Philemon 1:20 kjv

Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.

Philemon 1:20 nkjv

Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord.

Philemon 1:20 niv

I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.

Philemon 1:20 esv

Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.

Philemon 1:20 nlt

Yes, my brother, please do me this favor for the Lord's sake. Give me this encouragement in Christ.

Philemon 1 verses

Philemon 1 20 Meaning

This verse is Paul's earnest plea to Philemon, based on their spiritual relationship and shared faith. Paul expresses his desire that Philemon's anticipated action concerning Onesimus—specifically his forgiveness and acceptance—would bring spiritual "joy" and "refreshment" to Paul's "heart." The entire request is framed "in the Lord" and "in Christ," emphasizing that the expected conduct and its beneficial outcome are rooted in their shared identity and principles found in Jesus Christ. It underscores the profound spiritual interconnectedness among believers.

Philemon 1 20 Context

Philemon 1:20 is found at the climax of Paul's highly sensitive and deeply personal appeal to Philemon concerning his runaway slave, Onesimus. Paul, imprisoned, had encountered Onesimus, led him to Christ, and developed a spiritual bond with him. Onesimus, previously "useless," had become "useful" (a play on his name) to Paul in ministry. Paul is now sending Onesimus back to Philemon, not as a returning slave, but as "a beloved brother" (Phm 1:16). This verse serves as Paul's final, gracious, yet earnest plea, designed to gently push Philemon towards full acceptance and restoration of Onesimus, potentially even freeing him. It subtly evokes Philemon's past acts of love and refreshment for other saints (Phm 1:7), prompting him to extend the same Christ-like kindness. The spiritual state of Paul, the apostle, is linked directly to Philemon's actions of Christian love and obedience towards Onesimus.

Philemon 1 20 Word analysis

• Yes (Ναί, Nai): This Greek particle serves as a strong affirmation or earnest desire. It signifies Paul's heartfelt yearning and expectation for Philemon's positive response, giving the request an almost eager and hopeful tone.

• brother (ἀδελφέ, adelphe): Paul consistently uses this term to emphasize the spiritual kinship shared by believers in Christ, regardless of social status. Here, it softens the request from an apostle to a friend, invoking a bond of affection and shared identity in the family of God, reminding Philemon of their mutual standing.

• let me have joy from you (ἐγώ σου ὀναίμην, ego sou onaimēn):

  • let me have joy: The Greek verb onaímen (ὀναίμην) is optative, expressing a wish or prayer, rather than a command. It specifically means "to profit," "to have advantage," or "to be blessed/helped." This choice of word forms a subtle and powerful pun on the name of Onesimus (Ὀνήσιμος, Onēsimos), which means "profitable" or "useful." Paul is essentially saying, "May I be profited from you, Philemon," by means of Philemon’s response to Onesimus, who is himself "profitable" now. It means Paul's benefit comes from Philemon's virtuous action.
  • from you: Indicates Philemon as the direct source of this spiritual benefit and encouragement to Paul.

• in the Lord (ἐν Κυρίῳ, en Kyriō): This phrase denotes the sphere, basis, and enablement of the action. It implies that the "joy" Paul seeks is not merely a personal feeling but one derived from an action consistent with the Lord's will, principles, and shared spiritual reality within the Body of Christ. It means that the benefit for Paul will come as a result of an action done by Philemon that is "in the Lord"—a truly Christian act.

• refresh (ἀνάπαυσόν, anapauson): An imperative verb meaning "give rest," "renew," "relieve," or "make comfortable." It suggests alleviation from distress, fatigue, or spiritual burden. Paul's heart, though courageous in ministry, clearly needed comfort, especially as a prisoner concerned for others. This "refreshment" is profound, not superficial.

• my heart (τὴν καρδίαν μου, tēn kardian mou): In biblical terms, "heart" signifies the innermost being, the seat of intellect, emotions, will, and conscience. Paul seeks deep, internal spiritual comfort and renewal. This implies his burden regarding Onesimus and Philemon's potential reaction was weighty.

• in Christ (ἐν Χριστῷ, en Christō): A parallel phrase to "in the Lord," emphasizing again that the refreshing of Paul's heart will occur through an action by Philemon that is congruent with Christian character and is performed through the enablement of Christ. It reinforces the Christ-centered foundation of all Christian conduct and relationship.

• Words-Group Analysis:

  • "Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord": This opening segment beautifully demonstrates Paul's unique blend of authority, humility, and affection. The Nai indicates strong appeal. Calling Philemon "brother" personalizes the request and anchors it in their mutual spiritual family. The play on Onesimus' name (onaimēn) makes the request profoundly impactful and suggests Philemon's acceptance of Onesimus would not only be a good deed but a genuine "profit" to Paul himself, spiritually. This benefit is rooted "in the Lord," ensuring it's not a mere favor but an act of godly consequence.
  • "refresh my heart in Christ": This second, parallel clause restates the core desire using a different metaphor: spiritual renewal. "Refresh" implies an active restoration of well-being, suggesting Paul's spiritual vitality or emotional peace is in some way tied to this outcome. The object, "my heart," signifies the depth of his need, encompassing his entire inner being. The final phrase "in Christ" reaffirms the Christ-centered nature of the request, stressing that the expected refreshment is not from worldly comfort but from a Christ-like act performed within the spiritual fellowship. These two phrases together build a complete picture of Paul's spiritual expectation and dependance on Philemon's obedient, loving response.

Philemon 1 20 Bonus section

The subtle pun on Onesimus' name in the Greek text ("let me have joy" / onaimēn) is a masterstroke of rhetorical persuasion by Paul. It beautifully connects the spiritual benefit Paul desires from Philemon to the very person for whom he is interceding. This linguistic artistry goes beyond mere cleverness; it highlights the Gospel's power to transform a "useless" slave into a "profitable" brother, and that embracing this transformation yields real, spiritual profit to the wider community of believers. This verse also encapsulates the theological principle of interdependence within the Body of Christ. Paul, the mighty apostle, expresses a vulnerability and a genuine need for spiritual solace from a fellow believer, reinforcing that no Christian, regardless of stature, is self-sufficient. Every act of Christian love and obedience, particularly in reconciliation, brings spiritual benefit to the wider church, and truly refreshes the "heart" of fellow saints.

Philemon 1 20 Commentary

Philemon 1:20 captures Paul's profound appeal for grace and reconciliation, serving as a powerful demonstration of Christian love in action. It isn't a demand but a tender, deeply personal plea, relying entirely on the transformative power of the Gospel and the shared spiritual bond between believers. Paul subtly leverages Philemon's character (already known for refreshing others, Phm 1:7) to inspire this critical act. The "joy" and "refreshment" Paul anticipates are not selfish; they are spiritual benefits flowing from Philemon's Christ-like act of forgiveness and acceptance of Onesimus. This exemplifies that Christian living profoundly impacts others, creating a network of spiritual support and mutual edification. For instance, forgiving a relational trespass by another believer (Col 3:13) can indeed bring peace and relief to those witnessing or involved in the reconciliation. Acknowledging another's sincere repentance can lift a spiritual burden not only from the penitent but also from those who were wronged.