Philemon 1:11
What does Philemon 1:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Philemon 1:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Philemon 1:11 means
Paul notes that Onesimus was once “unprofitable” to Philemon, but now is “profitable” to both Philemon and Paul. There is wordplay, since the name Onesimus means “useful.” Before, he may have failed in duty or done wrong; now, as a believer, he has become truly helpful. Conversion changes character and fruitfulness. By stressing present usefulness to both of them, Paul shows that Onesimus is no longer a liability but an asset to the gospel’s work and to Philemon’s household. Grace does not erase the past but redirects a life into genuine service. Paul invites Philemon to recognize and welcome that new usefulness.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000who once was unprofitable to thee, but now is profitable to thee and to me:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901who once was unprofitable to thee, but now is profitable to thee and to me:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Who in the past was of no profit to you, but now is of profit to you and to me:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862who once was to thee unprofitable, and now is profitable to me and to thee,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Who hath been heretofore unprofitable to thee but now is profitable both to me and thee:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890once unserviceable to thee, but now serviceable to thee and to me:
Context
After introducing Onesimus as his spiritual child, Paul underscores the transformation that has occurred. This prepares the way for verse 12, where Paul calls Onesimus his own heart and explains he is sending him back, and verse 13, where Paul admits he wanted to keep Onesimus to serve him in prison. The movement highlights the costliness of reconciliation and the real change in Onesimus’s life, urging Philemon to see him through gospel eyes.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Job 30:1
But now they that are younger than I have me in derision, Whose fathers I disdained to set with the dogs of my flock.
- 2 Timothy 4:11
Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee; for he is useful to me for ministering.
- 1 Peter 2:10
who in time past were no people, but now are the people of God: who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
- Luke 15:24
for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
- Romans 3:12
They have all turned aside, they are together become unprofitable; There is none that doeth good, no, not so much as one:
- Luke 15:32
But it was meet to make merry and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.