Philemon 1:18 kjv
If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;
Philemon 1:18 nkjv
But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account.
Philemon 1:18 niv
If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.
Philemon 1:18 esv
If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account.
Philemon 1:18 nlt
If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me.
Philemon 1 18 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Isa 53:5 | But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed... | Christ bore our wrongdoing. |
| 2 Cor 5:21 | For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that... | God imputed our sin to Christ. |
| Rom 4:5-6 | And to the one who does not work but believes in him... righteousness is counted. | Righteousness is imputed by faith, not deeds. |
| Phil 2:6-7 | Who, though he was in the form of God... made himself nothing... | Christ's self-emptying to redeem. |
| Rom 5:8 | But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died. | God's costly love for the unworthy. |
| Gal 6:2 | Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. | Command to share responsibilities and hardships. |
| Matt 6:12 | And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. | Prayer for forgiveness mirroring our own. |
| Lk 7:41-43 | "A certain moneylender had two debtors... Which of them will love him more?" | Parable highlighting forgiveness and gratitude. |
| Col 2:13-14 | By canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. | Christ canceled the debt of our sins. |
| 1 Pet 2:24 | He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin. | Christ’s substitutionary bearing of sin. |
| 1 Jn 2:1-2 | My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin... and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins. | Christ as our Advocate and propitiation. |
| Rom 8:34 | Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died... who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding. | Christ's ongoing intercession for believers. |
| Heb 7:25 | Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who approach God through him, since he always lives to intercede for them. | Christ's perpetual intercession. |
| Eph 4:32 | Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. | Christian call to extend forgiveness. |
| Col 3:13 | Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other. | Practical instruction for mutual forgiveness. |
| 2 Cor 8:9 | For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. | Christ's great act of selfless exchange. |
| 1 Tim 2:5 | For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. | Christ mediates between God and humanity. |
| Rom 15:1-3 | We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak... | Responsibility of the strong to assist the weak. |
| Heb 12:1-2 | Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us... Christ, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross... | Jesus as the ultimate example of enduring for others. |
| Php 2:3-4 | Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit... but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. | Call to prioritize others’ interests. |
| Prov 6:1-5 | If you have put up security for your neighbor, have given your pledge for a stranger... | Warnings about guarantees, yet Paul models grace. |
| Prov 22:26 | Be not one of those who give pledges, who put up security for debts. | Paul’s offer here transcends common wisdom for love. |
Philemon 1 verses
Philemon 1 18 Meaning
Philemon 1:18 presents Paul's profound offer to Philemon: if Onesimus has wronged him or owes him anything, Paul insists that Philemon charge this debt directly to Paul's personal account. This statement underscores Paul's complete identification with Onesimus, willing to personally bear the consequences of any transgression or financial obligation incurred by Onesimus, effectively stepping in as his guarantor. It embodies the essence of Christian love, reconciliation, and vicarious responsibility, aiming to restore the relationship between Philemon and Onesimus on new grounds of grace and brotherhood.
Philemon 1 18 Context
Philemon is a short, personal letter from the Apostle Paul, imprisoned in Rome, to Philemon, a wealthy Christian slave owner in Colossae. The central issue concerns Onesimus, Philemon's slave, who had run away, potentially stolen from his master, and had now become a believer in Christ through Paul's ministry in prison. Paul is sending Onesimus back to Philemon, not as a returned fugitive, but as "a beloved brother" (v. 16). The letter is a powerful plea for reconciliation and Christian forgiveness, subtly urging Philemon not only to receive Onesimus kindly but possibly to grant him freedom and even send him back to serve Paul. Verse 18 is a direct, concrete promise by Paul to remove any obstacle, particularly financial, that might prevent Philemon from forgiving Onesimus fully and welcoming him. This offer establishes Paul's earnestness and willingness to personally bear any loss for the sake of Onesimus's restoration and Philemon's obedience to Christian principles.
Philemon 1 18 Word analysis
- If: (Greek: ei) - This conjunction introduces a condition, not necessarily doubt, but acknowledging the possibility or the premise upon which Paul's offer rests. It addresses two aspects: specific wrongdoing and general financial debt.
- he has wronged you: (Greek: ti ēdikēsen se, from adikéō) - Adikéō means to act unjustly, do wrong, harm, injure. This implies more than just monetary debt; it suggests an offense or injury Philemon suffered at Onesimus's hand, possibly involving the loss of service, personal affront, or a specific transgression related to his departure. This points to the relational and personal harm.
- at all: (ti, 'anything' or 'at all') - Emphasizes the comprehensiveness of Paul's offer; even a minor offense or loss.
- or owes you anything: (Greek: ē opheilei, from opheilō) - Opheilō signifies to owe, be in debt, be under obligation. This addresses the financial aspect specifically. Onesimus might have stolen money or goods upon his flight, or there could be a legal debt. This clause specifies any monetary or material loss.
- charge that to my account: (Greek: touto emoi ellóga, from ellogeó) - This is the crucial phrase.
- Touto means "this" or "that," referring collectively to any wrong or debt mentioned.
- Emoi means "to me" or "to my."
- Ellogáō (also spelled ellogeó) means to impute, to charge to one's account, to reckon something to someone. It is a commercial term for entering a debt or credit into a ledger. Its use here has profound theological resonance.
Words-group Analysis:
- "If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything": This comprehensive phrase covers both the injury (dishonor, lost service, personal offense) and the financial loss Philemon might have sustained. It acknowledges all potential grievances. Paul understands the totality of Onesimus's failings from Philemon's perspective, both legal and personal, and commits to addressing them all.
- "charge that to my account": This phrase encapsulates Paul's vicarious action. The verb ellogeó is very significant, as it appears in the Septuagint and New Testament with theological implications related to the imputation of sin or righteousness (e.g., Rom 5:13 in some contexts, but more clearly in the Septuagint and its conceptual relation to justification). Paul is offering a substitutionary bearing of debt and wrongdoing. He acts as a guarantor and a substitute, taking upon himself the burden and the financial cost that rightfully belong to Onesimus. This parallels the ultimate act of Christ, who took our debt and wrong on Himself. It's a powerful practical illustration of imputation.
Philemon 1 18 Bonus section
The financial and moral guarantee offered by Paul in verse 18 was not trivial in Roman society, where runaway slaves could incur severe penalties, and their masters could pursue them legally for damages. Paul’s "charge that to my account" would have been legally binding if he had the means. Beyond a simple financial offer, it reflects a radical challenge to social conventions. In an honor-shame culture, Philemon’s honor might have been compromised by a runaway slave and potential theft. Paul is not asking Philemon to ignore the offense but is taking on the "shame" or "burden" himself. This act showcases Christian values superseding legalistic frameworks and societal norms, transforming a legal liability into an act of love and intercession within the framework of brotherhood in Christ. This small clause sets a precedent for radical forgiveness and intercession within the Christian community, illustrating that love takes the burden upon itself.
Philemon 1 18 Commentary
Philemon 1:18 reveals Paul's immense grace and tactical wisdom in mediating a difficult situation. By offering to personally absorb any debt or offense incurred by Onesimus, Paul goes beyond mere advocacy; he demonstrates deep sacrificial love and a profound understanding of the concept of imputation. This mirrors the divine transaction of salvation, where the debt of humanity's sin is "charged" to Christ's account, and His righteousness is "charged" to ours. Paul is effectively standing in the place of Onesimus, bearing his liabilities.
This verse teaches that Christian reconciliation is costly and may involve a willingness to pay for another's failures. Paul’s selflessness removes Philemon’s financial obstacle and appeals to his heart on a spiritual basis. The appeal isn't just to forgive; it's to forgive based on Paul bearing the cost, setting an example for believers to bear one another's burdens (Gal 6:2). It shows Paul’s faith that Philemon would value his spiritual brother and the principles of Christ above any material loss or personal slight. This short statement is a powerful expression of genuine brotherhood and a practical theology of grace in action.
- Example 1: A Christian friend pays the debt of a new believer who was formerly incarcerated, removing a practical barrier to their re-integration.
- Example 2: In a church conflict, a leader takes personal responsibility for perceived wrongs or losses caused by a church member, fostering healing.
- Example 3: One believer intercedes financially or physically for another in significant need, even if that need stemmed from poor choices, out of love and a desire for restoration.