Philemon 1:7

Authorized King James Version

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For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

Original Language Analysis

χάριν joy G5485
χάριν joy
Strong's: G5485
Word #: 1 of 19
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
γὰρ For G1063
γὰρ For
Strong's: G1063
Word #: 2 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἔχομεν we have G2192
ἔχομεν we have
Strong's: G2192
Word #: 3 of 19
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
πολλὴν great G4183
πολλὴν great
Strong's: G4183
Word #: 4 of 19
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 5 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παράκλησιν consolation G3874
παράκλησιν consolation
Strong's: G3874
Word #: 6 of 19
imploration, hortation, solace
ἐπὶ in G1909
ἐπὶ in
Strong's: G1909
Word #: 7 of 19
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῇ G3588
τῇ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 8 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγάπῃ love G26
ἀγάπῃ love
Strong's: G26
Word #: 9 of 19
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
σοῦ thee G4675
σοῦ thee
Strong's: G4675
Word #: 10 of 19
of thee, thy
ὅτι because G3754
ὅτι because
Strong's: G3754
Word #: 11 of 19
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τὰ G3588
τὰ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 12 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σπλάγχνα the bowels G4698
σπλάγχνα the bowels
Strong's: G4698
Word #: 13 of 19
an intestine (plural); figuratively, pity or sympathy
τῶν G3588
τῶν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 14 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἁγίων of the saints G40
ἁγίων of the saints
Strong's: G40
Word #: 15 of 19
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
ἀναπέπαυται are refreshed G373
ἀναπέπαυται are refreshed
Strong's: G373
Word #: 16 of 19
(reflexively) to repose (literally or figuratively (be exempt), remain); by implication, to refresh
διὰ by G1223
διὰ by
Strong's: G1223
Word #: 17 of 19
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
σοῦ thee G4675
σοῦ thee
Strong's: G4675
Word #: 18 of 19
of thee, thy
ἀδελφέ brother G80
ἀδελφέ brother
Strong's: G80
Word #: 19 of 19
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

Analysis & Commentary

For we have great joy and consolation in thy love—χαρὰν γὰρ πολλὴν ἔσχον καὶ παράκλησιν (charan gar pollēn eschon kai paraklēsin, for I had much joy and encouragement). χαρά (chara, joy) and παράκλησις (paraklēsis, encouragement/consolation/comfort) describe Paul's response to reports of Philemon's ministry. ἐπὶ τῇ ἀγάπῃ σου (epi tē agapē sou, because of your love)—Philemon's love refreshed others, producing vicarious joy in Paul.

Because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother (ὅτι τὰ σπλάγχνα τῶν ἁγίων ἀναπέπαυται διὰ σοῦ, ἀδελφέ, hoti ta splanchna tōn hagiōn anapepautai dia sou, adelphe)—σπλάγχνα (splanchna, bowels/intestines/affections) is Hebrew idiom for deepest emotions (heart in modern English). ἀναπαύω (anapauō, refresh/rest/revive) means giving weary people rest. ἀδελφέ (adelphe, brother) personalizes appeal—Paul speaks as family, not authority figure. Verse 20 repeats "refresh my bowels," applying Philemon's proven character to Paul's request.

Historical Context

Ancient Mediterranean physiology located emotions in σπλάγχνα (splanchna, internal organs), especially kidneys and intestines. Modern "heartfelt" parallels ancient "bowel-deep." Philemon's hospitality provided literal rest (food, lodging) and spiritual encouragement to traveling ministers and local believers. Paul leverages this reputation: as you've refreshed others, now refresh me by forgiving Onesimus.

Questions for Reflection