Philemon 1:10
What does Philemon 1:10 mean?
A plain-English look at Philemon 1:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Philemon 1:10 means
Paul finally states his petition: “I beseech thee for my child, whom I have begotten in my bonds, Onesimus.” Onesimus became a believer through Paul’s ministry during his imprisonment, making Paul his spiritual father. This transforms the situation: the man who left Philemon returns not merely as property but as family in Christ. By calling him “my child,” Paul shows deep affection and responsibility. The spiritual birth “in my bonds” underlines God’s power to bring life from hardship. Paul’s plea thus centers on relationship—the new identity of Onesimus—not on legal status, preparing Philemon to see him through the lens of the gospel.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I beseech thee for my child, whom I have begotten in my bonds, Onesimus,
KJV
King James Version · 1611I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I beseech thee for my child, whom I have begotten in my bonds, Onesimus,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949My request is for my child Onesimus, the child of my chains,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862I entreat thee concerning my child--whom I did beget in my bonds--Onesimus,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I beseech thee for my son, whom I have begotten in my bands, Onesimus,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I exhort thee for my child, whom I have begotten in [my] bonds, Onesimus,
Context
This verse names the heart of the matter: Onesimus, whose return prompts the letter. The preceding verses have primed Philemon to value love, partnership, and humble appeal. Verse 11 will describe the change in Onesimus’s character and usefulness since coming to faith, while verse 12 will show Paul’s emotional cost in sending him back. The narrative turns from principle to transformation—what Christ has done in Onesimus, and how that should shape Philemon’s response.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Galatians 4:19
My little children, of whom I am again in travail until Christ be formed in you—
- Mark 9:17
And one of the multitude answered him, Teacher, I brought unto thee my son, who hath a dumb spirit;
- 1 Timothy 1:2
unto Timothy, my true child in faith: Grace, mercy, peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Titus 1:4
to Titus, my true child after a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Saviour.
- 1 Corinthians 4:15
For though ye have ten thousand tutors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I begat you through the gospel.
- 2 Samuel 19:37
Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, by the grave of my father and my mother. But behold, thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.