Philemon 1

Philemon · Chapter 1

Philemon 1:4

1Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,2And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:3Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.4I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,5Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;6That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.7For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.8Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,9Yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.10I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:11Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:12Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:13Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:14But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.15For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;16Not 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?17If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.18If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;19I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.20Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.21Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.22But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.23There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;24Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.25The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

King James Version (1769)

Other translations

VerseKJVBSBASV
4I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,I always thank my God, remembering you in my prayers,I thank my God always, making mention of thee in my prayers,

In context

AI-assisted, sourced

Right after his greeting, Paul begins the letter by telling Philemon that he thanks God for him and remembers him in prayer. This opens the thanksgiving section (1:4-7), which praises Philemon's love and faith. It prepares for Paul's request about Onesimus that follows (1:8-21). Philemon 1:3Philemon 1:4Philemon 1:5Philemon 1:7Philemon overview

SpeakingPaul, who calls himself a prisoner of Jesus Christ, writing with Timothy. Philemon 1:1Philemon overview

ToPhilemon, Paul's dearly beloved fellow-worker. The letter is also addressed to Apphia, Archippus, and the church in Philemon's house. The "thee" in this verse is singular, pointing to Philemon. Philemon 1:1Philemon 1:2Philemon overviewStrong's G4771

Paul says he gives thanks to his God and always mentions Philemon when he prays. The next verse gives the reason: he hears of Philemon's love and faith toward the Lord Jesus and all the saints. Philemon 1:4Philemon 1:5Strong's G2168Strong's G3417

Paul writes from prison; the city is not named, with Rome the traditional view. The letter went to Philemon, likely at Colossae, though the letter itself does not name the town. Philemon overview

ASIAGALATIAPHRYGIAAegean SeaColossaeLaodiceaHierapolisEphesusMiletus

The eventsPaul is in prison as he writes and prays (1:1, 1:9-10). The letter does not say where. Philemon 1:1Philemon 1:9Philemon overview

WrittenTraditional: about AD 60-62, during Paul's imprisonment in Rome, at the same time as Colossians. Scholarly: nearly all accept Paul wrote it; some place the imprisonment at Ephesus (about AD 54-55) or Caesarea (about AD 57-59). Philemon overview

HerePaul thanks God for Philemon's faith and love before he makes his appeal. He then appeals for love's sake rather than by command (1:8-9). Philemon 1:5Philemon 1:7Philemon 1:8Philemon 1:9Philemon overview

In the whole of ScripturePaul often opens his letters by thanking God and naming his readers in prayer. He does so in Romans 1:8, Philippians 1:3, Colossians 1:3, 1 Thessalonians 1:2, and 2 Timothy 1:3. These openings show his steady habit of prayer for the churches and people he loved. Romans 1:8Philippians 1:3Colossians 1:31 Thessalonians 1:22 Timothy 1:3Ephesians 1:16

For readersThanking God for other believers and praying for them by name is part of ordinary Christian love. Paul did this even while in prison. Philemon 1:4Philemon 1:92 Thessalonians 1:3

  • mentionμνεία
    Greek · mneia · G3417

    The word means remembrance or mention. The same phrase, "making mention," appears in Paul's prayers in Romans 1:9, Ephesians 1:16, and 1 Thessalonians 1:2. It shows Paul naming Philemon before God in prayer. Strong's G3417Ephesians 1:161 Thessalonians 1:2

  • I thankεὐχαριστέω
    Greek · eucharisteō · G2168

    It means to be thankful or give thanks. With "to God" it is also used in Philippians 1:3 and Colossians 1:3, where Paul likewise opens by thanking God for his readers. Strong's G2168Philippians 1:3Colossians 1:3

Takeaway

Before asking Philemon for anything, Paul tells him that he thanks God for him and prays for him always. His appeal grows out of prayer and gratitude for Philemon's love and faith. Philemon 1:4Philemon 1:5Philemon 1:8Philemon 1:9

Drafted by AI from the Scripture and data shown under “Show sources,” then checked automatically and by a second AI pass. Updated 2026-10-23.

The world around the text

About AD 60-62. Roman emperor: Nero (AD 54-68). Where Philemon and the church in his house lived. A small town in the Lycus valley of Phrygia, in the Roman province of Asia, about 190 km (120 miles) east of Ephesus.

Who ruled
  • Roman emperorNeroAD 54-68

    Emperor over Rome, Asia and Judea. Paul, a Roman citizen, had appealed to Caesar, who in these years was Nero. Acts 25:10-12Acts 28:16Suetonius, NeroTacitus, Annals 13-16

  • Governor of the province where Colossae stoodThe proconsul of AsiaOne-year terms

    Asia was governed by a proconsul appointed for a year at a time, who heard cases in the province's leading cities. Acts 19:38Strabo, Geography 17.3.25

  • Governor of Judea and Jewish client kingFestus and Agrippa IIc. AD 59-62; c. AD 50-90s

    Festus and King Agrippa heard Paul's defense in Caesarea and sent him on to Rome as he had asked. Acts 25:12Acts 25:23-26:32

What was happening, AD 58 to AD 64
  1. AD 58-63
    WarRome and Parthia fight over Armenia

    Roman armies under Corbulo campaigned in Armenia until the two empires made peace in AD 63. Tacitus, Annals 13.34-41, 14.23-26, 15.1-17, 15.24-31

  2. c. AD 59-60
    The churchPaul's voyage to Rome

    Paul sailed for Rome as a prisoner, was shipwrecked on Malta, and reached Rome the following spring. Acts 27:1-28:16

  3. AD 60
    DisasterEarthquake in the Lycus valley

    An earthquake ruined Laodicea, about 16 km (10 miles) from Colossae; Laodicea rebuilt without Rome's help. A later Christian historian says Hierapolis and Colossae fell in the same disaster. Tacitus, Annals 14.27Orosius, History Against the Pagans 7.7.12Colossians 4:13

  4. AD 60-61
    WarBoudica's revolt in Britain

    Boudica, queen of the Iceni, led a rising that burned Colchester, London and St Albans before the Romans defeated her. Tacitus, Annals 14.29-39

  5. c. AD 60-62
    The churchPaul under guard in Rome

    Paul lived two whole years in his own rented house, guarded by a soldier, receiving all who came to him. Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians and Philippians are traditionally dated to these years. Acts 28:16Acts 28:30-31Philippians 1:13

  6. AD 61
    RulersA slave-owner's murder shakes Rome

    When the city prefect Pedanius Secundus was killed by one of his slaves, the Senate upheld the old law that all 400 slaves of his household be executed, despite protests from the crowd. Tacitus, Annals 14.42-45

  7. AD 62
    The churchJames, the Lord's brother, is killed

    Between governors, the high priest Ananus had "James, the brother of Jesus who was called Christ" stoned in Jerusalem. Josephus, Antiquities 20.197-203Galatians 1:19

  8. AD 64
    The churchFire in Rome, and Nero blames the Christians

    After a great fire burned much of Rome, Nero blamed the Christians and put a "vast multitude" to death. Tacitus, Annals 15.38-44Suetonius, Nero 16.2

The full picture: places, culture and daily life. Scripture first, then ancient writers on these years and places (Tacitus, Suetonius, Josephus, Strabo, Herodotus, Pliny, Roman law). Drafted by Claude and not yet reviewed by a person.

Original Greek words

EnglishGreekSay itStrong'sMeaning
I thankΕὐχαριστῶEucharistōG2168
to thank

εὐχαριστέω (eucharisteō) εὐχαριστέω, -ῶ [in LXX: Jdth.8:25 Wis.18:2, 2Ma.1:11 2Mac 10:7 A 2Ma.12:31 R, 3Ma.7:16 * ;] to be thankful, give thanks (chiefly in late writers and Inscr.; cf. Milligan, Th., 5; Ellic. on Col.1:12; Lft., Notes, 9): Rom.1:21, 1Co.14:17, 1Th.5:18; of giving thanks before meat, Mat.15:36 26:27, Mrk.8:6 14:23, Luk.22:17, 19, Jhn.6:11, 23, 1Co.11:24; with dative pens., τ. θεῷ, Luk.17:16, Act.27:35 28:15, Rom.14:6 16:4, 1Co.14:18, Php.1:3, Col.1:3, 12, Phm 4; before διὰ Ἰ. Χριστοῦ, Rom.1:8 7:25 R, WH, mg., Col.3:17; ἐν ὀνόματι Χρ., Eph.5:20; before περί, 1Th.1:2, 2Th.1:3; ὅτι, Rom.1:8, 2Th.2:13; …

GodθεῷtheōG2316
God

θεός (theos) θεός, -οῦ, ὁ, ἡ (Act.19:37 only; see M, Pr., 60, 244), late voc., θεέ (Mat.27:46; cf. Deu.3:24, al.), [in LXX chiefly for אֱלֹהִים, also for אֵל and other cognate forms, יהוה, etc. ;] a god or deity, God. 1. In polytheistic sense, a god or deity: Act.28:6, 1Co.8:4, 2Th.2:4, al.; pl., Ac. 14:11 19:26, Gal.4:8, al. 2. Of the one true God; …

of mineμουmouG3165
me

μέ (me) 1. apostrophe for με. 2. rarely for μοι, (Homer) (ML)

alwaysπάντοτεpantoteG3842
always

πάντοτε (pantote) πάντοτε adv. of time (πᾶς), [in LXX: Wis.11:21 19:18 * ;] in late writers (once in Arist.) for διαπαντός, ἑκάστοτε, at all times, always: Mat.26:11, Mrk.14:7, Luk.15:31, Jhn.6:34, Rom.1:10, and frequently in Paul. Epp (AS)

mentionμνείανmneianG3417
remembrance

μνεία (mneia) μνεία, -ας, ἡ (μιμνήσκω), [in LXX for זָכַר, its parts and deriva­tives ;] remembrance, mention (= μνήμη) : Php.1:3; μ. ποιεῖσθαι, with genitive of person(s), Rom.1:9, Eph.1:16, 1Th.1:2, Phm 4 (cf. Psa.111:4); μ. ἔχειν, with genitive of person(s), 1Th.3:6, 2Ti.1:3 (on the seel. in Rom.12:13, see ICC, in I.; Field, Notes, 163).† (AS)

of youσουsouG4771
you

σέ (se) αὐτός, -ή, -ό, determinative pron., in late Gk. much more frequently than in cl. (WM, 178f.; Jannaris, HGG, §1399). 1. Emphatic (so always in nom. exc. when preceded by the art., see infr., iii); (1) self (ipse), expressing opposition, distinction, exclusion, etc., αὐ. ἐκχυθήσεται, Luk.5:37; αὐ. ἐγινώσκεν, Jhn.2:25; αὐ.ὑμεῖς, Jhn.3:28; καὶ αὐ. ἐγώ, Rom.15:14; αὐ. Ἰησοῦς, Jhn.2:24; αὐ. καὶ οἱ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ, Mrk.2:25; ὑμεῖς αὐ., Mrk.6:31; esp. (as freq in cl.) αὐ. ὁ, Mat.3:4, Mrk.6:17, Jhn.16:27, 1Th.3:11, al.; in late Gk., sometimes weakened, ἐν αὐτῇ τ. ὥρᾳ, in that hour, Luk.10:21 (M, Pr., 91; …

makingποιούμενοςpoioumenosG4160G
to do/make: do

ποιέω (poieō) ποιέω, -ῶ, [in LXX for a great variety of words, but chiefly for עשׂה ;] 1. to make, produce, create, cause: with accusative of thing(s), Mat.17:4, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.9:11, Act.9:39, Rom.9:20, al.; of God as Creator (with accusative of person(s) also), Mat.19:4, Mrk.10:6, Luk.11:40, Act.4:24, Heb.1:2, al.; like Heb. עשׂה, absol. = ἐργάζομαι, to work, Mat.20:12 (cf. Rut.2:19; so AV, but see infr.), Rev.13:5, R, mg. (but see infr.); σκάνδαλα, Rom.16:17; εἰρεήνην, Eph.2:15, Jas.3:18; ἐπίστασιν, Act.24:12; συστροφήν, Act.23:12; with accusative of thing(s) and dative of person(s), Luk.1:68, Act.15:3; w …

uponἐπὶepiG1909
upon/to/against

ἐπί (epi) ἐπί (before a smooth breathing ἐπ᾽, before a rough breathing ἐφ᾽), prep. with genitive, dative, accusative (accusative most frequently in NT), with primary sense of superposition, on, upon. I. C. genitive, 1. of place, answering the question, where? …

prayersπροσευχῶνproseuchōnG4335
prayer

προσευχή (proseuchē) προσ-ευχή, -ῆς, ἡ (προσεύχομαι), [in LXX chiefly for תְּפִלָּה ;] 1. prayer to God: Mat.17:21 (WH, R, txt., om.) Mat.21:22, Mrk.9:29, Luk.22:45, Act.3:1 6:4 10:31, Rom.12:12, 1Co.7:5, Col.4:2; pl., Act.2:42 10:4, Rom.1:10, Eph.1:16 Col.4:12, 1Th.1:2, Phm 4 22, 1Pe.3:7 4:7, Rev.5:8 8:3-4; οἶκος προσευχῆς, Mat.21:13, Mrk.11:17, Luk.19:46" (LXX) ; π. καὶ δέησις, Eph.6:18, Php.4:6; pl., 1Ti.2:1 5:5; ἡ π. τοῦ θεοῦ, prayer to God (ef. Wis.16:28), Luk.6:12; πρὸς τ. θεόν, before ὑπέρ, Act.12:5; pl., Rom.15:30; Hebraistically (B1., § 38, 3), προσευχῇ προσεύχεσθαι, Jas.5:17 (EV, prayed fervently). …

of mine,μου,mouG3165
me

μέ (me) 1. apostrophe for με. 2. rarely for μοι, (Homer) (ML)

Words and meanings from STEPBible data (Tyndale House, Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). The capitalized syllable is the stressed one.