Philemon 1:20
What does Philemon 1:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Philemon 1:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Philemon 1:20 means
“Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my heart in Christ.” Paul echoes earlier themes: he had rejoiced at Philemon’s refreshing of the saints; now he seeks that same refreshment for himself. The joy he desires is “in the Lord,” grounded in Christ, not flattery. To refresh Paul’s heart would be to receive Onesimus graciously. This is a personal, affectionate plea, tethered to Christ’s name, so that the act would be worship as well as kindness. Paul’s heart—already bound to Onesimus—longs to be gladdened by Philemon’s gospel-shaped response.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my heart in Christ.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my heart in Christ.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So brother, let me have joy of you in the Lord: give new life to my heart in Christ.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Yes, brother, may I have profit of thee in the Lord; refresh my bowels in the Lord;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Yea, brother. May I enjoy thee in the Lord! Refresh my bowels in the Lord.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Yea, brother, I would have profit of thee in [the] Lord: refresh my bowels in Christ.
Context
The appeal distills into a simple, heartfelt request that mirrors verse 7’s commendation. With love and honor established, Paul now asks for the very refreshment Philemon has often given others. Verse 21 will add Paul’s confidence that Philemon will comply and even surpass expectations. The letter then shifts toward closure, with practical hope for a visit (verse 22) and final greetings (verses 23–25).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 7:4
Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying on your behalf: I am filled with comfort, I overflow with joy in all our affliction.
- Philippians 1:8
For God is my witness, how I long after you all in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 4:1
Wherefore, my brethren beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:7
for this cause, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our distress and affliction through your faith:
- 2 Corinthians 7:13
Therefore we have been comforted: and in our comfort we joyed the more exceedingly for the joy of Titus, because his spirit hath been refreshed by you all.
- Philemon 1:7
For I had much joy and comfort in thy love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through thee, brother.