Philemon 1:12
What does Philemon 1:12 mean?
A plain-English look at Philemon 1:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Philemon 1:12 means
Paul says he is sending Onesimus back “in his own person,” adding, “that is, my very heart.” This reveals deep affection: releasing Onesimus feels like sending away a part of himself. Paul honors the social reality by returning Onesimus, yet reframes it by showing the personal and spiritual bonds now in place. He does not treat Onesimus as a mere issue but as a beloved person. This makes the appeal profoundly human and pastoral. To receive Onesimus will be to receive Paul’s heart, and to mistreat him would wound Paul. Love has knit them together in Christ, and Paul entrusts that love to Philemon’s care.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000whom I have sent back to thee in his own person, that is, my very heart:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901whom I have sent back to thee in his own person, that is, my very heart:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Whom I have sent back to you, him who is my very heart:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862whom I did send again, and thou him (that is, my own bowels) receive,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Whom I have sent back to thee. And do thou receive him as my own bowels.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890whom I have sent back to thee: [but do thou receive] him, that is, my bowels:
Context
Having highlighted Onesimus’s new usefulness, Paul expresses the emotional weight of sending him back. This intensifies the appeal that follows. Verse 13 will explain that Paul wanted Onesimus to remain to minister to him, while verse 14 will show Paul’s commitment to Philemon’s free, willing participation in any good that comes. The rhetoric moves from affection to ethical principle, all to shape Philemon’s decision toward gracious reception.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 15:20
And he arose, and came to his father. But while he was yet afar off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
- Mark 11:25
And whensoever ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any one; that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
- Matthew 6:14
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
- Jeremiah 31:20
Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a darling child? for as often as I speak against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my heart yearneth for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith Jehovah.
- Matthew 18:21
Then came Peter and said to him, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? until seven times?
- Ephesians 4:32
and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in Christ forgave you.