Philemon 1:6
What does Philemon 1:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Philemon 1:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Philemon 1:6 means
Paul prays “that the fellowship of thy faith may become effectual,” meaning he desires Philemon’s partnership in the faith to result in active, fruitful sharing. The phrase “in the knowledge of every good thing which is in you, unto Christ” suggests Philemon recognizing and living out all the graces God has placed in him for Christ’s honor. Paul wants faith to move from belief to beneficence, from creed to deed. This prayer implies that receiving Onesimus as a brother will be a concrete expression of that effective fellowship. As Philemon deepens in practical knowledge of gospel good, his choices will increasingly display Christ’s character.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000that the fellowship of thy faith may become effectual, in the knowledge of every good thing which is in you, unto Christ.
KJV
King James Version · 1611That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901that the fellowship of thy faith may become effectual, in the knowledge of every good thing which is in you, unto Christ.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949That the faith which you have in common with them may be working with power, in the knowledge of every good thing in you, for Christ.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862that the fellowship of thy faith may become working in the full knowledge of every good thing that <FI>is<Fi> in you toward Christ Jesus;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752That the communication of thy faith may be made evident in the acknowledgment of every good work that is in you in Christ Jesus.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890in such sort that thy participation in the faith should become operative in the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in us towards Christ [Jesus].
Context
Still within the thanksgiving and prayer, Paul moves from praising Philemon’s faith and love to praying for their powerful outworking. The emphasis on effective fellowship points directly to the letter’s purpose: partnership must take shape in costly, reconciling action. Verse 7 will add that Philemon has already refreshed many, further encouraging him to do likewise now. Then, with this foundation laid, verses 8–9 will pivot from prayerful commendation to a tender, love-based appeal.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Peter 3:16
having a good conscience; that, wherein ye are spoken against, they may be put to shame who revile your good manner of life in Christ.
- 1 Peter 2:12
having your behavior seemly among the Gentiles; that, wherein they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
- 2 Peter 1:8
For if these things are yours and abound, they make you to be not idle nor unfruitful unto the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Philippians 1:9
And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment;
- James 2:17
Even so faith, if it have not works, is dead in itself.
- 1 Peter 1:5
who by the power of God are guarded through faith unto a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.