Philemon 1:22

Authorized King James Version

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But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.

Original Language Analysis

ἅμα withal G260
ἅμα withal
Strong's: G260
Word #: 1 of 15
properly, at the "same" time, but freely used as a preposition or adverb denoting close association
δὲ But G1161
δὲ But
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 2 of 15
but, and, etc
καὶ also G2532
καὶ also
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 3 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἑτοίμαζέ prepare G2090
ἑτοίμαζέ prepare
Strong's: G2090
Word #: 4 of 15
to prepare
μοι me G3427
μοι me
Strong's: G3427
Word #: 5 of 15
to me
ξενίαν· a lodging G3578
ξενίαν· a lodging
Strong's: G3578
Word #: 6 of 15
hospitality, i.e., (by implication) a place of entertainment
ἐλπίζω I trust G1679
ἐλπίζω I trust
Strong's: G1679
Word #: 7 of 15
to expect or confide
γὰρ for G1063
γὰρ for
Strong's: G1063
Word #: 8 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὅτι that G3754
ὅτι that
Strong's: G3754
Word #: 9 of 15
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
διὰ through G1223
διὰ through
Strong's: G1223
Word #: 10 of 15
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τῶν G3588
τῶν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 11 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προσευχῶν prayers G4335
προσευχῶν prayers
Strong's: G4335
Word #: 12 of 15
prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)
ὑμῶν your G5216
ὑμῶν your
Strong's: G5216
Word #: 13 of 15
of (from or concerning) you
χαρισθήσομαι I shall be given G5483
χαρισθήσομαι I shall be given
Strong's: G5483
Word #: 14 of 15
to grant as a favor, i.e., gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue
ὑμῖν unto you G5213
ὑμῖν unto you
Strong's: G5213
Word #: 15 of 15
to (with or by) you

Analysis & Commentary

But withal prepare me also a lodging—ἅμα δὲ καὶ ἑτοίμαζέ μοι ξενίαν (hama de kai hetoimaze moi xenian, at the same time also prepare for me hospitality/lodging)—ἑτοιμάζω (hetoimazō, prepare/make ready), ξενία (xenia, guest room/hospitality). Paul announces planned visit—brilliant final leverage! Philemon must decide before Paul arrives to see the result personally. This prevents hiding behind written correspondence while making harsh decisions privately. Paul's presence will require Philemon to demonstrate his response face-to-face.

For I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you (ἐλπίζω γὰρ ὅτι διὰ τῶν προσευχῶν ὑμῶν χαρισθήσομαι ὑμῖν, elpizō gar hoti dia tōn proseuchōn hymōn charisthosomai hymin)—ἐλπίζω (elpizō, hope/trust/expect), διὰ τῶν προσευχῶν (dia tōn proseuchōn, through the prayers), χαρίζομαι (charizomai, be granted/given graciously). Divine passive χαρισθήσομαι (charisthosomai, I shall be granted) attributes release to God answering prayer. Paul confidently expects release, encouraging Colossian church's intercession.

Historical Context

Paul wrote from Roman imprisonment (Acts 28:30), expecting eventual release. Philippians 1:25, 2:24 express similar confidence. He was released circa 62 AD, ministered further, then re-arrested and martyred circa 64-67 AD under Nero. Whether Paul actually visited Colossae is unknown historically, but the announced intention creates immediate accountability for Philemon—no hiding from the apostle's personal inspection of his response to this letter.

Questions for Reflection