Philemon 1:13
What does Philemon 1:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Philemon 1:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Philemon 1:13 means
Paul wanted to keep Onesimus so that “in thy behalf he might minister unto me in the bonds of the gospel.” Onesimus had become a valuable helper during Paul’s imprisonment. Paul envisions that service as something Philemon could have happily shared in, had he consented. This shows Paul’s respect for Philemon’s rightful interests and his commitment to integrity. He will not presume on friendship or authority to take what is not willingly given. The ministry Onesimus offered was real and needed, yet Paul subordinates his own advantage to do what is right toward Philemon, modeling the very love and fairness he hopes Philemon will extend.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000whom I would fain have kept with me, that in thy behalf he might minister unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901whom I would fain have kept with me, that in thy behalf he might minister unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Though my desire was to keep him with me, to be my servant in the chains of the good news, in your place:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862whom I did wish to retain to myself, that in thy behalf he might minister to me in the bonds of the good news,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered to me in the bands of the gospel.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890whom I was desirous of keeping with myself, that for thee he might minister to me in the bonds of the glad tidings;
Context
Paul now explains the practical value Onesimus had to him, making the coming statement in verse 14 more meaningful: he will do nothing without Philemon’s consent. These verses display Paul’s ethical care—he refuses to benefit at Philemon’s expense without permission. This sets up verses 15–16, where Paul interprets the separation under God’s providence and defines Onesimus’s new status not as a mere servant, but as a beloved brother.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Philemon 1:1
Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved and fellow-worker,
- Philippians 1:7
even as it is right for me to be thus minded on behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as, both in my bonds and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers with me of grace.
- Philippians 2:30
because for the work of Christ he came nigh unto death, hazarding his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.
- Ephesians 3:1
For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus in behalf of you Gentiles,—
- Ephesians 4:1
I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called,
- 1 Corinthians 16:17
And I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they supplied.