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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 1:10 I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whose father I became while I was in chains.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/philemon/1-10.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/57_Phm_01_10.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Philemon 1:10 - Paul's Appeal for Onesimus" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whose father I became while I was in chains." /><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'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/philemon/1-10.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/philemon/1-10.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/philemon/">Philemon</a> > <a href="/philemon/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 10</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad10.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/philemon/1-9.htm" title="Philemon 1:9">◄</a> Philemon 1:10 <a href="/philemon/1-11.htm" title="Philemon 1:11">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/philemon/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/philemon/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/philemon/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/philemon/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/philemon/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whose father I became while I was in chains.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/philemon/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />I exhort you for my child whom I have begotten in chains, Onesimus,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/philemon/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/philemon/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten <i>while</i> in my chains,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/philemon/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I fathered in my imprisonment,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/philemon/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my imprisonment,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/philemon/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />I appeal to you for my child, whom I have begotten in my imprisonment, Onesimus,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/philemon/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />I plead with you for my child Onesimus, of whom I became a father in my chains,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/philemon/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />I appeal to you for my [own spiritual] child Onesimus, whom I have fathered [in the faith] while a captive in these chains.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/philemon/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />appeal to you for my son, Onesimus. I became his father while I was in chains.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/philemon/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />appeal to you for my son, Onesimus. I fathered him while I was in chains. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/philemon/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />I beseech thee for my child, whom I have begotten in my bonds, Onesimus,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/philemon/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I beg you to help Onesimus! He is like a son to me because I led him to Christ here in jail. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/philemon/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />I beseech thee for my child, whom I have begotten in my bonds, Onesimus,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/philemon/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />appeal to you for my child Onesimus [Useful]. I became his spiritual father here in prison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/philemon/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So I make a request to you on behalf of Onesimus, who is my own son in Christ; for while in prison I have become his spiritual father. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/philemon/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />appeal to you on behalf of my child Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/philemon/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whose father I became while I was in my chains.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/philemon/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I am appealing to you concerning my child, whose spiritual father I have become during my imprisonment, that is, Onesimus,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/philemon/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I appeal to you for my child, whom I have become the father of in my chains, Onesimus,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/philemon/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/philemon/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />I entreat you on behalf of my own child whose father I have become while in my chains--I mean Onesimus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/philemon/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whom I have become the father of in my chains, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/philemon/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />I beg you concerning my child—whom I begot in my bonds—Onesimus,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/philemon/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />I exhort you for my child whom I have begotten in chains, Onesimus,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/philemon/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> I entreat thee concerning my child -- whom I did beget in my bonds -- Onesimus,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/philemon/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />I beseech thee for my child whom I begat in my bonds, Onesimus.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/philemon/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />I beseech thee for my son, whom I have begotten in my bands, Onesimus, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/philemon/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />I beg you, on behalf of my son, whom I have begotten in my chains, Onesimus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/philemon/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />I urge you on behalf of my child Onesimus, whose father I have become in my imprisonment,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/philemon/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/philemon/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I beseech you on behalf of my son Ones’i- mus, whom I converted during my imprisonment:<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 />I beg of you concerning my son Onesimus, whom I begot in my bondage,<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/philemon/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />I beseech you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/philemon/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />I exhort you concerning my son, whom I begat in my bonds, Onesimus,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/philemon/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />I entreat thee for my son, whom I have begotten during my bonds, Onesimus:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/philemon/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />and intercede with you for my son Onesimus, whom I made a convert whilst I was in chains.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/philemon/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />I entreat you on behalf of my own child whose father I have become while in my chains--I mean Onesimus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/philemon/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />I beseech you for my child, whom I begat in <i>my</i> bonds, Onesimus,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/philemon/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />I intreat thee <i>then</i> for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/philemon/1-10.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=70" 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">9</span>I prefer to appeal on the basis of love. For I, Paul, am now aged, and a prisoner of Christ Jesus as well. <span class="reftext">10</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3870.htm" title="3870: Parakalō (V-PIA-1S) -- From para and kaleo; to call near, i.e. Invite, invoke.">I appeal</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: se (PPro-A2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">to you</a> <a href="/greek/4012.htm" title="4012: peri (Prep) -- From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.">for</a> <a href="/greek/1699.htm" title="1699: emou (PPro-G1S) -- My, mine. From the oblique cases of ego; my.">my</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5043.htm" title="5043: teknou (N-GNS) -- A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child.">child</a> <a href="/greek/3682.htm" title="3682: Onēsimon (N-AMS) -- From oninemi; profitable; Onesimus, a Christian.">Onesimus,</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hon (RelPro-AMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">whose</a> <a href="/greek/1080.htm" title="1080: egennēsa (V-AIA-1S) -- From a variation of genos; to procreate; figuratively, to regenerate.">father I became</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.">while I was in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1199.htm" title="1199: desmois (N-DMP) -- Or desmos des-mos' neuter and masculine respectively from deo; a band, i.e. Ligament or shackle; figuratively, an impediment or disability.">chains.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">11</span>Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to 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="/2_corinthians/5-17.htm">2 Corinthians 5:17</a></span><br />Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/4-19.htm">Galatians 4:19</a></span><br />My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">1 Corinthians 4:15</a></span><br />Even if you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.<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="/romans/16-13.htm">Romans 16:13</a></span><br />Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me as well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/1-2.htm">1 Timothy 1:2</a></span><br />To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/1-4.htm">Titus 1:4</a></span><br />To Titus, my true child in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-13.htm">1 Peter 5:13</a></span><br />The church in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, as does my son Mark.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/1-2.htm">2 Timothy 1:2</a></span><br />To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/15-36.htm">Acts 15:36-41</a></span><br />Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers in every town where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are doing.” / 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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/3-3.htm">John 3:3-7</a></span><br />Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” / “How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time to be born?” / Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-21.htm">Ephesians 6:21</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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">Matthew 18:15-17</a></span><br />If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. / But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ / If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.<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="/isaiah/56-5.htm">Isaiah 56:5</a></span><br />I will give them, in My house and within My walls, a memorial and a name better than that of sons and daughters. I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">I beseech you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:</p><p class="hdg">my son.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/9-1.htm">2 Samuel 9:1-7</a></b></br> And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/18-5.htm">2 Samuel 18:5</a></b></br> And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, <i>Deal</i> gently for my sake with the young man, <i>even</i> with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/19-37.htm">2 Samuel 19:37,38</a></b></br> Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, <i>and be buried</i> by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee… </p><p class="hdg">Onesimus.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/colossians/4-9.htm">Colossians 4:9</a></b></br> With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is <i>one</i> of you. They shall make known unto you all things which <i>are done</i> here.</p><p class="hdg">whom.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">1 Corinthians 4:15</a></b></br> For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet <i>have ye</i> not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/galatians/4-19.htm">Galatians 4:19</a></b></br> My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/philemon/1-9.htm">Appeal</a> <a href="/philemon/1-9.htm">Beg</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-23.htm">Beget</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">Begotten</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-1.htm">Behalf</a> <a href="/philemon/1-9.htm">Beseech</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-9.htm">Bonds</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-9.htm">Chains</a> <a href="/titus/1-4.htm">Child</a> <a href="/philemon/1-9.htm">Entreat</a> <a href="/philemon/1-9.htm">Exhort</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-9.htm">Imprisonment</a> <a href="/philippians/1-22.htm">Mean</a> <a href="/colossians/4-9.htm">Onesimus</a> <a href="/colossians/4-9.htm">Ones'imus</a> <a href="/philemon/1-9.htm">Request</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hebrews/13-22.htm">Appeal</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-11.htm">Beg</a> <a href="/1_john/5-1.htm">Beget</a> <a href="/hebrews/1-5.htm">Begotten</a> <a href="/philemon/1-13.htm">Behalf</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-19.htm">Beseech</a> <a href="/philemon/1-13.htm">Bonds</a> <a href="/philemon/1-13.htm">Chains</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-13.htm">Child</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-19.htm">Entreat</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-13.htm">Exhort</a> <a href="/philemon/1-13.htm">Imprisonment</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-13.htm">Mean</a> <a href="/colossians/4-9.htm">Onesimus</a> <a href="/colossians/4-9.htm">Ones'imus</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-17.htm">Request</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 appeal to you</b><br>This phrase indicates a personal and heartfelt request rather than a command. Paul often uses this approach in his letters to encourage a response based on love and mutual respect. It reflects the Christian principle of appealing to the heart and conscience rather than imposing authority.<p><b>for my child Onesimus</b><br>Onesimus was a runaway slave belonging to Philemon, a leader in the Colossian church. The term "child" signifies a spiritual relationship, as Paul often referred to those he led to Christ as his children (e.g., Timothy in <a href="/1_timothy/1-2.htm">1 Timothy 1:2</a>). This highlights the transformative power of the Gospel, which transcends social and legal boundaries.<p><b>whose father I became</b><br>Paul uses paternal language to describe his spiritual mentorship and the conversion of Onesimus. This reflects the early Christian practice of spiritual parenthood, where converts were nurtured in faith by more mature believers. It also underscores the deep personal bond formed through discipleship.<p><b>while I was in chains</b><br>Paul wrote this letter during his imprisonment, likely in Rome. His chains symbolize his suffering for the Gospel, yet they also serve as a testament to his unwavering commitment to his mission. This context adds weight to his appeal, as it demonstrates his dedication to reconciliation and unity within the body of Christ, even while enduring hardship.<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 appealing on behalf of Onesimus.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/o/onesimus.htm">Onesimus</a></b><br>A slave who belonged to Philemon. He became a Christian through Paul's ministry while Paul was imprisoned.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/philemon.htm">Philemon</a></b><br>A Christian leader and the recipient of the letter. He is the master of Onesimus and is being asked by Paul to receive Onesimus back as a brother in Christ.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/r/rome.htm">Rome</a></b><br>The likely place where Paul was imprisoned and where he met Onesimus.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/colossae.htm">Colossae</a></b><br>The city where Philemon lived and where the church met in his house.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_parenthood.htm">Spiritual Parenthood</a></b><br>Paul refers to Onesimus as his child, highlighting the importance of spiritual mentorship and discipleship. Believers are encouraged to invest in the spiritual growth of others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/transformation_in_christ.htm">Transformation in Christ</a></b><br>Onesimus' conversion is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel. No matter one's past, in Christ, there is a new beginning.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/christian_brotherhood.htm">Christian Brotherhood</a></b><br>Paul appeals to Philemon to accept Onesimus not just as a slave but as a brother in Christ. This challenges believers to view relationships through the lens of their shared faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/forgiveness_and_reconciliation.htm">Forgiveness and Reconciliation</a></b><br>The letter to Philemon is a powerful example of seeking reconciliation and extending forgiveness, reflecting the heart of the Gospel.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/advocacy_and_intercession.htm">Advocacy and Intercession</a></b><br>Paul’s role as an advocate for Onesimus encourages believers to intercede and stand up for others, especially those who are vulnerable or marginalized.<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/who_was_onesimus_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Onesimus in the Bible?</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/why_is_paul_subtle_about_onesimus.htm">Philemon 1:10–11 – Why does Paul approach Onesimus’s situation so subtly, rather than condemning slavery outright? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_were_the_midianites_in_the_bible.htm">How does Philemon demonstrate forgiveness and reconciliation?</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>(10) <span class= "bld">My</span> <span class= "bld">son.</span>--Properly, <span class= "ital">my own child, whom I have begotten in my bonds, Onesimus.</span> The name is withheld, till Philemon's interest is doubly engaged, for one who is the Apostle's "own child" (a name of endearment given elsewhere only to Timothy and Titus), and for one who was begotten under the hardships and hindrances of imprisonment. At last the name is given, and even then comes, in the same breath, the declaration of the change in him from past uselessness to present usefulness, both to the Apostle and to his former master.<p><span class= "bld">Onesimus.</span>--Of Onesimus we know absolutely nothing, except what we read here and in <a href="/colossians/4-9.htm" title=" With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known to you all things which are done here.">Colossians 4:9</a>. Tradition, of course, is busy with his name, and makes him Bishop of Ber?a, in Macedonia, or identifies him with the Onesimus, Bishop of Ephesus, mentioned in the Ignatian <span class= "ital">Epistle to the Ephesians</span> (<a href="/context/ephesians/1-2.htm" title="Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.">Ephesians 1:2-6</a>). The name was a common one, especially among slaves.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/philemon/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 10.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">I beseech thee for my son ... Onesimus</span>; <span class="accented">my child</span> (Revised Version). The name of Onesimus could not have been a pleasing one in the ears of Philemon. Note with what caution and almost timidity it is at length introduced. He does not interpose for the ingrate with apostolic dignity, but pleads for him with fatherly love. He puts himself side by side with him, and calls him <span class="accented">his son</span>. Some of the old commentators conclude, from <a href="/colossians/4-9.htm">Colossians 4:9</a>, that Onesimus was a native of Colossae, and thence discuss whether he could have been a slave born in Philemon's house of a slave-mother, or whether he was sold in his youth by his father - a custom so common to the Phrygians (as to the Circassians in later times) as to have been noticed by Cicero. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/philemon/1-10.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 appeal</span><br /><span class="grk">Παρακαλῶ</span> <span class="translit">(Parakalō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3870.htm">Strong's 3870: </a> </span><span class="str2">From para and kaleo; to call near, i.e. Invite, invoke.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to you</span><br /><span class="grk">σε</span> <span class="translit">(se)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 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">for</span><br /><span class="grk">περὶ</span> <span class="translit">(peri)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4012.htm">Strong's 4012: </a> </span><span class="str2">From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐμοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(emou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular<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">child</span><br /><span class="grk">τέκνου</span> <span class="translit">(teknou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5043.htm">Strong's 5043: </a> </span><span class="str2">A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Onesimus,</span><br /><span class="grk">Ὀνήσιμον</span> <span class="translit">(Onēsimon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3682.htm">Strong's 3682: </a> </span><span class="str2">From oninemi; profitable; Onesimus, a Christian.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">whose</span><br /><span class="grk">ὃν</span> <span class="translit">(hon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">father I became</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐγέννησα</span> <span class="translit">(egennēsa)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1080.htm">Strong's 1080: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a variation of genos; to procreate; figuratively, to regenerate.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[while I was] 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">chains.</span><br /><span class="grk">δεσμοῖς</span> <span class="translit">(desmois)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1199.htm">Strong's 1199: </a> </span><span class="str2">Or desmos des-mos' neuter and masculine respectively from deo; a band, i.e. Ligament or shackle; figuratively, an impediment or disability.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/philemon/1-10.htm">Philemon 1:10 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/philemon/1-10.htm">Philemon 1:10 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/philemon/1-10.htm">Philemon 1:10 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/philemon/1-10.htm">Philemon 1:10 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/philemon/1-10.htm">Philemon 1:10 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/philemon/1-10.htm">Philemon 1:10 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/philemon/1-10.htm">Philemon 1:10 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/philemon/1-10.htm">Philemon 1:10 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/philemon/1-10.htm">Philemon 1:10 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/philemon/1-10.htm">Philemon 1:10 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/philemon/1-10.htm">NT Letters: Philemon 1:10 I beg you for my child whom (Phm Phl) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/philemon/1-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Philemon 1:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Philemon 1:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/philemon/1-11.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Philemon 1:11"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Philemon 1:11" /></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>