Philemon 1:5
Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;
Original Language Analysis
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγάπην
love
G26
ἀγάπην
love
Strong's:
G26
Word #:
4 of 18
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πίστιν
faith
G4102
πίστιν
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
7 of 18
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
ἣν
which
G3739
ἣν
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
8 of 18
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἔχεις
thou hast
G2192
ἔχεις
thou hast
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
9 of 18
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
πρὸς
toward
G4314
πρὸς
toward
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
10 of 18
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Κύριον
the Lord
G2962
Κύριον
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
12 of 18
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
13 of 18
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
toward
G1519
εἰς
toward
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
15 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Colossians 1:4Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,Ephesians 1:15Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,Psalms 16:3But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.1 Corinthians 16:1Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
Historical Context
Paul received reports about Colossian Christians (Colossians 1:4, 8) from Epaphras (Colossians 1:7-8, 4:12-13) and perhaps Onesimus himself. Ancient communication networks—travelers, letter carriers, oral reports—connected scattered churches. Philemon's reputation for love and faith had spread, creating accountability: he must live up to his reputation by forgiving Onesimus. Public praise creates moral obligation.
Questions for Reflection
- Does your faith toward Jesus produce visible love toward all believers, or is your faith merely intellectual/private?
- Who are the difficult "saints" whom you struggle to love despite their inclusion in "all saints"?
- How does Philemon's example of love and faith becoming publicly known challenge you to consistent Christian character?
Analysis & Commentary
Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints—ἀκούων σου τὴν ἀγάπην καὶ τὴν πίστιν (akouōn sou tēn agapēn kai tēn pistin, hearing your love and faith). The word order places ἀγάπη (agapē, love) before πίστις (pistis, faith), though logically faith precedes love. Some interpreters chiasmus-connect them: faith toward Jesus, love toward saints. Either way, Paul affirms Philemon's vertical devotion (to Christ) and horizontal compassion (to believers).
πρὸς τὸν κύριον Ἰησοῦν καὶ εἰς πάντας τοὺς ἁγίους (pros ton kyrion Iēsoun kai eis pantas tous hagious, toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints)—ἅγιοι (hagioi, saints/holy ones) refers to all Christians, not special super-believers. Paul's rhetorical preparation: if Philemon loves "all saints," he must love Onesimus, now a saint. The letter's genius: taking Philemon's proven character and applying it consistently to the difficult case.