Philemon 1 4

Philemon 1:4 kjv

I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,

Philemon 1:4 nkjv

I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers,

Philemon 1:4 niv

I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers,

Philemon 1:4 esv

I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers,

Philemon 1:4 nlt

I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon,

Philemon 1 verses

Philemon 1 4 Meaning

Philemon 1:4 reveals the Apostle Paul's consistent practice of prayer and heartfelt thanksgiving for Philemon. It underscores his deep personal connection to God ("my God") and his diligent remembrance of Philemon in intercession. This verse establishes a warm, intimate tone at the outset of the letter, rooted in genuine gratitude for Philemon's spiritual state. It highlights the Christian duty of continuous prayer and expressing thanks for fellow believers.

Philemon 1 4 Context

Philemon 1:4 opens Paul's brief, intensely personal letter to Philemon, a wealthy Christian believer from Colossae (or possibly Laodicea). Paul, imprisoned, writes concerning Onesimus, Philemon's runaway slave who has now become a convert and beloved brother in Christ. Before addressing the sensitive plea regarding Onesimus, Paul uses this traditional Pauline opening to express his genuine affection and spiritual bond with Philemon. By expressing immediate thanksgiving for Philemon in his prayers, Paul lays a foundational groundwork of positive affirmation and shared faith, setting a tone of trust and respect vital for the challenging request that follows in the letter. The historical context shows Paul modeling gracious communication even when difficult topics are to be discussed.

Philemon 1 4 Word analysis

• I: Refers to Paul, the author of the letter. It emphasizes the deeply personal nature of this communication. Despite being imprisoned, Paul maintains a robust spiritual life and focus on others.
• thank: The Greek word is εὐχαριστῶ (eucharistō), meaning "to give thanks" or "to be grateful." This is not a casual expression but a sincere and profound spiritual acknowledgment. It connects to the root of "Eucharist," symbolizing a spiritual act of giving thanks to God.
• my God: This phrase highlights Paul's intimate and personal relationship with God. "My" indicates possession through covenant and faith, setting God apart as his personal Lord and object of worship, in contrast to pagan deities or abstract concepts. It speaks to Paul's profound trust and devotion.
• always: The Greek is πάντοτε (pantote), meaning "at all times," "continually," or "on every occasion." This adverb underscores the constancy and regularity of Paul's prayer life. His thanksgiving for Philemon was not an isolated incident but a perpetual practice, demonstrating profound diligence and care for his fellow believers.
• when I remember: The phrase uses μνείαν ποιούμενος (mneian poioumenos), literally "making mention" or "making remembrance." It suggests more than a fleeting thought; it implies intentionally bringing Philemon and his virtues before God in prayer. This is an active form of intercession, not passive recall.
• you: Specifically refers to Philemon, the recipient of the letter. It underscores Paul's specific focus in his intercessions. However, as the letter also addresses "Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house" (v. 2), it likely implies a broader remembrance of Philemon's household and the community he hosts.
• in my prayers: The Greek is ἐπὶ τῶν προσευχῶν μου (epi tōn proseuchōn mou), referring to Paul's personal times of prayer and communion with God. This confirms that his remembrance and thanksgiving were enacted in formal acts of prayer, elevating them from mere thoughts to petitions brought before God. It reinforces Paul's consistent spiritual discipline and commitment to intercessory prayer.

Words-group analysis:

• "I thank my God always": This opening sets the tone for a letter rooted in genuine Christian affection and divine gratitude. It shows Paul's disciplined spiritual life where thanksgiving to God is a continuous, personal practice, regardless of his circumstances (like imprisonment). It also suggests a direct and active communication with God.
• "when I remember you in my prayers": This phrase details how Paul's thanksgiving for Philemon manifests. It signifies deliberate, consistent, and specific intercessory prayer. This is not a vague good wish, but a focused spiritual act of recalling Philemon before God, which implies knowing about and appreciating his spiritual state, which will be further elaborated in the next verse (v.5).

Philemon 1 4 Bonus section

• This opening verse mirrors similar Pauline prayer reports found in nearly all his other epistles (e.g., Romans, Corinthians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians), establishing a recognizable literary pattern. This highlights thanksgiving and intercession as central to Paul's apostolic ministry and personal spiritual discipline.
• Paul's emphasis on "always" (πάντοτε) praying and remembering suggests an integrated prayer life, not just compartmentalized religious activity. His ongoing state of imprisonment would naturally invite prayer for himself, yet he consistently makes special mention of others before God. This illustrates true selflessness in prayer.
• The personal address of "my God" suggests a profound, covenantal intimacy. Paul does not refer to "God" generically, but to the God whom he serves, trusts, and relates to on a deeply personal level. This intimacy is the source of his profound and constant gratitude.

Philemon 1 4 Commentary

Philemon 1:4 serves as a prime example of a heartfelt Pauline salutation that transcends mere formality. It showcases Paul's consistent prayer life, marked by unwavering gratitude to God for the spiritual vitality of others, even from prison. The phrase "I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers" highlights several key aspects of genuine Christian fellowship: personal communion with God ("my God"), a persistent practice of intercession ("always...in my prayers"), and a specific, intentional focus on fellow believers ("when I remember you"). This foundational act of thanksgiving prepares Philemon's heart for the potentially difficult request regarding Onesimus, assuring him of Paul's profound spiritual regard and sincere care. It reminds believers that true ministry involves not only direct interaction but also fervent and regular intercession for one another.Examples:

• A pastor regularly praying for each member of their congregation by name.
• Friends or family members making it a consistent practice to "lift up" loved ones in their daily quiet times with God.
• A Christian consistently expressing gratitude to God for the good deeds or spiritual growth they observe in others.