Devine Scripture

Philemon 1:15

What does Philemon 1:15 mean?

A plain-English look at Philemon 1:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philemon 1:15 means

“For perhaps he was therefore parted from thee for a season, that thou shouldest have him for ever.” Paul cautiously suggests a providential purpose: a temporary loss leading to an enduring gain. The “perhaps” respects mystery; Paul does not presume to read God’s plan with certainty. Yet he sees how God often turns painful separations into eternal blessings. If Onesimus returns as a brother in Christ, Philemon gains more than a restored servant—he gains family forever. The perspective of eternity reframes the offense and the cost. Paul invites Philemon to consider how God may be weaving redemption through this brief and sorrowful episode.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For perhaps he was therefore parted from thee for a season, that thou shouldest have him for ever;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For perhaps he was therefore parted from thee for a season, that thou shouldest have him for ever;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For it is possible that for this reason he was parted from you for a time, so that you might have him for ever;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for perhaps because of this he did depart for an hour, that age-duringly thou mayest have him,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For perhaps he therefore departed for a season from thee that thou mightest receive him again for ever:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

for perhaps for this reason he has been separated [from thee] for a time, that thou mightest possess him fully for ever;

Context

After laying ethical foundations, Paul lifts Philemon’s eyes to providence. The measured language guards against speculation, yet offers hope that God brings lasting good from temporary trials. Verse 16 will define the nature of that “forever” relationship—no longer merely a servant, but a beloved brother in multiple dimensions. This is the theological heart of Paul’s appeal, preparing for the concrete requests and guarantees in verses 17–19.

v.14but without thy mind I would do nothing; that thy goodness should not be as of necessity, but of free will.

v.15This passage

v.16no longer as a servant, but more than a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much rather to thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 4:28

    to do whatsoever thy hand and thy council foreordained to come to pass.

  • Genesis 50:20

    And as for you, ye meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

  • Isaiah 20:6

    And the inhabitant of this coast-land shall say in that day, Behold, such is our expectation, whither we fled for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria: and we, how shall we escape?

  • Genesis 45:5

    And now be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.

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