Philemon 1:22 kjv

But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.

Philemon 1:22 nkjv

But, meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you.

Philemon 1:22 niv

And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.

Philemon 1:22 esv

At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you.

Philemon 1:22 nlt

One more thing ? please prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that God will answer your prayers and let me return to you soon.

Philemon 1 verses

Philemon 1 22 Meaning

Philemon 1:22 reveals Paul's confident expectation of his release from imprisonment and his desire to visit Philemon, attributing this anticipated freedom and reunion to the effectiveness of the prayers of Philemon and the church. This verse highlights Paul's profound trust in divine providence in response to intercessory prayer, coupled with his hopeful anticipation of continued fellowship and service. It also serves as a subtle reminder of Paul's personal presence should Philemon fail to extend grace to Onesimus.

Philemon 1 22 Context

Philemon is a short, personal letter from Paul, likely written during his first Roman imprisonment (around AD 60-62), at the same time as Colossians and Ephesians. The primary purpose of the letter is Paul's appeal to Philemon to receive back his runaway slave, Onesimus, not merely as a slave, but as "a beloved brother" in Christ. The letter masterfully navigates social structures while promoting Christian love, forgiveness, and equality within the church. Verse 22 functions as a concluding thought and a gentle, relational persuasion. Paul’s intention to visit Philemon reinforces his genuine desire for restored relationships, and also puts the responsibility of responding graciously to Paul's appeal squarely on Philemon, knowing Paul would personally witness his actions.

Philemon 1 22 Word analysis

• But withal (ἅμα δὲ καὶ - hama de kai): This Greek phrase indicates "at the same time also" or "furthermore." It signals an additional request from Paul that is connected to, yet distinct from, his primary appeal regarding Onesimus. It links the practical request for lodging with the spiritual request for Philemon's actions concerning Onesimus.
• prepare (ἑτοιμάζετε - hetoimazete): This is a present imperative, commanding Philemon and implicitly the church community in Colossae to make arrangements. It implies a continuous or ongoing readiness and hospitality, reflecting a spiritual virtue.
• me also a lodging (μοι καὶ ξενίαν - moi kai xenian):
  • Lodging (ξενίαν - xenia): This term literally means "hospitality" or "a place for a guest." It signifies the deep trust and communal bond shared among early Christians, where providing shelter to traveling brethren was a common practice and expectation. Paul's request is rooted in the biblical injunctions for hospitality.
  • Also (καὶ - kai): Emphasizes that this personal need for accommodation is supplementary to the weightier matter of Onesimus, yet equally significant to Paul.
• for I trust (ἐλπίζω γάρ - elpizō gar):
  • Trust (ἐλπίζω - elpizō): In New Testament usage, elpizō often carries the weight of a confident expectation and hope, especially one that is rooted in God's faithfulness and promises. It is not mere wishful thinking but a spiritual assurance.
  • For (γάρ - gar): This conjunction introduces the reason or basis for Paul's hope: the prayers of Philemon and others.
• that through your prayers (διὰ τῶν προσευχῶν ὑμῶν - dia tōn proseuchōn hymōn):
  • Through (διὰ - dia): Indicates the instrumental cause; prayer is the means by which God's gracious act of release will occur.
  • Your prayers (τῶν προσευχῶν ὑμῶν - tōn proseuchōn hymōn): The plural "your" (hymōn) indicates that Paul is addressing not just Philemon but also Apphia, Archippus, and the church meeting in Philemon's house (Phil 1:2). This highlights the communal nature and power of corporate intercession among believers.
• I shall be given unto you (χαρισθήσομαι ὑμῖν - charisthēsomai hymin):
  • Be given (χαρισθήσομαι - charisthēsomai): This is a future passive form of charizomai, which means "to give freely," "to grant graciously," or "to show favor." The passive voice implies that the giving will come from God. It emphasizes that Paul's release and return is a gracious gift or favor granted by God in response to their prayers, rather than merely a natural occurrence or legal decision. It links to the concept of "grace" (χάρις - charis), suggesting a divine enablement.
  • Unto you (ὑμῖν - hymin): Again, plural, emphasizing that his return is for the benefit and fellowship of the whole believing community.
• Words-group Analysis:
  • "prepare me also a lodging": This request highlights the practical needs of Paul as an apostle, and the early Christian practice of hospitality within the community. It suggests a future physical presence, which could subtly encourage Philemon's compliance with Paul's primary request.
  • "for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you": This phrase beautifully intertwines faith, corporate prayer, divine sovereignty, and Christian fellowship. Paul’s trust is in God’s answer to prayer, acknowledging that God grants favor ("be given") through the faithful petitions of His people. This illustrates a profound theological conviction about the power of intercession and God's involvement in the practical affairs of believers.

Philemon 1 22 Bonus section

The request for lodging also served as an implied assurance of Paul's intention to personally follow up on the resolution of the Onesimus situation, adding weight to his plea. This would have been a significant incentive for Philemon to welcome Onesimus kindly. Furthermore, this verse underscores the integral role of communal prayer in the early church's life and ministry, showing that the physical movements and releases of key leaders were seen as directly influenced by the fervent prayers of God's people. The term "lodging" (ξενίαν - xenia) also carried cultural significance of the bond between host and guest, indicating a deeper relationship than mere transaction. Paul expects to be received as a trusted friend and fellow believer, strengthening the relational undercurrent of the entire letter.

Philemon 1 22 Commentary

Philemon 1:22 acts as a concluding, yet potent, piece of Paul's rhetorical strategy. His request for a lodging serves multiple purposes: it expresses his genuine longing for personal fellowship, underscores the expected reality of his visit, and gently puts pressure on Philemon to respond charitably to Paul's appeal concerning Onesimus. By stating his confidence that his release and return will be granted through the prayers of the believers, Paul elevates the human action of prayer to a spiritual mechanism for divine intervention, demonstrating his deep reliance on God and the believing community. His expected return is presented not as a certainty derived from human effort or legal outcomes, but as a "gift of grace" from God, granted in response to faithful, corporate prayer. This verse powerfully illustrates the reciprocal nature of Christian community, emphasizing mutual prayer, support, and the anticipated joy of reunion in the Lord. It teaches that even apostles relied on the intercession of the church and that practical concerns are interwoven with spiritual realities.