Philemon 1:15
For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
διὰ
G1223
διὰ
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
3 of 11
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
ἐχωρίσθη
departed
G5563
ἐχωρίσθη
departed
Strong's:
G5563
Word #:
5 of 11
to place room between, i.e., part; reflexively, to go away
πρὸς
for
G4314
πρὸς
for
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
6 of 11
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,
αἰώνιον
for ever
G166
αἰώνιον
for ever
Strong's:
G166
Word #:
9 of 11
perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)
Historical Context
Providence (πρόνοια, pronoia) was philosophical concept: divine oversight of human affairs. Paul Christianizes it: God superintends history redemptively. The "for ever" suggests both earthly reconciliation and eternal heavenly fellowship. Slavery was temporal institution; brotherhood in Christ eternal reality. This verse seeds slavery's eventual abolition—if brotherhood is eternal and slavery temporary, Christianity undermines slavery's foundations.
Questions for Reflection
- Can you discern God's providential purposes in painful separations, betrayals, and losses you've experienced?
- How does viewing present suffering as "for a season" versus eternal blessing help you endure and forgive?
- What relationships might God be transforming from temporary, superficial connections to eternal, deep brotherhood?
Analysis & Commentary
For perhaps he therefore departed for a season—τάχα γὰρ διὰ τοῦτο ἐχωρίσθη πρὸς ὥραν (tacha gar dia touto echōristhē pros hōran, for perhaps because of this he was separated for an hour/season)—τάχα (tacha, perhaps/probably) expresses tentative divine providence reading. ἐχωρίσθη (echōristhē, was separated) is divine passive: God separated them. πρὸς ὥραν (pros hōran, for an hour/short time) contrasts with αἰώνιον (aiōnion, eternal, v. 15b)—temporary separation yields permanent reunion.
That thou shouldest receive him for ever (ἵνα αἰώνιον αὐτὸν ἀπέχῃς, hina aiōnion auton apechēs, that you might have him eternally)—αἰώνιος (aiōnios, eternal/forever). The theology: God orchestrated Onesimus's sinful flight to accomplish his salvation and eternal relationship with Philemon. Romans 8:28 applied: God works through evil for good. Joseph's words to brothers: "You meant evil, but God meant it for good" (Genesis 50:20). Onesimus's temporary absence as slave produces eternal relationship as brother.