Philemon 1:16 kjv

Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?

Philemon 1:16 nkjv

no longer as a slave but more than a slave?a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

Philemon 1:16 niv

no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.

Philemon 1:16 esv

no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother ? especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

Philemon 1:16 nlt

He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.

Philemon 1 verses

Philemon 1 16 Meaning

Philemon 1:16 profoundly conveys that Onesimus, previously recognized only as Philemon's runaway slave, is now to be received and valued as far more than that—as a "beloved brother" in Christ. This verse highlights the transformative power of the gospel, which elevates individuals above their societal statuses, creating a new, spiritually equal, and loving family bond "in the Lord." Paul emphasizes that this spiritual relationship not only deepens Onesimus's personal connection to him but also creates an even stronger, doubly significant bond for Philemon, encompassing both their shared human experience and their common faith in Christ.

Philemon 1 16 Context

Philemon 1:16 is a pivotal verse in Paul's concise letter to Philemon, a wealthy Christian leader in Colossae. The letter addresses a deeply personal and potentially scandalous situation: Onesimus, Philemon's runaway slave, had fled to Rome, where he encountered Paul in prison and was converted to Christianity. Rather than keeping Onesimus, who had become valuable to Paul, Paul sends him back to Philemon, carrying this letter. This verse represents the core of Paul's plea to Philemon: to receive Onesimus not merely as a former possession but as a newly converted brother in the faith.

The historical context of the Roman Empire reveals widespread slavery, an established societal institution. While slaves were considered property, their roles varied, and manumission (release from slavery) was possible. Paul, by sending Onesimus back, acknowledges Roman law but simultaneously subverts the societal norms by advocating for a revolutionary redefinition of their relationship based on Christian identity. Paul implicitly challenges Philemon to prioritize his identity in Christ and the ethics of the gospel above the conventional legal and social codes regarding slaves, turning a legal problem into a theological opportunity for profound Christian demonstration.

Philemon 1 16 Word analysis

• no longer: Greek ouketi (οὐκέτι). This emphatic negation indicates a complete and permanent cessation of the previous state or relationship. It's not a suggestion to improve the slave-master relationship, but to transform it into something entirely new. It implies a definite change of status and perception.
• as a slave: Greek hōs doulon (ὡς δοῦλον). Doulos (δοῦλος) denotes a bond-servant, a slave, someone without personal freedom or rights, completely owned by another. Paul highlights Onesimus's former legal and social status, which is now to be transcended.
• but more than a slave: Greek alla hyper doulon (ἀλλὰ ὑπὲρ δοῦλον). The phrase hyper (ὑπὲρ) signifies "more than," "beyond," or "superior to." This elevates Onesimus's new standing not just slightly above, but qualitatively superior to his former role. It signifies a status endowed with greater dignity, value, and reciprocal respect than any master-slave relationship could offer.
• as a beloved brother: Greek hōs adelphon agapēton (ὡς ἀδελφὸν ἀγαπητόν). This is the radical Christian redefinition of their relationship.
  • Adelphon (ἀδελφὸν): Literally "brother," indicating a familial relationship based on shared spiritual lineage (children of God) and common faith in Christ. This brotherhood transcends societal and ethnic divisions.
  • Agapēton (ἀγαπητόν): "Beloved." It conveys deep affection, endearment, and love. This isn't merely a formal title but an expectation of genuine affection. It implies a loving bond forged in their shared experience "in the Lord."
• especially to me: Paul’s personal endorsement and testimony of Onesimus’s transformation. Paul experienced Onesimus as a brother who became truly "useful" (the meaning of Onesimus's name) to him. This emphasizes the reality of the spiritual bond.
• but how much more to you: Rhetorical question highlighting Philemon’s greater responsibility and opportunity. Since Onesimus is Philemon's property by law, and now his brother in faith, Philemon's reception of him holds even deeper spiritual significance and presents a more profound challenge to live out Christian love.
• both in the flesh: Greek kai en sarki (καὶ ἐν σαρκί). This refers to the human, tangible, physical realm—their shared humanity and potentially the social connection outside of direct spiritual bond (e.g., as former master/slave, but now two human beings sharing life). It might also acknowledge that Onesimus still has earthly responsibilities towards Philemon (e.g., service). This is the basis for their worldly interactions, redeemed by the new spiritual status.
• and in the Lord: Greek kai en Kyriō (καὶ ἐν Κυρίῳ). This refers to the spiritual reality and their shared bond in Christ. This relationship is not merely societal but foundational, empowered, and defined by their common faith and shared life in Jesus Christ. It is the ultimate and defining aspect of their relationship, superseding all other earthly distinctions.

Philemon 1 16 Bonus section

The letter to Philemon, with this verse at its core, illustrates a significant aspect of early Christian strategy regarding social issues. Rather than instigating outright social revolution, the gospel sought to transform society from within, through the changed hearts and renewed minds of believers. Paul models how personal transformation in Christ should radically alter interpersonal relationships, regardless of pre-existing social strata. This spiritual subversion of human hierarchy underscores the revolutionary nature of the kingdom of God, where love, equality, and brotherhood supersede worldly power structures and social norms. The "in the Lord" relationship is presented as the supreme identity, making earthly distinctions secondary, thus gradually dismantling unjust systems by altering the very ethical fabric of individuals.

Philemon 1 16 Commentary

Philemon 1:16 is the heart of Paul's gentle yet revolutionary appeal. It beautifully encapsulates the gospel's power to redefine human relationships. Paul is not merely asking Philemon for forgiveness; he is requesting a radical transformation of their entire dynamic. The phrase "no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, as a beloved brother" is a theological masterstroke. It confronts the socio-legal reality of slavery with the spiritual reality of new creation in Christ. This new identity in Christ fundamentally rearranges the hierarchy, elevating a bond-servant to the status of a cherished sibling. The "beloved brother" designation commands genuine love, respect, and shared standing within the community of believers, directly challenging the deeply entrenched master-slave dichotomy.

Paul shrewdly argues that if Onesimus is already a "beloved brother" to him, Paul, who met him newly converted, how much more should he be to Philemon. Philemon knows Onesimus's past, and now sees his transformation. This dual reception, "both in the flesh and in the Lord," covers all aspects of their relationship. "In the flesh" acknowledges their previous worldly connection and Onesimus's tangible presence, possibly his usefulness. "In the Lord" points to their deepest, most enduring bond forged in salvation. This is where equality truly lies and where forgiveness and acceptance must blossom into genuine fellowship. While the letter doesn't directly condemn slavery, it plants the seeds of its theological demise by establishing a spiritual reality where all believers are equals and brothers, undermining the very premise of one human owning another. It challenges believers to live out a transformed ethic that prioritizes divine kinship over worldly status, setting a powerful precedent for Christian love and reconciliation within communities.