Philemon
Philemon front
Introduction to Philemon
Part 1: General Introduction
Outline of the Book of Philemon
- Paul greets Philemon (1:1-3)
- Paul makes requests of Philemon about Onesimus (1:4-21)
- Conclusion (1:22-25)
Who wrote the Book of Philemon?
Paul wrote Philemon. Paul was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Saul was a Pharisee. He persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.
Paul was in a prison when he wrote this letter.
What is the Book of Philemon about?
Paul wrote this letter to a man named Philemon. Philemon was a believer in Jesus who lived in the city of Colossae. He owned a slave named Onesimus. Onesimus had run away from Philemon and possibly stole something from him as well. Onesimus went to Rome and visited Paul in prison there, where Paul brought Onesimus to Jesus.
Paul told Philemon that he was sending Onesimus back to him. Philemon had the right to execute Onesimus according to Roman law. But Paul said that Philemon should accept Onesimus back as a Christian brother. He even suggested that Philemon should allow Onesimus to come back to Paul and help him in prison.
How should the title of this book be translated?
Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “Philemon.” Or they may choose a clearer title, such as “Paul’s Letter to Philemon” or “The Letter Paul wrote to Philemon.” (See: How to Translate Names)
Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts
Does this letter approve the practice of slavery?
Paul sent Onesimus back to his former master. But that did not mean that Paul thought that slavery was an acceptable practice. Instead, Paul was more concerned with people being reconciled to each other and that they serve God in whatever situation they were in. It is important to note that in the culture of the time, people became slaves for various reasons and it was not considered a permanent state.
What does Paul mean by the expression “in Christ,” “in the Lord,” etc.?
Paul meant to express the idea of a very close union with Christ and the believers. See the introduction to the Book of Romans for more details about this kind of expression.
Part 3: Important Translation Issues
Singular and plural “you”
In this book, the word “I” refers to Paul. The word “you” is almost always singular and refers to Philemon. The two exceptions to this are 1:22 and 1:25. There “you” refers to Philemon and the believers that met at his house. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’ and Forms of You)
Three times Paul identifies himself as the author of this letter (in verses 1, 9, and 19). Evidently Timothy was with him and may have written down the words as Paul said them. All instances of “I,” “me,” and “my” refer to Paul. Philemon is the main person to whom this letter is written. All instances of “you” and “your” refer to him and are singular unless otherwise noted. (See: Forms of You)
Philemon 1
Philemon 1:1
Παῦλος
Your language may have a particular way of introducing the author of a letter. Use that here. Alternate translations: “From me, Paul” or “I, Paul” (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-123person/01.md)
δέσμιος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ
Paul was in prison because people in authority did not want him to preach about Jesus. They put him there in order to stop him and to punish him. This does not mean that Jesus had put Paul in prison. Alternate translation: “a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus”
ὁ ἀδελφὸς
Paul is using the term brother figuratively to mean someone who shares the same faith. Alternate translation: “our fellow Christian” or “our companion in the faith” (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md)
ὁ ἀδελφὸς
Here, the word our is not in the original, but was necessary for English, which requires that a relationship word indicate who the person is related to. In this case, our would be inclusive, relating Timothy to Paul and the readers as a brother in Christ. If your language requires this, you can do the same. If not, you can follow the original wording, which says, “the brother.” (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)
Φιλήμονι
This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)
Φιλήμονι
If it would be more natural in your language, you can include the information that this is a letter in which Paul is speaking directly to Philemon, as in the UST. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
ἡμῶν
The word our here refers to Paul and those with him, but not to the reader. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)
καὶ συνεργῷ ἡμῶν
If it would be clearer in your language, you could say more specifically how Philemon worked with Paul. Alternate translation: “who, like us, works to spread the gospel” or “who works as we do to serve Jesus”
Philemon 1:2
Ἀπφίᾳ
This is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)
τῇ ἀδελφῇ
Here, the word our is not in the original, but was necessary for English, which requires that a relationship word indicate who the person is related to. In this case, our would be inclusive, relating Apphia to Paul and the readers as a sister in Christ. If your language requires this, you can do the same. If not, you can do the same as the original, which says, “the sister.” (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)
τῇ ἀδελφῇ
Paul is using the term sister figuratively to mean a woman who shares the same faith. Alternate translation: “our fellow Christian” or “our spiritual sister” (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md)
ἡμῶν
The word our here refers to Paul and those with him, but not to the reader. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)
Ἀπφίᾳ…Ἀρχίππῳ…τῇ…ἐκκλησίᾳ
The letter is predominantly addressed to Philemon. It could be misleading to suggest Paul is writing to Apphia, Archippus, and the church in Philemon’s house, on the same level as he is writing to Philemon.
Ἀρχίππῳ
This is the name of a man in the church with Philemon. (See: How to Translate Names)
τῷ συνστρατιώτῃ ἡμῶν
Paul speaks here of Archippus as if he and Archippus were both soldiers in an army. He means that Archippus works hard, as Paul himself works hard, to spread the gospel. Alternate translation: “our fellow spiritual warrior” or “who also fights the spiritual battle with us” (See: Metaphor)
καὶ τῇ κατ’ οἶκόν σου ἐκκλησίᾳ
Apphia and Archippus were probably also members of the church that met at Philemon’s house. If mentioning them separately would imply that they were not part of the church, you could include a word like “other.” Alternate translation: “to the other members of the church in your house”
Philemon 1:3
χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη, ἀπὸ Θεοῦ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν καὶ Κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ
After introducing the senders and recipients of the letter, Paul gives a blessing. Use a form that people would recognize as a blessing in your language. Alternate translation: “May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.” (See: Blessings)
χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη, ἀπὸ Θεοῦ Πατρὸς ἡμῶν καὶ Κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ.
If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract nouns grace and peace with adjectives such as “gracious” and “peaceful.” Alternate translation: “May God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ be gracious to you and make you peaceful” (See: Abstract Nouns)
ἡμῶν…ἡμῶν
The word our here is inclusive, referring to Paul, those with him, and the reader. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)
ὑμῖν
Here you is plural, referring to all of the recipients named in verses 1–2. (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Singular)
Πατρὸς
This is an important title for God. (See: Translating Son and Father)
Philemon 1:4
σου
Here, the word you is singular and refers to Philemon. (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Singular)
Philemon 1:5
ἀκούων σου τὴν ἀγάπην καὶ τὴν πίστιν, ἣν ἔχεις πρὸς τὸν Κύριον Ἰησοῦν, καὶ εἰς πάντας τοὺς ἁγίους
If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns love and faith with verbs instead. Alternate translation: “hearing how much you love and believe in the Lord Jesus and all the saints” (See: Abstract Nouns)
ἀκούων σου τὴν ἀγάπην καὶ τὴν πίστιν, ἣν ἔχεις πρὸς τὸν Κύριον Ἰησοῦν, καὶ εἰς πάντας τοὺς ἁγίους
Paul is using a poetic structure here in which the first and last parts relate and the second and third parts relate. Therefore, the meaning is: “hearing of the faith that you have in the Lord Jesus and of your love for all the saints.”Paul said exactly that in Colossians 1:4 without the poetic structure. (See: Poetry)
σου…ἔχεις
Here, the words your and you are singular and refer to Philemon. (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Singular)
Philemon 1:6
ὅπως
Here, that introduces the content of the prayer that Paul mentions in verse 4. If it would be clearer in your language, you can repeat the idea of prayer here. Alternate translation: “I pray that” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
ἡ κοινωνία τῆς πίστεώς σου
The word translated fellowship means a sharing or a partnership in something. Paul probably intends both meanings, but if you must choose, it could mean: (1) that Philemon shares the same faith in Christ as Paul and others. Alternate translation: “the faith that you share with us” (2) that Philemon is a partner with Paul and others in working for Christ. Alternate translation: “your working together with us as believers” (See: Abstract Nouns)
ἡ κοινωνία τῆς πίστεώς σου, ἐνεργὴς γένηται ἐν ἐπιγνώσει παντὸς ἀγαθοῦ τοῦ ἐν ἡμῖν εἰς Χριστόν.
If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun faith with a verb such as “trust” or “believe,” and the abstract noun knowledge with a verb such as “know” or “learn.” Alternate translation: “as you trust in the Messiah along with us, you may become increasingly better at serving the Messiah, as you learn about all of the good things that he has given us to use for him” (See: Abstract Nouns)
ἐν ἐπιγνώσει παντὸς ἀγαθοῦ
This could mean: (1) “and will result in you knowing every good thing” (2) “so that those you share your faith with will know every good thing” Alternate translation: “by knowing everything good” (See: Abstract Nouns)
εἰς Χριστόν
If it would be clearer in your language, you could say more explicitly how “everything good” is for Christ. Alternate translation: “for the sake of Christ” or “for the benefit of Christ” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Philemon 1:7
χαρὰν γὰρ πολλὴν ἔσχον καὶ παράκλησιν
If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract nouns joy and comfort with adjectives. Alternate translation: “For you made me very joyful and comforted” (See: Abstract Nouns)
ἐπὶ τῇ ἀγάπῃ σου
If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun love with a verb. Alternate translation: “because you love people” (See: Abstract Nouns)
τὰ σπλάγχνα τῶν ἁγίων ἀναπέπαυται διὰ σοῦ
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you have refreshed the inward parts of the saints” (See: Active or Passive)
τὰ σπλάγχνα τῶν ἁγίων
Here, inward parts figuratively refers to a person’s emotions or inner being. Use the figure that is normal in your language for this, such as “hearts” or “livers,” or give the plain meaning. Alternate translation: “the thoughts and feelings of the saints” (See: Metonymy)
τὰ σπλάγχνα τῶν ἁγίων ἀναπέπαυται διὰ σοῦ
Here, being refreshed figuratively refers to the feeling of encouragement or relief. Alternate translation: “you have encouraged the saints” or “you have helped the believers” (See: Metaphor)
σοῦ, ἀδελφέ
Paul called Philemon brother because they were both believers, and he wanted to emphasize their friendship. Alternate translation: “you, dear brother” or “you, dear friend” (See: Metaphor)
Philemon 1:8
Paul begins his plea and the reason for his letter.
πολλὴν ἐν Χριστῷ παρρησίαν
This could mean: (1) “all authority because of Christ” (2) “all courage because of Christ.”
διό
The word Therefore signals that what Paul has just said in verses 4–7 is the reason for what he is about to say. Use a connecting word or another way that your language uses to signal this relationship. Alternate translation: “Because of this” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)
Philemon 1:9
διὰ τὴν ἀγάπην
Paul does not say for whom this love is. If you need to use a verb here and say who loves whom, this could refer to: (1) the mutual love between him and Philemon. See the UST. (2) Paul’s love for Philemon. Alternate translation: “because I love you” (3) Philemon’s love for his fellow believers. Alternate translation: “because I know that you love God’s people” (See: Abstract Nouns)
δέσμιος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ
Paul was in prison because people in authority did not want him to preach about Jesus. They put him there in order to stop him and to punish him. This does not mean that Jesus had put Paul in prison. Alternate translation: “a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus”
Philemon 1:10
Ὀνήσιμον
Onesimus is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)
Ὀνήσιμον
The name Onesimus means “profitable” or “useful.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you can include this information in the text or in a footnote. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
τέκνου, ὃν ἐγέννησα
Here, fathered is a metaphor that means that Onesimus became a believer as Paul taught him about Christ. Alternate translation: “who received new life and became my spiritual son when I taught him about Christ” or “who became a spiritual son to me” (See: Metaphor)
ἐν τοῖς δεσμοῖς
Prisoners were often bound in chains. Paul was in prison when he taught Onesimus and was still in prison when he wrote this letter. Alternate translation: “here in prison” (See: Metonymy)
Philemon 1:12
ὃν ἀνέπεμψά σοι
Paul was probably sending Onesimus with another believer who carried this letter.
τὰ ἐμὰ σπλάγχνα
The phrase this one is my inward parts is a metaphor for deep feelings about someone. Paul was saying this about Onesimus. Alternate translation: “this is a person whom I love dearly” or “this person is very special to me” (See: Metaphor)
τὰ ἐμὰ σπλάγχνα
Here, * inward parts* is figurative for the place of a person’s emotions. If your language has a similar figure, then use that. If not, use plain language. Alternate translation: “my heart” or “my liver” or “my deepest feelings” (See: Metonymy)
Philemon 1:13
ἵνα ὑπὲρ σοῦ μοι διακονῇ
Paul knows that Philemon wants to help him, and so he suggests that a way to do that would be to allow Onesimus to serve Paul in prison. Alternate translation: “so that, since you cannot be here, he might help me” or “so that he could help me in your place”
ἐν τοῖς δεσμοῖς
Prisoners were often bound in chains. Paul was in prison when he told Onesimus about the Messiah, and he was still in prison when he wrote this letter. (See: Metonymy)
ἐν τοῖς δεσμοῖς τοῦ εὐαγγελίου
Paul was in prison because he preached the gospel publicly. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “in the chains that they put on me because I preach the gospel” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Philemon 1:14
ἵνα μὴ ὡς κατὰ ἀνάγκην τὸ ἀγαθόν σου ᾖ
If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun compulsion with a verb. Alternate translation: “for I did not want you to do this good deed because I commanded you to do it” (See: Abstract Nouns)
ἀλλὰ κατὰ ἑκούσιον.
If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun will with a verb. Alternate translation: “but because you wanted to do it” or “but because you freely chose to do the right thing” (See: Abstract Nouns)
Philemon 1:15
τάχα γὰρ διὰ τοῦτο, ἐχωρίσθη πρὸς ὥραν, ἵνα
If it would be clearer in your language, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “For perhaps the reason that God took Onesimus away from you for a time was so that” (See: Active or Passive)
πρὸς ὥραν
Here, the phrase for an hour is an idiom meaning “for a short time.” If it would be clearer in your language, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “for this short time” (See: Idiom)
Philemon 1:16
ὑπὲρ δοῦλον
Alternate translation: “more valuable than a slave” or “more dear than a slave”
οὐκέτι ὡς δοῦλον
This does not mean that Onesimus will no longer be a slave to Philemon. To make this clearer in your language, you can use a word such as “just” or “only.” Alternate translation: “no longer only as a slave”
ὑπὲρ δοῦλον
Alternate translation: “more valuable than a slave”
ἀδελφὸν
Here, brother is a metaphor for a fellow believer. Alternative translation, “spiritual brother” or “brother in Christ” (See: Metaphor)
ἀγαπητόν
Alternate translation: “dear” or “precious”
ἐν Κυρίῳ
Alternate translation: “in the fellowship of brotherhood through Jesus” or “in the fellowship of believers in the Lord”
Philemon 1:17
εἰ…με ἔχεις κοινωνόν
Paul is writing in a way that makes it seem as though it is possible that Philemon does not consider that Paul is his partner, but he knows that Philemon does consider Paul to be his partner. This is a way of getting Philemon to agree on one thing (that Paul is a partner) so that he will agree to the other thing (to receive Onesimus). If your language does not state something as uncertain if it is certain or true, and if your readers might misunderstand and think that what Paul is saying is not certain, then you can translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “since you have me as a partner” (See: Connect — Factual Conditions)
οὖν
Therefore means that what came before this word is the reason for what comes after it. It may be that Paul intends for everything that came before to be the reason, because this word also indicates that Paul is now coming to the main point of the letter. Use a natural method in your language to indicate this transition. Alternate translation: “Because of all of these things” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)
προσλαβοῦ αὐτὸν ὡς ἐμέ.
Paul is leaving out some of the words here that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be clearer in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “receive him just as you would receive me” (See: Ellipsis)
Philemon 1:18
εἰ δέ τι ἠδίκησέν σε ἢ ὀφείλει
Onesimus certainly did wrong to Philemon by running away, and he probably also stole some of Philemon’s property. But Paul is stating these things as uncertain in order to be polite. If your language does not use a conditional statement in this way, then use a more natural way to state this. Alternate translation: “But whatever he has taken or whatever wrong he has done to you” (See: Connect — Factual Conditions)
εἰ δέ τι ἠδίκησέν σε ἢ ὀφείλει
These two phrases mean similar things, although wronged you is more general than owes you. If it would be more natural in your language, you can put the more general phrase second. Alternate translation: “But if he owes you anything or has wronged you in any way”
τοῦτο ἐμοὶ ἐλλόγα.
Alternate translation: “I will take responsibility for repaying you” or “say that I am the one who owes you”
Philemon 1:19
ἐγὼ Παῦλος ἔγραψα τῇ ἐμῇ χειρί
Paul wrote this part with his own hand so that Philemon would know that these words were really from Paul, and that Paul really would pay him. He used the past tense here because the action of writing would be in the past when Philemon read the letter. Use the tense that is most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I, Paul, write this myself.”
ἵνα μὴ λέγω σοι
Paul says that he will not say something to Philemon while saying it. This is a polite way of emphasizing the truth of what Paul is telling him. If your language would not use irony like this, then use a more natural expression. Alternate translation: “I do not need to remind you” or “You already know” (See: Irony)
καὶ σεαυτόν μοι προσοφείλεις
Paul was implying that whatever Onesimus or Paul owed to Philemon was canceled by the larger amount that Philemon owed to Paul, which was Philemon’s own life. The reason that Philemon owed Paul his life can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “you even owe me your own life” or “you owe me much more because I saved your life” or “you owe me your own life because I told you about Jesus” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Philemon 1:20
ἀδελφέ
Here, brother is a metaphor for a fellow believer. Alternate translation: “spiritual brother” or “brother in Christ” (See: Metaphor)
ἐν Κυρίῳ
See how you translated in the Lord in verse 16. This metaphor refers to being a believer in Jesus and means the same as in Christ. Alternate translation: “as you serve the Lord” or “because we are fellow believers in the Lord” (See: Metaphor)
ἀνάπαυσόν μου τὰ σπλάγχνα ἐν Χριστῷ
How Paul wanted Philemon to refresh him can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “refresh my inward parts in Christ by accepting Onesimus kindly” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
ἀνάπαυσόν μου τὰ σπλάγχνα
Here refresh is a metaphor for comfort or encourage. Alternate translation: “encourage me” or “comfort me” (See: Metaphor)
ἀνάπαυσόν μου τὰ σπλάγχνα
Here, inward parts is a metonym for a person’s feelings, thoughts, or inner being. Alternate translation: “encourage me” or “comfort me” (See: Metonymy)
Philemon 1:21
πεποιθὼς τῇ ὑπακοῇ σου
If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract nouns confidence and obedience with verbs. Alternate translation: “Because I am confident that you will obey” (See: Abstract Nouns)
ἔγραψά σοι
Paul used the past tense here because the action of writing would be in the past when Philemon read the letter. Use the tense that is most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I write to you”
Philemon 1:22
Here Paul closes his letter and gives final instruction to Philemon and a blessing on Philemon and on the believers that met for church in Philemon’s house. If you are using section headings, you could put one here before verse 22. Suggested heading: “Final Instruction and Blessing” (See: Section Headings)
ἅμα
The word translated at the same time indicates that Paul wants Philemon to do something else for him while he does the first thing. You can make this clear in your translation with an appropriate connecting word or phrase. Alternate translation: “while doing that” or “in addition to that” (See: Connect — Simultaneous Time Relationship)
χαρισθήσομαι ὑμῖν
Alternate translation: “those who are keeping me in prison will set me free so that I can go to you.”
ἑτοίμαζέ μοι ξενίαν
The word translated guest room refers to any hospitality that is provided for a guest. So the kind of space is unspecified. Alternate translation: “also prepare a place in your house for me.”
διὰ τῶν προσευχῶν ὑμῶν
Alternate translation: “God will answer your prayers so”
χαρισθήσομαι ὑμῖν.
If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “God will bring me back to you” or “those who are keeping me in prison will set me free so that I can come to you.” (See: Active or Passive)
ὑμῶν…ὑμῖν
The words your and you here are plural, referring to Philemon and all the believers who met in his house. (See: Forms of You)
Philemon 1:23
Ἐπαφρᾶς
Epaphras was the name of a man who was a fellow believer and prisoner with Paul. (See: How to Translate Names)
ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ
fdHere, in Christ Jesus means something similar to the phrases “in the Lord” and “in Christ” in verse 20. See how you translated those there. Alternate translation: “who is here with me because he serves Christ Jesus”
Philemon 1:24
Μᾶρκος, Ἀρίσταρχος, Δημᾶς, Λουκᾶς
These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)
Μᾶρκος, Ἀρίσταρχος, Δημᾶς, Λουκᾶς
Paul is leaving out some of the words here that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be clearer in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: “as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers” or “Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers, also greet you” (See: Ellipsis)
οἱ συνεργοί μου
Alternate translation: “the men who work with me” or “who all work with me.”
Philemon 1:25
μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματος ὑμῶν
The words your spirit are a synecdoche and represent the people themselves. Paul is referring to Philemon and all who met in his house. (See: Synecdoche)
ἡ χάρις τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ
If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun grace with an adjective or verb. Alternate translation: “May our Lord Jesus Christ be gracious to you and” or “May our Lord Jesus Christ be kind to you and” (See: Abstract Nouns)
ὑμῶν
The word your here is plural and refers to Philemon and all who met in his house. Alternate translation: “your spirits” (See: Forms of You)