Philemon 1:13

Authorized King James Version

Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὃν

G3739

Whom

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐγὼ

G1473

i, me

ἐβουλόμην

G1014

would

to "will," i.e., (reflexively) be willing

πρὸς

G4314

with

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

G1683

of myself so likewise the dative case ?????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-to'"/>, and accusative case ??????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-ton'"/>

κατέχειν

G2722

have retained

to hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively)

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ὑπὲρ

G5228

stead

"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

σοῦ

G4675

in thy

of thee, thy

#10

διακονῇ

G1247

he might have ministered

to be an attendant, i.e., wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a christian deacon

#11

μοι

G3427

unto me

to me

#12

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#13

τοῖς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#14

δεσμοῖς

G1199

the bonds

a band, i.e., ligament (of the body) or shackle (of a prisoner); figuratively, an impediment or disability

#15

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#16

εὐαγγελίου

G2098

of the gospel

a good message, i.e., the gospel

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?