Philemon 1:7
What does Philemon 1:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Philemon 1:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Philemon 1:7 means
Paul has “much joy and comfort” in Philemon’s love, because “the hearts of the saints have been refreshed” through him. Philemon has been a source of spiritual rest for weary believers. Paul calls him “brother,” drawing close in family terms. This affirmation is more than praise; it frames Paul’s coming request as an opportunity for Philemon to do again what he has done before—refresh hearts, now including Paul’s own. If Philemon has refreshed many saints, he can refresh Paul by receiving Onesimus with grace. The joy and comfort Paul reports are themselves fruits of love operating within the family of God.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For I had much joy and comfort in thy love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through thee, brother.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For I had much joy and comfort in thy love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through thee, brother.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For I had great joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been made strong again through you, brother.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for we have much joy and comfort in thy love, because the bowels of the saints have been refreshed through thee, brother.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For I have had great joy and consolation in thy charity, because the bowels of the saints have been refreshed by thee, brother.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For we have great thankfulness and encouragement through thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
Context
This verse concludes the thanksgiving, sealing Paul’s confidence in Philemon’s character. By highlighting Philemon’s track record of refreshing hearts, Paul sets up a direct echo in verse 20, where he will ask Philemon to “refresh my heart.” With goodwill established, verse 8 will acknowledge Paul’s right to command, and verse 9 will reveal his chosen path: an appeal for love’s sake. This shift bridges commendation and the delicate matter of Onesimus.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:13
And for this cause we also thank God without ceasing, that, when ye received from us the word of the message, even the word of God, ye accepted it not as the word of men, but, as it is in truth, the word of God, which also worketh in you that believe.
- 3 John 1:3
For I rejoiced greatly, when brethren came and bare witness unto thy truth, even as thou walkest in truth.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:3
remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labor of love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father;
- 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.
- 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 1:20
Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my heart in Christ.