Philemon 1:13
Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
Original Language Analysis
ὃν
Whom
G3739
ὃν
Whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
πρὸς
with
G4314
πρὸς
with
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
4 of 16
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
ἐμαυτὸν
me
G1683
ἐμαυτὸν
me
Strong's:
G1683
Word #:
5 of 16
of myself so likewise the dative case ?????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-to'"/>, and accusative case ??????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-ton'"/>
κατέχειν
have retained
G2722
κατέχειν
have retained
Strong's:
G2722
Word #:
6 of 16
to hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively)
ὑπὲρ
stead
G5228
ὑπὲρ
stead
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
8 of 16
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
διακονῇ
he might have ministered
G1247
διακονῇ
he might have ministered
Strong's:
G1247
Word #:
10 of 16
to be an attendant, i.e., wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a christian deacon
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δεσμοῖς
the bonds
G1199
δεσμοῖς
the bonds
Strong's:
G1199
Word #:
14 of 16
a band, i.e., ligament (of the body) or shackle (of a prisoner); figuratively, an impediment or disability
Cross References
Ephesians 3:1For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,Philippians 1:7Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.1 Corinthians 16:17I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.
Historical Context
Roman house arrest (custodia libera) allowed personal attendants. Paul's co-workers included Timothy, Luke, Aristarchus, and others (Colossians 4:7-14, Philippians 2:19-30). Onesimus joined this team, proving his transformation from runaway to faithful minister. The phrase "in your stead" implies Philemon owed Paul service—perhaps Paul had financially supported or spiritually mentored Philemon, creating reciprocal obligation in patronage culture.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you release people to return to difficult situations even when you'd prefer their company and help?
- How do you view your circumstances—neutral facts or "bonds of the gospel" with redemptive purpose?
- Whose service or support do you appreciate as standing "in the stead" of others who cannot personally help?
Analysis & Commentary
Whom I would have retained with me—ὃν ἐγὼ ἐβουλόμην πρὸς ἐμαυτὸν κατέχειν (hon egō eboulomēn pros emauton katechein, whom I myself was wishing to keep with myself)—βούλομαι (boulomai, wish/desire) and κατέχω (katechō, hold/retain). Paul confesses his desire: keep Onesimus as personal assistant. The imperfect tense ἐβουλόμην (eboulomēn, I was wishing) indicates past deliberation that he rejected.
That in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel (ἵνα ὑπὲρ σοῦ μοι διακονῇ ἐν τοῖς δεσμοῖς τοῦ εὐαγγελίου, hina hyper sou moi diakonē en tois desmois tou euangeliou)—ὑπὲρ σοῦ (hyper sou, on your behalf/in your place) suggests Onesimus's service would substitute for Philemon's desired but impossible service. διακονέω (diakoneō, serve/minister) in τοῖς δεσμοῖς τοῦ εὐαγγελίου (the bonds of the gospel)—Paul's imprisonment was "for the gospel," giving it redemptive meaning. Onesimus could physically serve what Philemon could only spiritually support.