Philemon 1:9
What does Philemon 1:9 mean?
A plain-English look at Philemon 1:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Philemon 1:9 means
“For love’s sake I rather beseech,” Paul writes, choosing the path of loving appeal. He presents himself as “Paul the aged” and “now a prisoner also of Christ Jesus,” emphasizing weakness and suffering rather than rank. This posture invites sympathy and highlights the gospel’s pattern: power made perfect in weakness. The request will not be grounded in pressure, but in love that seeks the other’s willing response. By reminding Philemon of his age and chains, Paul gives weight to his plea without wielding coercion. He models Christlike humility in leadership, preparing Philemon to hear about Onesimus with a softened, receptive heart.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000yet for love’s sake I rather beseech, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now a prisoner also of Christ Jesus:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901yet for love’s sake I rather beseech, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now a prisoner also of Christ Jesus:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Still, because of love, in place of an order, I make a request to you, I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner of Christ Jesus:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862because of the love I rather entreat, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For charity sake I rather beseech, whereas thou art such a one, as Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also of Jesus Christ.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890for love's sake I rather exhort, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now also prisoner of Jesus Christ.
Context
Following the acknowledgment of authority in verse 8, verse 9 clarifies Paul’s chosen method—beseeching in love, from a place of suffering. This lays relational groundwork for introducing Onesimus in verse 10 as Paul’s spiritual son. The juxtaposition of Paul’s humility and his deep personal investment in the matter creates empathy and seriousness, so that when Onesimus is named, Philemon will listen not to a command, but to a father’s earnest plea.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 71:18
Yea, even when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not, Until I have declared thy strength unto the next generation, Thy might to every one that is to come.
- 2 Corinthians 5:20
We are ambassadors therefore on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beseech you on behalf of Christ, be ye reconciled to God.
- Psalms 71:9
Cast me not off in the time of old age; Forsake me not when my strength faileth.
- Romans 12:1
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.
- Hebrews 13:19
And I exhortyouthe more exceedingly to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.
- Philemon 1:1
Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved and fellow-worker,