his prayers, that you may stand firm and mature, convinced and fully assured in everything willed by God.

13 f or I do testify to him, that he hath much zeal for you, and those in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.

For I bear him testimony that he has labored hard in your behalf and for in Laodicea and those in Hierapolis.

14 S alute you doth Lukas, the beloved physician, and Demas;

Luke the beloved physician and Demas salute you.

15 s alute ye those in Laodicea -- brethren, and Nymphas, and the assembly in his house;

Give my greetings to the brethren at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the assembly (the church) which meets in her house.

16 a nd when the epistle may be read with you, cause that also in the assembly of the Laodiceans it may be read, and the from Laodicea that ye also may read;

And when this epistle has been read before you, that it is read also in the assembly (the church) of the Laodiceans, and also that you yourselves in turn read the from Laodicea.

17 a nd say to Archippus, `See to the ministration that thou didst receive in the Lord, that thou mayest fulfil it.'

And say to Archippus, See that you discharge carefully the ministry and fulfill the stewardship which you have received in the Lord.

18 T he salutation by the hand of me, Paul; remember my bonds; the grace with you. Amen.

I, Paul, greeting, writing with my own hand. Remember I am still in prison and in chains. May grace (God’s unmerited favor and blessing) be with you! Amen (so be it).