Colossians 4:2

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Colossians 4:2 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Continue stedfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Continue stedfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving;
Colossians 4:2 — American Standard Version

Context — Colossians 4

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
2Continue stedfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving;

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Continue in prayer, etc.] This is not said particularly to masters, as in the foregoing verse, but to all the members of the church in general; for the apostle having taken notice of some special duties relating to persons in different stations of life, returns to such as were common to them all; as this of prayer to God is, for such prayer is intended; for though the object is not expressed here, he is in the following verse, and the Mediator Christ is supposed, and also the Holy Spirit, whose assistance is necessary to it. The things exhorted to, and required in prayer, are, first, as in this clause, continuance in it, which does not mean that men should be always formally praying to God;…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Continue--Greek, "Continue perseveringly," "persevere" (Eph 6:18), "watching thereunto"; here, "watch in the same," or "in it," that is, in prayer: watching against the indolence as to prayer, and in prayer, of our corrupt wills. with thanksgiving--for everything, whether joyful, or sorrowful, mercies temporal and spiritual, national, family, and individual (Co1 14:17; Phi 4:6; Th1 5:18).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Continue in prayer - That is, do not neglect it; observe it at all stated times; maintain the spirit of prayer, and embrace all proper occasions to engage in it; compare the Luke 18:1 note; Ephesians 6:18 note; 1 Thessalonians 4:17 note. And watch in the same with thanksgiving - Watch for favorable opportunities; watch that your mind may be in a right frame when you pray: and watch, that when your mind is in a right frame you may not neglect to pray; see the Ephesians 6:18 note; Philippians 4:6. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“4:2-6 New Testament letters often end with an exhortation to pray, along with requests for prayer. 4:2 with an alert mind: The Greek verb behind this phrase is used in the New Testament to portray the need for Christians to be watchful in light of Christ’s return (Matt 24:42; 25:13; Mark 13:35, 37; 1 Thes 5:6; Rev 3:3; 16:15).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Continue: Col 4:12, Col 1:9; Sa1 12:23; Job 15:4, Job 27:8-10; Psa 55:16, Psa 55:17, Psa 109:4; Luk 18:1; Rom 12:12; Eph 6:18; Phi 4:6; Th1 5:17, Th1 5:18 watch: Mat 26:41; Mar 13:33; Luk 21:36; Pe1 4:7 thanksgiving: Col 2:7, Col 3:15, Col 3:17 Colossians 4:3”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification