Philemon 1:21

Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.

Word-by-Word Analysis

πεποιθὼς

G3982

Having confidence

to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence

τῇ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὑπακοῇ

G5218

obedience

attentive hearkening, i.e., (by implication) compliance or submission

σου

G4675

in thy

of thee, thy

ἔγραψά

G1125

I wrote

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

σοι

G4671

unto thee

to thee

εἰδὼς

G1492

knowing

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

καὶ

G2532

also

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

#10

ὑπὲρ

G5228

more than

"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

#11

ὃ

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#12

λέγω

G3004

I say

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

#13

ποιήσεις

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Philemon. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Philemon chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?