Philemon 1:14

Authorized King James Version

But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.

Word-by-Word Analysis

χωρὶς

G5565

without

at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

τῆς

G3588

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

σῆς

G4674

thy

thine

γνώμης

G1106

mind

cognition, i.e., (subjectively) opinion, or (objectively) resolve (counsel, consent, etc.)

οὐδὲν

G3762

nothing

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

ἠθέλησα

G2309

would

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

ποιῆσαι

G4160

I do

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ἵνα

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#10

μὴ

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#11

ὡς

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

#12

κατὰ

G2596

it were of

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

#13

ἀνάγκην

G318

necessity

constraint (literally or figuratively); by implication, distress

#14

τὸ

G3588

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

#15

ἀγαθόν

G18

benefit

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

#16

σου

G4675

thy

of thee, thy

#17

ᾖ

G5600

(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be

#18

ἀλλὰ

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#19

κατὰ

G2596

it were of

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

#20

ἑκούσιον

G1595

willingly

voluntariness

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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Philemon Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?