Philemon 1:18
If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;
Original Language Analysis
ἠδίκησέν
he hath wronged
G91
ἠδίκησέν
he hath wronged
Strong's:
G91
Word #:
4 of 10
to be unjust, i.e., (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically)
Historical Context
Roman commercial culture used detailed accounting—debts recorded, transferred, paid. Papyrus documents show personal guarantees for others' debts. Paul's offer wasn't theoretical but legally binding written promise (v. 19 emphasizes his personal signature). This puts Paul's resources and reputation behind Onesimus. Ancient honor culture made such guarantees serious obligations—failure to pay brought deep shame.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's substitutionary atonement (assuming your debt) shape your willingness to assume others' debts and wrongs?
- When has someone's willingness to "put it on my account" for your sake affected you deeply?
- What debts or wrongs might God be calling you to assume for another's sake, modeling gospel substitution?
Analysis & Commentary
If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought—εἰ δέ τι ἠδίκησέν σε ἢ ὀφείλει (ei de ti ēdikēsen se ē opheilei, but if anything he wronged you or owes)—ἀδικέω (adikeō, wrong/injure) and ὀφείλω (opheilō, owe/be indebted). Paul delicately acknowledges possible theft or damages without explicit accusation. The conditional εἰ (ei, if) allows for uncertainty while preparing solution. Onesimus may have stolen travel money or damaged property; Roman law required restitution.
Put that on mine account (τοῦτο ἐμοὶ ἐλλόγα, touto emoi elloga, charge this to me)—ἐλλογέω (ellogeo, charge/reckon/put to account) is commercial accounting term. Paul assumes Onesimus's debt, offering substitutionary payment. This models Christ's atonement: He assumed our sin-debt, paying what we owe (2 Corinthians 5:21, Colossians 2:14). The verb form is imperative—Paul commands this accounting procedure, making the gospel's substitutionary principle concrete.