Philemon 1:4
What does Philemon 1:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Philemon 1:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Philemon 1:4 means
Paul assures Philemon that he thanks God for him “always,” mentioning him in prayer. This is not flattery; it is pastoral care. Paul’s gratitude for Philemon’s life before God builds trust and reminds Philemon that any good in him comes from God’s grace. Prayer frames the whole letter, signaling that the delicate matter at hand is handled in dependence on God. By telling Philemon he is remembered continually, Paul both honors him and gently nudges him to act in a way consistent with the faith for which he is prayed over. The letter is birthed in prayer and aimed at God’s glory in relationships.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I thank my God always, making mention of thee in my prayers,
KJV
King James Version · 1611I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I thank my God always, making mention of thee in my prayers,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I give praise to God at all times and make prayer for you,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862I give thanks to my God, always making mention of thee in my prayers,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I give thanks to my God, always making a remembrance of thee in my prayers.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I thank myGod, always making mention of thee at my prayers,
Context
The thanksgiving section begins here, setting a warm and spiritual tone. Paul’s first note is prayerful gratitude, which anticipates the commendations that follow and makes the coming request feel less like pressure and more like a shared pursuit of God’s will. Verse 5 will specify the reasons for Paul’s thankfulness—Philemon’s love and faith—while verses 6–7 will pray for their effective outworking. Together they prepare Philemon to receive Onesimus in a manner worthy of that faith and love.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Colossians 1:3
We give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
- 2 Timothy 1:3
I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers in a pure conscience, how unceasing is my remembrance of thee in my supplications, night and day
- Philippians 1:3
I thank my God upon all my remembrance of you,
- 2 Thessalonians 1:3
We are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren, even as it is meet, for that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the love of each one of you all toward one another aboundeth;
- Ephesians 1:16
cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
- 1 Thessalonians 1:2
We give thanks to God always for you all, making mentionof youin our prayers;