Philemon 1:10 kjv
I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
Philemon 1:10 nkjv
I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains,
Philemon 1:10 niv
that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains.
Philemon 1:10 esv
I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment.
Philemon 1:10 nlt
I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison.
Philemon 1 10 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Cor 4:15 | For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father… | Paul's spiritual fatherhood |
| Gal 4:19 | My little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! | Paul's spiritual anguish for believers |
| 1 Jn 2:1 | My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. | Spiritual relationship (apostle to believers) |
| Jn 1:12-13 | But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God… | Being begotten by God, not by flesh |
| Jn 3:3 | Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." | Necessity of spiritual birth |
| 1 Pet 1:23 | For you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; | Spiritual new birth through God's Word |
| Jas 1:18 | Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. | God as the begetter, through His word |
| Rom 15:30 | I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me… | Paul appealing to believers for unity/support |
| 2 Cor 5:20 | Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us… | Paul's role as an appealer/ambassador |
| Eph 3:1 | For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— | Paul identifies as a prisoner for Christ |
| Eph 4:1 | I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling… | Paul's self-identification as a prisoner |
| Phil 1:7 | It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment… | Fellowship in Paul's chains |
| Col 4:18 | Remember my chains. Grace be with you. | A common salutation acknowledging imprisonment |
| 2 Tim 1:8 | Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner… | Bearing witness to Paul's imprisonment |
| Acts 28:30-31 | He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him… proclaiming the kingdom of God… | Paul ministering freely while imprisoned |
| Gal 3:28 | There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. | Erasing social distinctions in Christ |
| Col 3:11 | Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. | Spiritual identity transcends social status |
| 1 Cor 7:22 | For he who was called in the Lord as a slave is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was called free is a slave of Christ. | Freedom in Christ regardless of social status |
| 2 Cor 5:17 | Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. | Onesimus' spiritual transformation |
| Matt 5:44 | But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, | Principle of radical love influencing relationships |
| Lk 6:27-35 | But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, | Principles of love, doing good, and giving |
| Rom 12:1-2 | I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice… | Paul's characteristic appeals based on grace |
Philemon 1 verses
Philemon 1 10 Meaning
Philemon 1:10 introduces Paul's tender plea to Philemon concerning Onesimus. Paul identifies Onesimus as his spiritual "child" whom he "begat" or led to faith in Christ while Paul himself was in prison. This verse lays the personal and spiritual foundation for Paul's subsequent appeal, emphasizing the profound new spiritual relationship that has formed between Paul and Onesimus, effectively transforming Onesimus from a runaway slave into a brother in the Lord.
Philemon 1 10 Context
The Epistle to Philemon is a profoundly personal letter from Paul to Philemon, a wealthy Christian in Colossae, concerning Onesimus, Philemon's runaway slave. The broader context of the letter is Paul's plea for Philemon to receive Onesimus back not as a mere slave, but as a beloved brother in Christ, forgiving him and perhaps even setting him free. Verse 10 sets the stage for this radical request by revealing the personal spiritual connection that has formed between Paul and Onesimus during Paul's imprisonment.
Historically, slavery was widespread in the Roman Empire. Runaway slaves faced severe punishment, often death, upon capture. For a former slave owner to forgive a runaway, much less welcome him back as an equal "brother," was highly counter-cultural and challenged deeply ingrained social structures and expectations. Paul, an imprisoned apostle, here exerts his spiritual authority and influence through an appeal to love and Christian brotherhood, rather than by command, thereby inviting Philemon's willing obedience in faith and love. The verse directly addresses the transformed identity of Onesimus, who was once "useless" (Phlm 1:11) but is now spiritually reborn and "profitable."
Philemon 1 10 Word analysis
- I appeal to you (παρακαλῶ σε - parakalō se): Parakalō signifies to entreat, exhort, implore, or comfort. This choice of word is crucial. Paul, despite his apostolic authority (cf. Phlm 1:8), opts for a gentle and personal appeal rather than a command. This approach underscores the voluntary nature of Philemon's anticipated act of Christian charity and love, making it a genuine expression of his faith rather than a forced obligation. It emphasizes grace and persuasion over apostolic decree, honoring Philemon's autonomy in Christ.
- for my child (περὶ τοῦ ἐμοῦ τέκνου - peri tou emou teknou): The term teknon (child) signifies a deep, intimate, and often spiritual relationship, implying one has been "born" of the person in some sense. Paul frequently refers to those he has discipled or brought to faith as his spiritual "children" (e.g., 1 Cor 4:15; Gal 4:19). This is a statement of spiritual paternity, highlighting the profound transformation that has occurred in Onesimus and the intimate bond he now shares with Paul.
- Onesimus (Ὀνήσιμος - Onēsimos): This is the name of the runaway slave. The name itself means "useful" or "profitable." Paul subtly uses this meaning later in Phlm 1:11, creating a powerful wordplay that underscores the transformative power of the gospel: once unprofitable as a runaway slave, he is now exceedingly profitable both to Paul and, through reconciliation, to Philemon.
- whom I have begotten (ὃν ἐγέννησα - hon egennēsa): The verb gennaō means to beget or give birth to. In this context, it unequivocally refers to spiritual birth or regeneration—Onesimus' conversion to Christianity. Paul spiritually fathered Onesimus, likely by sharing the gospel with him and leading him to faith while imprisoned. This phrase emphasizes the supernatural work of God through Paul's ministry.
- while in chains (ἐν τοῖς δεσμοῖς - en tois desmois): Lit. "in the bonds." This refers to Paul's imprisonment. The specific location is often debated (Rome, Ephesus, or Caesarea), but its significance is paramount. It highlights the paradoxical power of the Gospel: even in physical confinement, facing adversity and limitations, Paul was actively ministering and bringing new believers into God's family. It connects Onesimus' conversion directly to Paul's suffering for Christ, emphasizing the fruit borne in hardship. It also implicitly adds weight to Paul's appeal, given the sacrifice involved.
Philemon 1 10 Bonus section
The seemingly simple declaration in Philemon 1:10 subtly introduces a radical concept for its time: the profound spiritual equality of all believers, regardless of their social status. In a society where slaves were considered property and held no legal rights, Paul's designation of Onesimus as his "child" and "brother" elevates the former runaway to an honorable status within the spiritual family. This sets the stage for a dramatic shift in human relations as experienced within the Christian community, paving the way for Christian love and forgiveness to redefine earthly hierarchies. It serves as an early example of how Christian principles began to gently subvert deeply ingrained social norms, not by forceful revolution, but by a radical reordering of personal relationships under the headship of Christ.
Philemon 1 10 Commentary
Philemon 1:10 forms the emotional and theological bedrock of Paul’s intercession for Onesimus. By identifying Onesimus not merely as a newly converted brother, but specifically as "my child, whom I have begotten while in chains," Paul personalizes the plea deeply. This statement is a profound declaration of spiritual fatherhood. It transforms Onesimus’ status in Paul’s eyes from a common person, let alone a slave, into one holding a cherished family relationship, a bond established through Paul’s suffering for the Gospel.
The verse masterfully positions Paul, the venerable apostle, as a spiritual parent, making Philemon's potential refusal to welcome Onesimus an affront to Paul’s spiritual offspring. Moreover, the detail of being "in chains" while begetting Onesimus showcases the boundless power of the Gospel to triumph over adverse circumstances, illustrating that true spiritual freedom and growth can occur even in the direst physical captivity. This appeals to Philemon's shared faith and love, challenging him to demonstrate Christ-like compassion that transcends societal norms of slavery and hierarchy. It underscores how the transforming grace of Christ levels all human distinctions, demanding that even a master should receive his slave as a beloved spiritual equal.