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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 1:7 I take great joy and encouragement in your love, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/philemon/1-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/57_Phm_01_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Philemon 1:7 - Philemon's Faith and Love" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I take great joy and encouragement in your love, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints." /><script type="application/javascript" 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cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.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/1-6.htm" title="Philemon 1:6">◄</a> Philemon 1:7 <a href="/philemon/1-8.htm" title="Philemon 1:8">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/philemon/1.htm">New International Version</a> Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord&#8217s people. <a href="/nlt/philemon/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people. <a href="/esv/philemon/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you. <a href="/bsb/philemon/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> I take great joy and encouragement in your love, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints. <a href="/blb/philemon/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For I have great joy and encouragement by occasion of your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother. <a href="/kjv/philemon/1.htm">King James Bible</a> For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. <a href="/nkjv/philemon/1.htm">New King James Version</a> For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother. <a href="/nasb_/philemon/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For I have had great joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. <a href="/nasb/philemon/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. <a href="/nasb77/philemon/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. <a href="/lsb/philemon/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. <a href="/amp/philemon/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For I have had great joy and comfort and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints (God’s people) have been refreshed through you, my brother. <a href="/csb/philemon/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For I have great joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. <a href="/hcsb/philemon/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For I have great joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. <a href="/asv/philemon/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> For I had much joy and comfort in thy love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through thee, brother. <a href="/cev/philemon/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> My friend, your love has made me happy and has greatly encouraged me. It has also cheered the hearts of God's people. <a href="/erv/philemon/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> For I had much joy and comfort in thy love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through thee, brother. <a href="/gwt/philemon/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Your love [for God's people] gives me a lot of joy and encouragement. You, brother, have comforted God's people. <a href="/gnt/philemon/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> Your love, dear brother, has brought me great joy and much encouragement! You have cheered the hearts of all of God's people. <a href="/isv/philemon/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> For I have received considerable joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed, brother, through you. <a href="/msb/philemon/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> We take great joy and encouragement in your love, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints. <a href="/net/philemon/1.htm">NET Bible</a> I have had great joy and encouragement because of your love, for the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. <a href="/nheb/philemon/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For I have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. <a href="/wbt/philemon/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. <a href="/wey/philemon/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For I have found great joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of God's people have been, and are, refreshed through you, my brother. <a href="/web/philemon/1.htm">World English Bible</a> For we have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/philemon/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for we have much joy and comfort in your love, because the yearnings of the holy ones have been refreshed through you, brother. <a href="/blb/philemon/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For I have great joy and encouragement by occasion of your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother. <a href="/ylt/philemon/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for we have much joy and comfort in thy love, because the bowels of the saints have been refreshed through thee, brother. <a href="/slt/philemon/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For we have much grace and consolation upon thy love, for the bowels of the holy are refreshed by thee, brother.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/philemon/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For I have had great joy and consolation in thy charity, because the bowels of the saints have been refreshed by thee, brother. <a href="/cpdv/philemon/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For I have found great joy and consolation in your charity, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother. <a href="/nabre/philemon/1.htm">New American Bible</a> For I have experienced much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the holy ones have been refreshed by you, brother. <a href="/nrsvce/philemon/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> I have indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/philemon/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For we have great joy and consolation in your love, and the hearts of the saints are refreshed. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/philemon/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For we have great joy and comfort, for by your love the affections of the Saints have been refreshed.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/philemon/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For we have great joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.<CM> <a href="/godbey/philemon/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> For I had much joy and consolation over your divine love, because the affections of the saints have been refreshed by you, O brother. <a href="/haweis/philemon/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints have been refreshed by thee, brother. <a href="/mace/philemon/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for your liberality, my brother, affected us with great joy and comfort, by your having refresh'd the bowels of the saints. <a href="/wey/philemon/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For I have found great joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of God's people have been, and are, refreshed through you, my brother. <a href="/worrell/philemon/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> For I had much joy and consolation on account of your love, because the tender affections of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. <a href="/worsley/philemon/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> for we have much joy and comfort in thy love, because by thee, dear brother, the bowels of the saints are refreshed. <a href="/parallel/philemon/1-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BS2bNjCPoic?start=45" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/philemon/1.htm">Philemon's Faith and Love</a> …6I pray that your partnership in the faith may become effective as you fully acknowledge every good thing that is ours in Christ. 7<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason."></a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: eschon (V-AIA-1S) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">I take</a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: pollēn (Adj-AFS) -- Much, many; often. ">great</a> <a href="/greek/5479.htm" title="5479: charan (N-AFS) -- Joy, gladness, a source of joy. From chairo; cheerfulness, i.e. Calm delight.">joy</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3874.htm" title="3874: paraklēsin (N-AFS) -- From parakaleo; imploration, hortation, solace.">encouragement</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: epi (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">in</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/26.htm" title="26: agapē (N-DFS) -- From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.">love,</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">because</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you,</a> <a href="/greek/80.htm" title="80: adelphe (N-VMS) -- A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.">brother,</a> <a href="/greek/373.htm" title="373: anapepautai (V-RIM/P-3S) -- From ana and pauo; to repose (be exempt), remain); by implication, to refresh.">have refreshed</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-NNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4698.htm" title="4698: splanchna (N-NNP) -- Probably strengthened from splen; an intestine; figuratively, pity or sympathy.">hearts</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/40.htm" title="40: hagiōn (Adj-GMP) -- Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.">saints.</a> 8So although in Christ I am bold enough to order you to do what is proper,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_corinthians/7-4.htm">2 Corinthians 7:4</a> Great is my confidence in you; great is my pride in you; I am filled with encouragement; in all our troubles my joy overflows. <a href="/2_corinthians/7-13.htm">2 Corinthians 7:13</a> On account of this, we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were even more delighted by the joy of Titus. For his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. <a href="/2_corinthians/1-4.htm">2 Corinthians 1:4</a> who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. <a href="/2_corinthians/1-7.htm">2 Corinthians 1:7</a> And our hope for you is sure, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you will share in our comfort. <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-7.htm">1 Thessalonians 3:7</a> For this reason, brothers, in all our distress and persecution, we have been reassured about you, because of your faith. <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-16.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:16-17</a> Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who by grace has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope, / encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good word and deed. <a href="/romans/15-32.htm">Romans 15:32</a> so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed. <a href="/philippians/1-7.htm">Philippians 1:7</a> It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart. For in my chains and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partners in grace with me. <a href="/philippians/2-1.htm">Philippians 2:1-2</a> Therefore if you have any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, / then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose. <a href="/colossians/4-8.htm">Colossians 4:8</a> I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about us, and that he may encourage your hearts. <a href="/hebrews/13-3.htm">Hebrews 13:3</a> Remember those in prison as if you were bound with them, and those who are mistreated as if you were suffering with them. <a href="/1_peter/5-9.htm">1 Peter 5:9</a> Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. <a href="/isaiah/57-15.htm">Isaiah 57:15</a> For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble in spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite. <a href="/isaiah/66-13.htm">Isaiah 66:13</a> As a mother comforts her son, so will I comfort you, and you will be consoled over Jerusalem.” <a href="/proverbs/12-25.htm">Proverbs 12:25</a> Anxiety weighs down the heart of a man, but a good word cheers it up.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by you, brother.great joy.<a href="/1_thessalonians/1-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 1:3</a> Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;<a href="/1_thessalonians/2-13.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:13,19</a> For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe… <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-9.htm">1 Thessalonians 3:9</a> For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;the bowels.<a href="/philemon/1-20.htm">Philemon 1:20</a> Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.<a href="/2_corinthians/7-13.htm">2 Corinthians 7:13</a> Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.<a href="/2_timothy/1-16.htm">2 Timothy 1:16</a> The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/colossians/3-12.htm">Bowels</a> <a href="/titus/1-9.htm">Comfort</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-16.htm">Consolation</a> <a href="/philippians/3-9.htm">Derived</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-16.htm">Encouragement</a> <a href="/titus/1-16.htm">Found</a> <a href="/philemon/1-5.htm">God's</a> <a href="/titus/2-13.htm">Great</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-14.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-4.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/philemon/1-5.htm">Love</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-16.htm">Refreshed</a> <a href="/philemon/1-5.htm">Saints</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-22.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-3.htm">Thankfulness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/philemon/1-12.htm">Bowels</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-13.htm">Comfort</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-18.htm">Consolation</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-9.htm">Derived</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-18.htm">Encouragement</a> <a href="/hebrews/1-10.htm">Found</a> <a href="/hebrews/1-3.htm">God's</a> <a href="/philemon/1-11.htm">Great</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-6.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/philemon/1-20.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-24.htm">Love</a> <a href="/exodus/23-12.htm">Refreshed</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-10.htm">Saints</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-11.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-28.htm">Thankfulness</a><div class="vheading2">Philemon 1</div>1. <a href="/philemon/1-1.htm">Paul rejoices to hear of the faith and love of Philemon, </a> 8. <a href="/philemon/1-8.htm">whom he desires to forgive his servant Onesimus, and lovingly to receive him again.</a> </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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This reflects the Christian principle of mutual edification within the body of Christ, as seen in <a href="/romans/1-12.htm">Romans 1:12</a>, where believers are encouraged to build each other up. The love mentioned here is agape love, a selfless, sacrificial love that is central to Christian teaching, as exemplified by Christ's love for humanity (<a href="/john/15-13.htm">John 15:13</a>).because you, brother The term "brother" signifies the familial relationship among Christians, transcending social and cultural boundaries. This reflects the early church's practice of viewing fellow believers as family, as seen in <a href="/acts/2-44.htm">Acts 2:44-47</a>, where the community of believers shared everything in common. It also emphasizes the equality and unity among believers, regardless of their social status, which is a recurring theme in Paul's letters (<a href="/galatians/3-28.htm">Galatians 3:28</a>).have refreshed the hearts of the saints Philemon's actions have brought spiritual renewal and comfort to fellow believers, akin to providing rest and relief. This mirrors the concept of hospitality and support within the early Christian communities, as seen in <a href="/hebrews/13-2.htm">Hebrews 13:2</a>, where believers are encouraged to show hospitality to strangers. The term "saints" refers to all Christians, indicating that Philemon's influence extends beyond his immediate circle, contributing to the broader mission of the church. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized serving others as a reflection of one's faith (<a href="/matthew/25-35.htm">Matthew 25:35-40</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/philemon.htm">Philemon</a> A Christian leader in Colossae, likely a wealthy man who hosted a church in his home. Paul addresses him as a beloved friend and fellow worker. 2. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who wrote the letter to Philemon. He is imprisoned at the time of writing and is appealing to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus. 3. <a href="/topical/o/onesimus.htm">Onesimus</a> A slave who belonged to Philemon and had run away. He became a Christian through Paul's ministry and is the subject of Paul's appeal in this letter. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_saints.htm">The Saints</a> Refers to the Christian believers, particularly those who are part of the church that meets in Philemon's house. 5. <a href="/topical/c/colossae.htm">Colossae</a> The city where Philemon resides and where the church meets in his home.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_love_in_community.htm">The Power of Love in Community</a> Philemon's love is a source of joy and encouragement. In Christian communities, love should be the foundation that refreshes and uplifts others. <a href="/topical/e/encouragement_as_a_ministry.htm">Encouragement as a Ministry</a> Just as Paul finds encouragement in Philemon's actions, believers are called to be sources of encouragement to one another, strengthening the body of Christ. <a href="/topical/r/refreshing_the_hearts_of_others.htm">Refreshing the Hearts of Others</a> The Greek word for "refreshed" implies rest and renewal. Christians are called to be agents of spiritual and emotional renewal for others. <a href="/topical/t/the_impact_of_a_faithful_life.htm">The Impact of a Faithful Life</a> Philemon's faithfulness has a tangible impact on the community. Our actions and love can have a profound effect on those around us, inspiring and uplifting them.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_philemon_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Philemon 1</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_meaning_of_psalm_51_10.htm">Should we consider everything a source of joy?</a> <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> <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> <a href="/q/1_peter_2_18__why_does_it_condone_slavery.htm">1 Peter 2:18: Why does the text appear to condone slavery by telling slaves to submit to their masters, and how is that consistent with a just God?</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>(7) The bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee.--The same idea is here carried on. St. Paul declares his special joy to have been that "the bowels (i.e., the hearts) of the saints, have been refreshed through thee." The word "refresh" is the very word used by our Lord in His gracious promise: "Come unto me all ye that travail and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you" (<a href="/matthew/11-28.htm" title="Come to me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.">Matthew 11:28</a>). It is ultimately in Him that the hearts of the saints are refreshed. But in this case it was through the instrumentality of Philemon, by "the communion of faith," to which his active love was the means of welcoming them, and in which they had fellowship in Christ, both with the Father and with His children. (Comp. <a href="/1_john/1-3.htm" title="That which we have seen and heard declare we to you, that you also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.">1John 1:3</a>.) St. Paul uses the word "refresh" not unfrequently to express the relief and rest given by Christian fellowship on earth. (See below, <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>; and comp. <a href="/1_corinthians/16-18.htm" title="For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge you them that are such.">1Corinthians 16:18</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/7-13.htm" title="Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yes, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.">2Corinthians 7:13</a>.) We find it in the Apocalypse applied to the rest with Christ in heaven (<a href="/revelation/6-11.htm" title="And white robes were given to every one of them; and it was said to them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brothers, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.">Revelation 6:11</a>; <a href="/revelation/14-13.htm" title="And I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from now on: Yes, said the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.">Revelation 14:13</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/philemon/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 7. - We have great joy and consolation. The preferable reading is, as in A, C, F, G, N, and Revised Version, I had much joy and comfort (see Ver. 5). "Plenius inculcat et edocet, quare dixerit, gratias ago," etc. (Jerome). The bowels of the saints; hearts (Revised Version). Either (1) their bodily wants, the cravings of their hunger; or (2) their hearts and affections, supplied and satisfied by the good deeds of Philemon. This is another peculiarly Pauline expression (see <a href="/2_corinthians/6-12.htm">2 Corinthians 6:12</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/7-15.htm">2 Corinthians 7:15</a>-these two are very similarly used in Vers. 7, 12, 20 - and three other places). "To refresh the bowels is (in Paul) to be taken as meaning a lightening of troubles, so that they may rest with minds free from all sorrow and annoyance" (Calvin). Brother. How persuasively the sentence is turned! An old commentator remarks, "Paul does not yet come to his request, but prepares and softens beforehand the mind of Philemon" (Scipio Gentilis). This course of proceeding is exactly what Quintilian prescribes to an advocate, "His velut fomentis, si quid erit asperum, praemolliemus, quo facilius aures judicum admittant" ('De Institut. Orat.,' 4:3). <a href="/commentaries/philemon/1-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>I take ἔσχον (eschon) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. great πολλὴν (pollēn) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4183.htm">Strong's 4183: </a> Much, many; often. joy χαρὰν (charan) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5479.htm">Strong's 5479: </a> Joy, gladness, a source of joy. From chairo; cheerfulness, i.e. Calm delight. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. encouragement παράκλησιν (paraklēsin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3874.htm">Strong's 3874: </a> From parakaleo; imploration, hortation, solace. in ἐπὶ (epi) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> On, to, against, on the basis of, at. your σου (sou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. love, ἀγάπῃ (agapē) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_26.htm">Strong's 26: </a> From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast. because ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. you, σοῦ (sou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. brother, ἀδελφέ (adelphe) Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_80.htm">Strong's 80: </a> A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote. have refreshed ἀναπέπαυται (anapepautai) Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_373.htm">Strong's 373: </a> From ana and pauo; to repose (be exempt), remain); by implication, to refresh. the τὰ (ta) Article - Nominative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. hearts σπλάγχνα (splanchna) Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4698.htm">Strong's 4698: </a> Probably strengthened from splen; an intestine; figuratively, pity or sympathy. of the τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. saints. ἁγίων (hagiōn) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_40.htm">Strong's 40: </a> Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/philemon/1-7.htm">Philemon 1:7 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/philemon/1-7.htm">Philemon 1:7 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/philemon/1-7.htm">Philemon 1:7 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/philemon/1-7.htm">Philemon 1:7 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/philemon/1-7.htm">Philemon 1:7 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/philemon/1-7.htm">Philemon 1:7 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/philemon/1-7.htm">Philemon 1:7 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/philemon/1-7.htm">Philemon 1:7 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/philemon/1-7.htm">Philemon 1:7 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/philemon/1-7.htm">Philemon 1:7 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/philemon/1-7.htm">NT Letters: Philemon 1:7 For we have much joy and comfort (Phm Phl) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/philemon/1-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Philemon 1:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Philemon 1:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/philemon/1-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Philemon 1:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Philemon 1:8" /></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>