Philemon 1:19
I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.
Original Language Analysis
Παῦλος
Paul
G3972
Παῦλος
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
2 of 17
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
ἔγραψα
have written
G1125
ἔγραψα
have written
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
3 of 17
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χειρί,
hand
G5495
χειρί,
hand
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
6 of 17
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
10 of 17
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
λέγω
I do
G3004
λέγω
I do
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
11 of 17
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
how
G3754
ὅτι
how
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
13 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
καὶ
even
G2532
καὶ
even
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Paul likely evangelized Philemon during Ephesian ministry (Acts 19:10—"all who dwelt in Asia heard"). If Paul led Philemon to Christ, the spiritual debt was infinite—salvation itself. Ancient patronage culture understood such debts created lifelong obligation. Paul's reminder cancels Onesimus's material debt by appealing to Philemon's unpayable spiritual debt. The commercial metaphor (accounting, debts, repayment) serves theological reality: all owe unpayable debt to God, received only by grace.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you remember the unpayable spiritual debt you owe to God and those who brought you the gospel?
- How should awareness of your infinite debt to God (paid by Christ) shape your forgiveness of others' finite debts to you?
- When has recognizing a deeper obligation changed your perspective on smaller grievances?
Analysis & Commentary
I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it—ἐγὼ Παῦλος ἔγραψα τῇ ἐμῇ χειρί (egō Paulos egrapsa tē emē cheiri, I Paul wrote with my own hand) ἐγὼ ἀποτίσω (egō apotisō, I will repay)—double ἐγώ (egō, I) emphasizes personal guarantee. Most ancient letters used secretaries (amanuenses); Paul typically dictated, adding personal signature (1 Corinthians 16:21, Galatians 6:11, Colossians 4:18, 2 Thessalonians 3:17). Here the entire financial guarantee is Paul's handwriting, making it legally binding IOU.
ἀποτίνω (apotinō, repay/compensate) is legal term for damages. Albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides (ἵνα μὴ λέγω σοι ὅτι καὶ σεαυτόν μοι προσοφείλεις, hina mē legō soi hoti kai seauton moi prosopheileis)—brilliant rhetoric! Paul says "I won't mention..." while mentioning it. προσοφείλω (prosopheilō, owe in addition/owe besides) σεαυτόν (seauton, yourself)—Philemon owes Paul his very self, probably through Paul's evangelism (converting Philemon). The ultimate leverage: whatever Onesimus owes Philemon pales beside what Philemon owes Paul.