Philemon 1:16
What does Philemon 1:16 mean?
A plain-English look at Philemon 1:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Philemon 1:16 means
Onesimus is to be received “no longer as a servant, but more than a servant, a brother beloved,” especially to Paul and even more to Philemon, “both in the flesh and in the Lord.” The gospel reorders relationships: social roles remain, but identity is transformed. “In the flesh” acknowledges their real-world connection; “in the Lord” names their deeper unity in Christ. To treat Onesimus as a beloved brother fulfills the new-creation reality within the household. Paul’s words dignify Onesimus and call Philemon to live out the family bond the Lord has created, letting love transcend and transform the old master–servant framework.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000no 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901no 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949No longer as a servant, but more than a servant, a brother, very dear to me specially, but much more to you, in the flesh as well as in the Lord.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862no more as a servant, but above a servant--a brother beloved, especially to me, and how much more to thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord!
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Not now as a servant, but instead of a servant, a most dear brother, especially to me. But how much more to thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890not any longer as a bondman, but above a bondman, a beloved brother, specially to me, and how much rather to thee, both in [the] flesh and in [the] Lord?
Context
This climactic statement defines the new status Paul seeks for Onesimus. Coming right after the hint of providence in verse 15, it specifies the eternal gain: brotherhood. With the theological core established, verse 17 will press a practical application—receive him as you would receive Paul. Verses 18–19 will add Paul’s pledge to cover any loss, showing that grace not only redefines relationships but also takes responsibility for wrongs.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 7:22
For he that was called in the Lord being a bondservant, is the Lord’s freedman: likewise he that was called being free, is Christ’s bondservant.
- Hebrews 3:1
Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, evenJesus;
- 1 John 5:1
Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is begotten of God: and whosoever loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
- Colossians 3:22
Servants, obey in all things them that are your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord:
- 1 Peter 1:22
Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love of the brethren, love one another from the heart fervently:
- Ephesians 6:5
Servants, be obedient unto them that according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;