Philemon 1:16

Authorized King James Version

Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?

Word-by-Word Analysis

οὐκέτι

G3765

Not now

not yet, no longer

ὡς

G5613

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

δοῦλον

G1401

a servant

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

ἀλλ'

G235

but

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

ὑπὲρ

G5228

above

"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

δοῦλον

G1401

a servant

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

ἀδελφὸν

G80

a brother

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ἀγαπητόν,

G27

beloved

μάλιστα

G3122

specially

(adverbially) most (in the greatest degree) or particularly

#10

ἐμοί,

G1698

to me

#11

πόσῳ

G4214

how much

interrogative pronoun (of amount) how much (large, long or (plural) many)

#12

δὲ

G1161

but

but, and, etc

#13

μᾶλλόν

G3123

(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather

#14

σοι

G4671

unto thee

to thee

#15

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#16

ἐν

G1722

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

#17

σαρκὶ

G4561

the flesh

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

#18

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#19

ἐν

G1722

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

#20

Κυρίῳ

G2962

the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Philemon. The concept of love reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 love. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding love 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?
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?