Philemon 1:19
What does Philemon 1:19 mean?
A plain-English look at Philemon 1:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Philemon 1:19 means
“I Paul write it with mine own hand, I will repay it,” gives a binding, personal note. Paul takes the obligation upon himself. Then he adds, without pressing it, that Philemon owes him “even thine own self besides”—likely because God used Paul to bring Philemon to faith. This reminder is tactful leverage: if Paul will settle Onesimus’s debt, Philemon should consider the far greater spiritual debt he owes. The point is not to coerce but to awaken gratitude that overflows in mercy. Paul’s pen seals his promise; his pastoral memory kindles Philemon’s generosity.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I Paul write it with mine own hand, I will repay it: that I say not unto thee that thou owest to me even thine own self besides.
KJV
King James Version · 1611I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I Paul write it with mine own hand, I will repay it: that I say not unto thee that thou owest to me even thine own self besides.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I, Paul, writing this myself, say, I will make payment to you: and I do not say to you that you are in debt to me even for your life.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862I, Paul did write with my hand, I--I will repay; that I may not say that also thyself, besides, to me thou dost owe.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I Paul have written it with my own hand: I will repay it: not to say to thee that thou owest me thy own self also.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I Paul have written [it] with mine own hand; I will repay [it]: that I say not to thee that thou owest even thine own self also to me.
Context
The guarantee becomes concrete: Paul signs for repayment. He also invokes the relational history between them, not to demand, but to appeal to gratitude. With the obstacles removed and motivation stirred, verse 20 will ask Philemon to refresh Paul’s heart in Christ, and verse 21 will express confidence that Philemon will do even more than requested. The request is nearly complete; only encouragements and practical follow-up remain.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 9:1
Am I not free? am I not an apostle? have I not seen Jesus our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?
- 1 Corinthians 16:21
The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.
- James 5:19
My brethren, if any among you err from the truth, and one convert him;
- Galatians 6:11
See with how large letters I write unto you with mine own hand.
- Galatians 5:2
Behold, I Paul say unto you, that, if ye receive circumcision, Christ will profit you nothing.
- 2 Corinthians 3:2
Ye are our epistle, written in our hearts, known and read of all men;