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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Philemon 1:12 I am sending back to you him who is my very heart.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/philemon/1-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/57_Phm_01_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Philemon 1:12 - Paul's Appeal for Onesimus" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I am sending back to you him who is my very heart." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/philemon/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have sent him back to you in person, that is, <i>sending</i> my very heart,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/philemon/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />I have sent him back to you in person, that is, sending my very heart,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/philemon/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And I have sent him back to you in person, that is, <i>sending</i> my very heart,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/philemon/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />I have sent him back to you in person, that is, my very heart,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/philemon/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />I have sent him back to you in person, that is, <i>like sending</i> my very heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/philemon/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I am sending him back to you—I am sending my very own heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/philemon/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I am sending him back to you as a part of myself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/philemon/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />whom I have sent back to thee in his own person, that is, my very heart:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/philemon/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Sending Onesimus back to you makes me very sad. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/philemon/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />whom I have sent back to thee in his own person, that is, my very heart:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/philemon/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I am sending him back to you. This is like sending you a part of myself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/philemon/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I am sending him back to you now, and with him goes my heart. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/philemon/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />As I send him back, it's like I'm coming along with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/philemon/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I am sending back for you to receive him who is my very heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/philemon/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I have sent him (who is my very heart) back to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/philemon/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I am sending back to you, him who is my very heart,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/philemon/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, my own bowels:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/philemon/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />I am sending him back to you, though in so doing I send part of myself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/philemon/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I am sending him back. Therefore receive him, that is, my own heart, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/philemon/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />whom I sent again to you—he who is my own heart,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/philemon/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />whom I have sent back to you in person--he who is my very heart--<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/philemon/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> whom I did send again, and thou him (that is, my own bowels) receive,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/philemon/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Whom I sent back: and thou him, that is, my bowels, receive again:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/philemon/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Whom I have sent back to thee. And do thou receive him as my own bowels. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/philemon/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />So I have sent him back to you. And may you receive him like my own heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/philemon/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/philemon/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/philemon/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I send him to you again: welcome him as my own boy:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/philemon/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And I sent him to you, so receive him as my son.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/philemon/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />I send him back, and do you receive him, that is, my son.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/philemon/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />him, that is my own heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/philemon/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />whom I have sent back; thou therefore receive him, even as my own bowels:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/philemon/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />I have sent him back, therefore receive him as one that I tenderly love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/philemon/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />I am sending him back to you, though in so doing I send part of myself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/philemon/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />whom I sent back to you, in his own person, that is, my very heart;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/philemon/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />him therefore, as my own bowels, do thou receive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/philemon/1-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BS2bNjCPoic?start=86" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/philemon/1.htm">Paul's Appeal for Onesimus</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hon (RelPro-AMS) -- Who, which, what, that. "></a> <a href="/greek/375.htm" title="375: anepempsa (V-AIA-1S) -- To send up (to a higher tribunal), send back. From ana and pempo; to send up or back.">I am sending back</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: soi (PPro-D2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">to you</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">him</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: tout’ (DPro-NNS) -- This; he, she, it. ">who</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/1699.htm" title="1699: ema (PPro-NN1P) -- My, mine. From the oblique cases of ego; my.">my</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4698.htm" title="4698: splanchna (N-ANP) -- Probably strengthened from splen; an intestine; figuratively, pity or sympathy.">very heart.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">13</span>I would have liked to keep him with me, so that on your behalf he could minister to me in my chains for the gospel.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/2-7.htm">2 Corinthians 2:7-8</a></span><br />So instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. / Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/4-9.htm">Colossians 4:9</a></span><br />With him I am sending Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-25.htm">Philippians 2:25-30</a></span><br />But I thought it necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my needs. / For he has been longing for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. / He was sick indeed, nearly unto death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/16-10.htm">1 Corinthians 16:10-11</a></span><br />If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, just as I am. / No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he can return to me, for I am expecting him along with the brothers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/8-22.htm">2 Corinthians 8:22-24</a></span><br />And we are sending along with them our brother who has proven his earnestness to us many times and in many ways, and now even more so by his great confidence in you. / As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you. As for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. / In full view of the churches, then, show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our boasting about you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/16-1.htm">Romans 16:1-2</a></span><br />I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. / Welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her with anything she may need from you. For she has been a great help to many people, including me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/4-9.htm">2 Timothy 4:9-11</a></span><br />Make every effort to come to me quickly, / because Demas, in his love of this world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. / Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is useful to me in the ministry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/15-37.htm">Acts 15:37-40</a></span><br />Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark. / But Paul thought it best not to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not accompanied them in the work. / Their disagreement was so sharp that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/4-14.htm">Galatians 4:14</a></span><br />And although my illness was a trial to you, you did not despise or reject me. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus Himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-21.htm">Ephesians 6:21-22</a></span><br />Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know about me and what I am doing. / I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about us, and that he may encourage your hearts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/3-1.htm">1 Thessalonians 3:1-2</a></span><br />So when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left on our own in Athens. / We sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/45-4.htm">Genesis 45:4-5</a></span><br />Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near me.” And they did so. “I am Joseph, your brother,” he said, “the one you sold into Egypt! / And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/50-20.htm">Genesis 50:20-21</a></span><br />As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people. / Therefore do not be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” So Joseph reassured his brothers and spoke kindly to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/4-18.htm">Exodus 4:18</a></span><br />Then Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro and said to him, “Please let me return to my brothers in Egypt to see if they are still alive.” “Go in peace,” Jethro replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-32.htm">1 Samuel 25:32-35</a></span><br />Then David said to Abigail, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who sent you to meet me this day! / Blessed is your discernment, and blessed are you, because today you kept me from bloodshed and from avenging myself by my own hand. / Otherwise, as surely as the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, who has restrained me from harming you, if you had not come quickly to meet me, then surely no male belonging to Nabal would have been left alive by morning light.” ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Whom I have sent again: you therefore receive him, that is, my own bowels:</p><p class="hdg">thou.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/6-14.htm">Matthew 6:14,15</a></b></br> For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/18-21.htm">Matthew 18:21-35</a></b></br> Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/11-25.htm">Mark 11:25</a></b></br> And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.</p><p class="hdg">mine.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/13-6.htm">Deuteronomy 13:6</a></b></br> If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which <i>is</i> as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/16-11.htm">2 Samuel 16:11</a></b></br> And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now <i>may this</i> Benjamite <i>do it</i>? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/31-20.htm">Jeremiah 31:20</a></b></br> <i>Is</i> Ephraim my dear son? <i>is he</i> a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/philemon/1-7.htm">Bowels</a> <a href="/titus/2-14.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/titus/3-7.htm">Part</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-6.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/colossians/4-16.htm">Sending</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/philemon/1-20.htm">Bowels</a> <a href="/philemon/1-20.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-14.htm">Part</a> <a href="/philemon/1-15.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/hebrews/1-6.htm">Sending</a><div class="vheading2">Philemon 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/philemon/1-1.htm">Paul rejoices to hear of the faith and love of Philemon, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/philemon/1-8.htm">whom he desires to forgive his servant Onesimus, and lovingly to receive him again.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/philemon/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/philemon/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/philemon/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>I am sending back to you</b><br>This phrase indicates the act of returning Onesimus to Philemon. In the Roman world, a runaway slave like Onesimus could face severe punishment. Paul's decision to send him back highlights the importance of reconciliation and the restoration of relationships within the Christian community. This act also reflects the biblical principle of restitution and making amends, as seen in the story of Zacchaeus (<a href="/luke/19-8.htm">Luke 19:8</a>).<p><b>him who is my very heart</b><br>Paul's use of the term "my very heart" demonstrates his deep affection for Onesimus, indicating a spiritual kinship that transcends social status. This reflects the transformative power of the Gospel, which creates a new identity in Christ (<a href="/galatians/3-28.htm">Galatians 3:28</a>). The phrase also echoes the language of love and unity found in other Pauline letters, such as <a href="/philippians/1-7.htm">Philippians 1:7</a>, where Paul speaks of holding the Philippians in his heart. This expression of love and personal connection is a model of Christ's love for humanity, emphasizing the value and dignity of every individual.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a></b><br>The apostle who wrote the letter to Philemon. He is in prison at the time of writing and is advocating for Onesimus.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/philemon.htm">Philemon</a></b><br>A Christian leader and the recipient of the letter. He is a wealthy man who hosts a church in his home and is the master of Onesimus.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/o/onesimus.htm">Onesimus</a></b><br>A slave who belonged to Philemon. He ran away, met Paul, and became a Christian. Paul is sending him back to Philemon with this letter.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/r/rome.htm">Rome</a></b><br>The city where Paul is imprisoned and from where he writes this letter.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/colossae.htm">Colossae</a></b><br>The city where Philemon lives and where the church meets in his home.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_transformation.htm">The Power of Transformation</a></b><br>Onesimus, once a runaway slave, is now described by Paul as "my very heart." This transformation is a testament to the power of the Gospel to change lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/christian_brotherhood.htm">Christian Brotherhood</a></b><br>Paul’s language emphasizes the deep bond between believers, transcending social and economic barriers. Onesimus is no longer just a slave but a brother in Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reconciliation_and_forgiveness.htm">Reconciliation and Forgiveness</a></b><br>Paul’s appeal to Philemon to accept Onesimus back highlights the Christian call to forgive and reconcile, reflecting the forgiveness we receive in Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/intercession_and_advocacy.htm">Intercession and Advocacy</a></b><br>Paul acts as an advocate for Onesimus, modeling how Christians can intercede for one another, especially for those who are vulnerable or marginalized.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_discipleship.htm">The Cost of Discipleship</a></b><br>Onesimus’s return to Philemon involves risk and humility, illustrating the cost of following Christ and making amends for past wrongs.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_philemon_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Philemon 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_paul_return_the_slave_to_philemon.htm">Philemon 1:12–16 – Why would Paul send a slave back to his master instead of urging Philemon to free him outright? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/philemon__why_doesn't_paul_reject_slavery.htm">Philemon 1:3-7 - How do we reconcile Paul's pleas for Christian love with his failure to explicitly reject the institution of slavery?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_2_thess._2_11_align_with_a_just_god.htm">'How does 2 Thessalonians 2:11's claim that God sends a 'powerful delusion' reconcile with the idea of a loving and just deity?'</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_ezekiel_21's_judgment_align_with_god's_mercy.htm">How can the severe judgment imagery in Ezekiel 21 be reconciled with teachings elsewhere in Scripture about God's mercy?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/philemon/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) <span class= "bld">Thou therefore receive him.</span>--The word "receive" is not in the best MSS. It is supplied here from <a href="/philemon/1-17.htm" title="If you count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.">Philemon 1:17</a> (apparently rightly in respect of sense) to fill up a broken construction in the original.<p><span class= "bld">Mine own bowels</span>--<span class= "ital">i.e., my own heart, </span>dear to me as my own soul. There is, indeed, an usage of the word which applies it to children as begotten of our own body. But this is hardly St. Paul's usage (see <a href="/2_corinthians/6-12.htm" title="You are not straitened in us, but you are straitened in your own bowels.">2Corinthians 6:12</a>; <a href="/philippians/1-8.htm" title="For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.">Philippians 1:8</a>; <a href="/philippians/2-1.htm" title="If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,">Philippians 2:1</a>; <a href="/colossians/3-12.htm" title=" Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering;">Colossians 3:12</a>; and <a href="/philemon/1-7.htm" title="For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by you, brother.">Philemon 1:7</a>; <a href="/philemon/1-20.htm" title="Yes, brother, let me have joy of you in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.">Philemon 1:20</a> of this Epistle), though it suits very well with the phrase "whom I have begotten" above. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/philemon/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Whom I sent back</span> [<span class="cmt_word">to thee</span>, according to A, C, D*, E, <span class="hebrew">אָ</span>] (aorist for present); but the decision reflects the struggle. It had not been altogether easy for the apostle to part with the youth, whom he might not see again. The whole Epistle is full of this strong and yearning affection. Thou therefore receive him. Do thou also act as becomes a Christian; receive him as my son. "Wonderfully efficacious this method for appeasing the anger of Philemon! For he was not able to rage or to do anything harshly against one whom Paul had called his own bowels" (Estius). A, F, G, and <span class="hebrew">א</span> omit "receive," as also Tischendorf. The Revised Version omits this clause. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/philemon/1-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">I am sending back</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀνέπεμψά</span> <span class="translit">(anepempsa)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_375.htm">Strong's 375: </a> </span><span class="str2">To send up (to a higher tribunal), send back. From ana and pempo; to send up or back.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to you</span><br /><span class="grk">σοι</span> <span class="translit">(soi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">him</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτόν</span> <span class="translit">(auton)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who</span><br /><span class="grk">τοῦτ’</span> <span class="translit">(tout’)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">is</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔστιν</span> <span class="translit">(estin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐμὰ</span> <span class="translit">(ema)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Neuter 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1699.htm">Strong's 1699: </a> </span><span class="str2">My, mine. From the oblique cases of ego; my.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">very heart.</span><br /><span class="grk">σπλάγχνα</span> <span class="translit">(splanchna)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4698.htm">Strong's 4698: </a> </span><span class="str2">Probably strengthened from splen; an intestine; figuratively, pity or sympathy.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/philemon/1-12.htm">Philemon 1:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/philemon/1-12.htm">Philemon 1:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/philemon/1-12.htm">Philemon 1:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/philemon/1-12.htm">Philemon 1:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/philemon/1-12.htm">Philemon 1:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/philemon/1-12.htm">Philemon 1:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/philemon/1-12.htm">Philemon 1:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/philemon/1-12.htm">Philemon 1:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/philemon/1-12.htm">Philemon 1:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/philemon/1-12.htm">Philemon 1:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/philemon/1-12.htm">NT Letters: Philemon 1:12 I am sending him back (Phm Phl) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/philemon/1-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Philemon 1:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Philemon 1:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/philemon/1-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Philemon 1:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Philemon 1:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>