Philemon 1:22
What does Philemon 1:22 mean?
A plain-English look at Philemon 1:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Philemon 1:22 means
Paul asks Philemon to prepare a guest room, hoping that “through your prayers I shall be granted unto you.” Even as a prisoner, Paul expects God to work through the church’s intercession to secure his release and reunion. This request adds gentle accountability: if Paul may soon arrive, Philemon’s handling of Onesimus will be visible. It also reinforces communal bonds—Paul belongs to them, and they to him, in prayer. The hope of personal fellowship frames the letter not as a distant directive, but as a step toward future joy together under God’s providential care.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I hope that through your prayers I shall be granted unto you.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I hope that through your prayers I shall be granted unto you.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And make a room ready for me; for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be given to you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and at the same time also prepare for me a lodging, for I hope that through your prayers I shall be granted to you.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But withal prepare me also a lodging. For I hope that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But withal prepare me also a lodging; for I hope that I shall be granted to you through your prayers.
Context
Having finished the appeal, Paul looks ahead to a possible visit, tying the situation to the church’s prayers. This prepares for the closing greetings that display the wider network of partners who know and support Paul’s ministry. Verses 23–24 will send salutations from familiar co-workers, underlining unity and shared concern. Verse 25 will then seal the letter with a blessing of grace, the very resource needed to fulfill everything Paul has asked.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 15:24
whensoever I go unto Spain (for I hope to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first in some measure I shall have been satisfied with your company)—
- 2 John 1:12
Having many things to write unto you, I would not write them with paper and ink: but I hope to come unto you, and to speak face to face, that your joy may be made full.
- Hebrews 13:19
And I exhortyouthe more exceedingly to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.
- 2 Corinthians 1:11
ye also helping together on our behalf by your supplication; that, for the gift bestowed upon us by means of many, thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf.
- James 5:16
Confess therefore your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working.
- Philippians 1:19
For I know that this shall turn out to my salvation, through your supplication and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,