Philemon 1:6
That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
Original Language Analysis
ὅπως
That
G3704
ὅπως
That
Strong's:
G3704
Word #:
1 of 18
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κοινωνία
the communication
G2842
κοινωνία
the communication
Strong's:
G2842
Word #:
3 of 18
partnership, i.e., (literally) participation, or (social) intercourse, or (pecuniary) benefaction
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πίστεώς
faith
G4102
πίστεώς
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
5 of 18
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
γένηται
may become
G1096
γένηται
may become
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
8 of 18
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἐπιγνώσει
the acknowledging
G1922
ἐπιγνώσει
the acknowledging
Strong's:
G1922
Word #:
10 of 18
recognition, i.e., (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
16 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
2 Peter 1:8For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.Colossians 1:9For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;Matthew 5:16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Historical Context
Greek philosophy prized ἐπίγνωσις (epignōsis, knowledge), but Paul redefines it as practical recognition producing action. Gnostic tendencies divorced knowledge from ethics; Paul insists true knowledge produces transformation. The prepositional phrase εἰς Χριστόν (eis Christon, toward/into Christ) indicates all good things aim Christward—forgiving Onesimus glorifies Christ, making the gospel attractive to watching pagans.
Questions for Reflection
- Is your faith's "communication" (fellowship/sharing) effective and visible, or merely private and theoretical?
- Do you recognize "every good thing" Christ has given you—gifts, resources, graces—or focus on what you lack?
- How can acknowledging your spiritual resources in Christ empower you to love difficult people like Onesimus?
Analysis & Commentary
That the communication of thy faith may become effectual—ὅπως ἡ κοινωνία τῆς πίστεώς σου (hopōs hē koinōnia tēs pisteōs sou, that the fellowship/sharing of your faith) ἐνεργὴς γένηται (energēs genētai, may become effective/operative). κοινωνία (koinonia, fellowship/partnership/sharing) is rich term: participation, communion, generosity. τῆς πίστεώς (tēs pisteōs, of faith) could be objective genitive (faith's outworking) or subjective (faith you possess). ἐνεργής (energēs, effective/active/working) suggests visible, tangible fruit.
By the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus (ἐν ἐπιγνώσει παντὸς ἀγαθοῦ τοῦ ἐν ἡμῖν εἰς Χριστόν, en epignōsei pantos agathou tou en hēmin eis Christon)—ἐπίγνωσις (epignōsis, full knowledge/recognition) of παντὸς ἀγαθοῦ (pantos agathou, every good thing) εἰς Χριστόν (eis Christon, unto/toward Christ). Effectual faith recognizes gospel resources already possessed, then deploys them. Paul hints: Philemon has "every good thing" needed to forgive Onesimus—use them!