Philemon 1:10
I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
Original Language Analysis
παρακαλῶ
I beseech
G3870
παρακαλῶ
I beseech
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
1 of 13
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
περὶ
for
G4012
περὶ
for
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὃν
whom
G3739
ὃν
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
7 of 13
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐγέννησα
I have begotten
G1080
ἐγέννησα
I have begotten
Strong's:
G1080
Word #:
8 of 13
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Colossians 4:9With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.1 Corinthians 4:15For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.1 Timothy 1:2Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.Galatians 4:19My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,Titus 1:4To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Historical Context
Runaway slaves faced crucifixion, branding, or return to harsh masters (Roman law was brutal). Onesimus's route to Rome isn't explained—perhaps he stole money (v. 18) to fund travel, seeking the urban anonymity of empire's capital. His encounter with Paul shows God's providence: the very apostle who'd evangelized his master (v. 19) now converts the slave. Paul's Roman imprisonment (Acts 28:30) allowed visitors, enabling Onesimus's access.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God use your difficult circumstances (like Paul's imprisonment) for gospel advance and others' salvation?
- Who are your spiritual children "begotten" through your gospel witness, and how do you continue discipling them?
- Do you view interruptions and inconveniences as divine appointments or annoying disruptions?
Analysis & Commentary
I beseech thee for my son Onesimus—παρακαλῶ σε περὶ τοῦ ἐμοῦ τέκνου Ὀνησίμου (parakalō se peri tou emou teknou Onēsimou, I appeal to you concerning my child Onesimus). τέκνον (teknon, child/son) indicates spiritual parentage—Paul led Onesimus to faith. Ὀνήσιμος (Onēsimos, Onesimus—name means "useful/profitable," v. 11 plays on this). Paul delays naming Onesimus until verse 10, building suspense. Readers would recognize the irony: Paul, prisoner, advocates for the fugitive slave who reached him in Rome.
Whom I have begotten in my bonds (ὃν ἐγέννησα ἐν τοῖς δεσμοῖς, hon egennēsa en tois desmois)—γεννάω (gennaō, beget/give birth) describes spiritual regeneration (1 Corinthians 4:15, Galatians 4:19). ἐν τοῖς δεσμοῖς (en tois desmois, in bonds/chains)—Paul's imprisonment became evangelistic opportunity. Onesimus, fleeing Philemon, providentially encountered Paul, heard the gospel, believed. God's sovereignty orchestrated the runaway slave's conversion through the imprisoned apostle.