Philemon 1:14
But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
Original Language Analysis
χωρὶς
without
G5565
χωρὶς
without
Strong's:
G5565
Word #:
1 of 20
at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γνώμης
mind
G1106
γνώμης
mind
Strong's:
G1106
Word #:
5 of 20
cognition, i.e., (subjectively) opinion, or (objectively) resolve (counsel, consent, etc.)
οὐδὲν
nothing
G3762
οὐδὲν
nothing
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
6 of 20
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
ἠθέλησα
would
G2309
ἠθέλησα
would
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
7 of 20
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
ποιῆσαι
I do
G4160
ποιῆσαι
I do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
8 of 20
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
10 of 20
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
11 of 20
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
κατὰ
it were of
G2596
κατὰ
it were of
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
12 of 20
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ἀνάγκην
necessity
G318
ἀνάγκην
necessity
Strong's:
G318
Word #:
13 of 20
constraint (literally or figuratively); by implication, distress
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ᾖ
be
G5600
ᾖ
be
Strong's:
G5600
Word #:
17 of 20
(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
18 of 20
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 9:7Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.1 Chronicles 29:17I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.
Historical Context
Ancient ethics debated voluntary versus compelled virtue. Stoics prized rational choice; Paul agrees but roots freedom in grace. The patron-client system operated through obligation and reciprocity; Paul both uses (leveraging friendship) and transcends (seeking heartfelt response) this system. Forced forgiveness would embitter Philemon and demean Onesimus; willing reconciliation demonstrates gospel power.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you respect others' agency and decision-making even when you could manipulate or coerce desired outcomes?
- How do you cultivate willing obedience to God versus mere external conformity or duty-driven compliance?
- What good deeds do you perform "of necessity" (social pressure, guilt) rather than voluntary joy?
Analysis & Commentary
But without thy mind would I do nothing—χωρὶς δὲ τῆς σῆς γνώμης οὐδὲν ἠθέλησα ποιῆσαι (chōris de tēs sēs gnōmēs ouden ēthelēsa poiēsai, but without your opinion/consent nothing I wished to do)—γνώμη (gnōmē, opinion/judgment/consent). Paul refuses to keep Onesimus without Philemon's permission, despite apostolic authority and personal desire. This respects Philemon's property rights (however much gospel will transform them) and moral agency.
That thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly (ἵνα μὴ ὡς κατὰ ἀνάγκην τὸ ἀγαθόν σου ᾖ ἀλλὰ κατὰ ἑκούσιον, hina mē hōs kata anankēn to agathon sou ē alla kata hekousion)—ἀνάγκη (anankē, necessity/compulsion) versus ἑκούσιος (hekousion, voluntary/willing). τὸ ἀγαθόν (to agathon, your good deed/benefit) must flow from free choice. Paul could have commanded (v. 8) or simply kept Onesimus (v. 13), but coerced goodness isn't true virtue. Gospel produces willing obedience from transformed hearts, not grudging compliance.