Philemon 1:5

Authorized King James Version

Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἀκούων

G191

Hearing

to hear (in various senses)

σου

G4675

of thy

of thee, thy

τὴν

G3588

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

ἀγάπην

G26

love

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

καὶ

G2532

and

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

τὴν

G3588

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

πίστιν

G4102

faith

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

ἣν

G3739

which

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

ἔχεις

G2192

thou hast

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#10

πρὸς

G4314

toward

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,

#11

τὸν

G3588

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

#12

Κύριον

G2962

the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

#13

Ἰησοῦν

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

#14

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#15

εἰς

G1519

toward

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#16

πάντας

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#17

τοὺς

G3588

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

#18

ἁγίους

G40

saints

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Philemon. The concept of faith reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood faith. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

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?
How might the original audience's understanding of faith differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?