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Philemon 1:16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a beloved brother. He is especially beloved to me, but even more so to you, both in person and in the Lord.
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He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/philemon/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/philemon/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/philemon/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a beloved brother. He is especially beloved to me, but even more so to you, both in person and in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/philemon/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />no longer as a slave, but above a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in <i>the</i> flesh and in <i>the</i> Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/philemon/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/philemon/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />no longer as a slave but more than a slave—a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/philemon/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/philemon/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/philemon/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/philemon/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/philemon/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />no longer as a slave, but [as someone] more than a slave, as a brother [in Christ], especially dear to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh [as a servant] and in the Lord [as a fellow believer].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/philemon/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />no longer as a slave, but more than a slave—as a dearly loved brother. He is especially so to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/philemon/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />no longer as a slave, but more than a slave—as a dearly loved brother. He is especially so to me, but even more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/philemon/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />no longer as a servant, but more than a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much rather to thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/philemon/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />but not as a slave. Onesimus is much more than a slave. To me he is a dear friend, but to you he is even more, both as a person and as a follower of the Lord. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/philemon/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />no longer as a servant, but more than a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much rather to thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/philemon/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />no longer as a slave but better than a slave-as a dear brother. He is especially dear to me, but even more so to you, both as a person and as a Christian.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/philemon/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />And now he is not just a slave, but much more than a slave: he is a dear brother in Christ. How much he means to me! And how much more he will mean to you, both as a slave and as a brother in the Lord! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/philemon/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />no longer as a slave but better than a slave—as a dear brother, especially to me, but even more so to you, both as a person and as a believer. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/philemon/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a beloved brother. He is especially beloved to me, but even more so to you, both in person and in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/philemon/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, as a dear brother. He is especially so to me, and even more so to you now, both humanly speaking and in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/philemon/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much rather to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/philemon/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more to thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/philemon/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />no longer as a slave, but as something better than a slave--a brother peculiarly dear to me, and even dearer to you, both as a servant and as a fellow Christian.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/philemon/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much rather to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/philemon/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />no longer as a servant, but above a servant—a beloved brother, especially to me, and how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the LORD!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/philemon/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />no longer as a slave, but above a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in <i>the</i> flesh and in <i>the</i> Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/philemon/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> no more as a servant, but above a servant -- a brother beloved, especially to me, and how much more to thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/philemon/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />No more as a servant, but above a servant, a dearly beloved brother, especially to me, and how much rather to thee, also in the flesh, and in the Lord?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/philemon/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Not now as a servant, but instead of a servant, a most dear brother, especially to me: but how much more to thee both in the flesh and in the Lord? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/philemon/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />no longer as a servant, but, in place of a servant, a most beloved brother, especially to me: but how much so more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/philemon/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a brother, beloved especially to me, but even more so to you, as a man and in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/philemon/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother—especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/philemon/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Henceforth not as a servant, but more than a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, and much more to you, both in the flesh and in our LORD.<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 />Not as a Servant from now on, but more than a Servant; as my particularly beloved brother, how much more so yours, both in the flesh and in Our Lord?<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/philemon/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />no longer as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, especially by me, and how much more by you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/philemon/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a brother beloved, especially to me, and much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/philemon/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />no longer as a slave, but above a slave, as a brother beloved, especially by me, but how much more by thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/philemon/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />not as a slave, but in another quality, as a dear brother whom I particularly value, but much more should you, both as he is your servant, and as he is a christian.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/philemon/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />no longer as a slave, but as something better than a slave--a brother peculiarly dear to me, and even dearer to you, both as a servant and as a fellow Christian.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/philemon/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />no longer as a slave, but above a slave, a brother beloved, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in <i>the</i> flesh and in the Lord!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/philemon/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />not now as a servant, but above a servant, a dear brother, especially to me, and how much more to thee both in the flesh and in the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/philemon/1-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BS2bNjCPoic?start=118" 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">15</span>For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back for good— <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3765.htm" title="3765: ouketi (Adv) -- No longer, no more. Also ouk eti from ou and eti; not yet, no longer.">no longer</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">as</a> <a href="/greek/1401.htm" title="1401: doulon (N-AMS) -- (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.">a slave,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/5228.htm" title="5228: hyper (Prep) -- Gen: in behalf of; acc: above. ">better than</a> <a href="/greek/1401.htm" title="1401: doulon (N-AMS) -- (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.">a slave,</a> <a href="/greek/27.htm" title="27: agapēton (Adj-AMS) -- From agapao; beloved.">as a beloved</a> <a href="/greek/80.htm" title="80: adelphon (N-AMS) -- A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.">brother.</a> <a href="/greek/3122.htm" title="3122: malista (Adv) -- Most of all, especially. Neuter plural of the superlative of an apparently primary adverb mala; most or particularly.">He is especially beloved</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: emoi (PPro-D1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">to me,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">but</a> <a href="/greek/4214.htm" title="4214: posō (IPro-DNS) -- How much, how great, how many. From an absolute pos and hos; interrogative pronoun how much (plural) many).">even more so</a> <a href="/greek/3123.htm" title="3123: mallon (Adv) -- More, rather. Neuter of the comparative of the same as malista; more) or rather."></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/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">both</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/4561.htm" title="4561: sarki (N-DFS) -- Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. ">person</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyriō (N-DMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">the Lord.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">17</span>So if you consider me a partner, receive him as you would receive me.…<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="/galatians/3-28.htm">Galatians 3:28</a></span><br />There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-11.htm">Colossians 3:11</a></span><br />Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all and is in all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/12-13.htm">1 Corinthians 12:13</a></span><br />For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-9.htm">Ephesians 6:9</a></span><br />And masters, do the same for your slaves. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-5.htm">Romans 12:5</a></span><br />so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-22.htm">1 Corinthians 7:22</a></span><br />For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. Conversely, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/2-19.htm">Ephesians 2:19</a></span><br />Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household,<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="/1_timothy/6-2.htm">1 Timothy 6:2</a></span><br />Those who have believing masters should not show disrespect because they are brothers, but should serve them all the more, since those receiving their good service are beloved believers. Teach and encourage these principles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-15.htm">Romans 8:15</a></span><br />For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption to sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-15.htm">John 15:15</a></span><br />No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-8.htm">Matthew 23:8</a></span><br />But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/45-8.htm">Genesis 45:8</a></span><br />Therefore it was not you who sent me here, but God, who has made me a father to Pharaoh—lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/21-5.htm">Exodus 21:5-6</a></span><br />But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children; I do not want to go free,’ / then his master is to bring him before the judges. And he shall take him to the door or doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he shall serve his master for life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/25-39.htm">Leviticus 25:39-40</a></span><br />If a countryman among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, then you must not force him into slave labor. / Let him stay with you as a hired worker or temporary resident; he is to work for you until the Year of Jubilee.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?</p><p class="hdg">a brother.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/23-8.htm">Matthew 23:8</a></b></br> But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, <i>even</i> Christ; and all ye are brethren.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/9-17.htm">Acts 9:17</a></b></br> And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, <i>even</i> Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/galatians/4-28.htm">Galatians 4:28,29</a></b></br> Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise… </p><p class="hdg">both in.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5-7</a></b></br> Servants, be obedient to them that are <i>your</i> masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/colossians/3-22.htm">Colossians 3:22</a></b></br> Servants, obey in all things <i>your</i> masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/philemon/1-2.htm">Beloved</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-6.htm">Better</a> <a href="/titus/1-1.htm">Bondman</a> <a href="/titus/2-5.htm">Christian</a> <a href="/philemon/1-1.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/john/12-43.htm">Dearer</a> <a href="/titus/1-10.htm">Especially</a> <a href="/philemon/1-2.htm">Fellow</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-22.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-23.htm">Longer</a> <a href="/philemon/1-9.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/philemon/1-13.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-10.htm">Slave</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-7.htm">Something</a> <a href="/titus/2-14.htm">Specially</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hebrews/6-9.htm">Beloved</a> <a href="/hebrews/1-4.htm">Better</a> <a href="/james/1-1.htm">Bondman</a> <a href="/james/2-15.htm">Christian</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-9.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/genesis/37-4.htm">Dearer</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-10.htm">Especially</a> <a href="/philemon/1-23.htm">Fellow</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-14.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-2.htm">Longer</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-25.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-5.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-19.htm">Slave</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-3.htm">Something</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-17.htm">Specially</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'; 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In the Roman world, slavery was a common institution, and slaves were considered property rather than persons. The Greek word for slave, "doulos," implies a bondservant or one who is in a permanent relation of servitude. Paul is urging Philemon to transcend the societal norms of the time and to see Onesimus not through the lens of his past status but through the transformative power of the Gospel. This reflects the Christian doctrine that in Christ, social distinctions are transcended (<a href="/galatians/3-28.htm">Galatians 3:28</a>).<p><b>but better than a slave</b><br />The phrase "but better than a slave" elevates Onesimus's status from mere property to a position of honor and respect. The Greek word "mallon" (better) suggests a comparative degree, indicating that Onesimus's new role surpasses his former one. This transformation is not just a social upgrade but a spiritual elevation, emphasizing the Christian belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, created in the image of God.<p><b>as a beloved brother</b><br />"Beloved brother" is a term of deep affection and spiritual kinship. The Greek word "agapetos" (beloved) is often used in the New Testament to describe the love that God has for His children. By calling Onesimus a "brother," Paul is emphasizing the familial bond that exists among believers. This reflects the early Christian understanding of the church as a family, where all members are equal and united in Christ. It is a call to Philemon to embrace Onesimus not just as a fellow human but as a fellow heir in the kingdom of God.<p><b>He is especially beloved to me</b><br />Paul's personal affection for Onesimus is highlighted in "He is especially beloved to me." The phrase underscores the close relationship that has developed between Paul and Onesimus during the latter's time with Paul. This personal connection adds weight to Paul's appeal, as it is not just a matter of theological principle but also of personal concern. It reflects the deep bonds of friendship and spiritual mentorship that can develop within the Christian community.<p><b>but even more so to you</b><br />The phrase "but even more so to you" is a direct appeal to Philemon's sense of personal responsibility and affection for Onesimus. Paul is suggesting that Philemon's relationship with Onesimus should be even stronger than Paul's, given their shared history and Philemon's role as Onesimus's master. This is a call to reconciliation and restoration, urging Philemon to see Onesimus through the eyes of grace and love.<p><b>both in the flesh and in the Lord</b><br />"Both in the flesh and in the Lord" encompasses the dual nature of Onesimus's relationship with Philemon. "In the flesh" refers to their earthly, physical relationship as master and servant, while "in the Lord" speaks to their spiritual relationship as brothers in Christ. This duality highlights the Christian teaching that faith should permeate all aspects of life, transforming not just spiritual relationships but also social and personal ones. It is a reminder that the Gospel calls believers to live out their faith in every sphere of life, breaking down barriers and fostering unity.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/philemon/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) <span class= "bld">Not now as a servant, but . . . a brother beloved . . . in the Lord.</span>--In these words we have at last the principle which is absolutely destructive of the condition of slavery--a condition which is the exaggeration of natural inferiority to the effacement of the deeper natural equality. (1) The slave--the "living chattel" of inhuman laws and philosophies--is first "a brother," united to his master by natural ties of ultimate equality, having, therefore, both duties and rights. (2) But he is also a "brother beloved." These natural ties are not only strengthened by duty, but made living ties by the love which delights indeed to respect the rights of others, but is not content without willingness to sacrifice even our own rights to them. (3) Above all, this is "in the Lord." The slave is bought by Christ's blood, made a son of God, and therefore a brother to all who are members of the family of God. To reject and to outrage him is a rejection and outrage towards Christ. Compare St. Peter's striking comparison of the sufferings of the slave to the passion of the Divine Sufferer (<a href="/context/1_peter/2-18.htm" title="Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the fraudulent.">1Peter 2:18-24</a>). They suffer with Him, and He suffers in them. It has been proved historically that only by the aid of this last and highest conception has the brotherhood of love too slowly, indeed, but yet surely--assumed reality. (See <span class= "ital">Introduction.</span>)<p><span class= "bld">Specially to me, but how much more unto thee?</span>--St. Paul first emphasises his own love for Onesimus, which, indeed, breathes in every line of the Epistle; but then goes on to infer in Philemon a yet greater affection--a natural love towards the nursling of his house, a spiritual love towards the brother "in the Lord," lost and found again.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/philemon/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved.</span> So great a difference had his Christian calling and profession made to him and to others. <span class="cmt_word">Both in the flesh and in the Lord.</span> A <span class="accented">hysteron proteron</span>. The apostle is pleading on behalf of Onesimus this new bond of Christian relationship, which was <span class="accented">in the Lord</span>, that it should bring about a renewed fullness of personal relation. <span class="accented">In the flesh</span>, because "in the Lord." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/philemon/1-16.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">no longer</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐκέτι</span> <span class="translit">(ouketi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3765.htm">Strong's 3765: </a> </span><span class="str2">No longer, no more. Also ouk eti from ou and eti; not yet, no longer.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as</span><br /><span class="grk">ὡς</span> <span class="translit">(hōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> </span><span class="str2">Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a slave,</span><br /><span class="grk">δοῦλον</span> <span class="translit">(doulon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1401.htm">Strong's 1401: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀλλὰ</span> <span class="translit">(alla)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> </span><span class="str2">But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">better than</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑπὲρ</span> <span class="translit">(hyper)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5228.htm">Strong's 5228: </a> </span><span class="str2">Gen: in behalf of; acc: above. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">a slave,</span><br /><span class="grk">δοῦλον</span> <span class="translit">(doulon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1401.htm">Strong's 1401: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[as] a beloved</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀγαπητόν</span> <span class="translit">(agapēton)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_27.htm">Strong's 27: </a> </span><span class="str2">From agapao; beloved.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">brother.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀδελφὸν</span> <span class="translit">(adelphon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_80.htm">Strong's 80: </a> </span><span class="str2">A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[He is] especially [ beloved ]</span><br /><span class="grk">μάλιστα</span> <span class="translit">(malista)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3122.htm">Strong's 3122: </a> </span><span class="str2">Most of all, especially. Neuter plural of the superlative of an apparently primary adverb mala; most or particularly.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to me,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐμοί</span> <span class="translit">(emoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">even more so</span><br /><span class="grk">πόσῳ</span> <span class="translit">(posō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Dative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4214.htm">Strong's 4214: </a> </span><span class="str2">How much, how great, how many. From an absolute pos and hos; interrogative pronoun how much (plural) many).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to you,</span><br /><span class="grk">σοὶ</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">both</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">person</span><br /><span class="grk">σαρκὶ</span> <span class="translit">(sarki)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4561.htm">Strong's 4561: </a> </span><span class="str2">Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the] Lord.</span><br /><span class="grk">Κυρίῳ</span> <span class="translit">(Kyriō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/philemon/1-16.htm">Philemon 1:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/philemon/1-16.htm">Philemon 1:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/philemon/1-16.htm">Philemon 1:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/philemon/1-16.htm">Philemon 1:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/philemon/1-16.htm">Philemon 1:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/philemon/1-16.htm">Philemon 1:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/philemon/1-16.htm">Philemon 1:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/philemon/1-16.htm">Philemon 1:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/philemon/1-16.htm">Philemon 1:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/philemon/1-16.htm">Philemon 1:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/philemon/1-16.htm">NT Letters: Philemon 1:16 No longer as a slave but more (Phm Phl) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/philemon/1-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Philemon 1:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Philemon 1:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/philemon/1-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Philemon 1:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Philemon 1:17" /></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>