Philemon 1:20
Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.
Original Language Analysis
ἀδελφέ
brother
G80
ἀδελφέ
brother
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
2 of 13
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ὀναίμην
have joy
G3685
ὀναίμην
have joy
Strong's:
G3685
Word #:
5 of 13
for which another prolonged form (????) is used as an alternate in some tenses (unless indeed it be identical with the base of g3686 through the idea
Κυρίῳ.
the Lord
G2962
Κυρίῳ.
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
7 of 13
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἀνάπαυσόν
refresh
G373
ἀνάπαυσόν
refresh
Strong's:
G373
Word #:
8 of 13
(reflexively) to repose (literally or figuratively (be exempt), remain); by implication, to refresh
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Historical Context
The wordplay Ὀνήσιμος/ὀναίμην (Onesimos/onaimēn) would delight ancient hearers: "Let Onesimus (Useful) be useful by forgiving Onesimus!" The appeal to consistency ("you refresh others, refresh me") uses ancient rhetorical technique—showing contradiction between reputation and current opportunity. ἐν κυρίῳ/ἐν Χριστῷ (in Lord/in Christ) appears repeatedly, grounding personal requests in theological reality.
Questions for Reflection
- Does your Christian reputation create accountability—do others appeal to your proven character to expect consistent behavior?
- How do you "refresh the bowels" of spiritual leaders and friends through your obedience and encouragement?
- What requests framed "in the Lord" or "in Christ" are you currently resisting, and why?
Analysis & Commentary
Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord—ναὶ ἀδελφέ (nai adelphe, yes brother) ἐγώ σου ὀναίμην ἐν κυρίῳ (egō sou onaimēn en kyriō, I would benefit from you in the Lord)—ναί (nai, yes) intensifies appeal. ὀνίνημι (oninēmi, benefit/profit/have joy) is rare optative mood expressing wish/prayer. The verb ὀναίμην (onaimēn, may I have profit) plays on Ὀνήσιμος (Onēsimos, Onesimus—"profitable"). Paul requests the benefit Onesimus's name promises: Philemon's forgiveness will "profit" Paul emotionally.
Refresh my bowels in the Lord (ἀνάπαυσόν μου τὰ σπλάγχνα ἐν Χριστῷ, anapayson mou ta splanchna en Christō, rest/refresh my affections in Christ)—ἀναπαύω (anapauō, rest/refresh) and σπλάγχνα (splanchna, bowels/affections) recall verse 7: "the bowels of the saints are refreshed by you." Paul applies Philemon's proven character to his own need. ἐν Χριστῷ (en Christō, in Christ) frames everything—this isn't personal favor but Christian obedience.