Philemon 1:5
What does Philemon 1:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Philemon 1:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Philemon 1:5 means
Paul has heard of Philemon’s “love” and the “faith” he has toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints. True faith in Christ naturally expresses itself in tangible love for fellow believers. Philemon’s reputation for such love encourages Paul that his coming appeal will not fall on hard soil. By linking faith to love for “all the saints,” Paul highlights a wide-hearted generosity, not partiality. Philemon’s vertical trust in the Lord Jesus fuels his horizontal service to others. This verse situates Philemon’s character within the gospel pattern: believing Christ, loving His people—exactly the qualities needed for a gracious reception of Onesimus.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000hearing of thy love, and of the faith which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901hearing of thy love, and of the faith which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Hearing of the love and the faith which you have to the Lord Jesus and to all the saints;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862hearing of thy love and faith that thou hast unto the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Hearing of thy charity and faith, which thou hast in the Lord Jesus and towards all the saints:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890hearing of thy love and the faith which thou hast towards the Lord Jesus, and towards all the saints,
Context
Paul continues his thanksgiving by naming the virtues he celebrates in Philemon. This sets the theological and ethical context for the entire letter: faith toward Christ manifests in love toward believers. The transition to verse 6 will show Paul praying that this faith-sharing become effective in practical knowledge of every good thing for Christ, while verse 7 will confirm that the saints have already been refreshed through Philemon’s love. These build momentum toward the appeal in verses 8–16.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 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.
- 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.
- Romans 15:25
but now, I say, I go unto Jerusalem, ministering unto the saints.
- Colossians 1:4
having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have toward all the saints,
- Acts 9:39
And Peter arose and went with them. And when he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
- 1 Corinthians 16:1
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I gave order to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye.