CINXE.COM

<!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 1:14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that your goodness will not be out of compulsion, but by your own free will.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/philemon/1-14.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/57_Phm_01_14.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Philemon 1:14 - Paul's Appeal for Onesimus" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that your goodness will not be out of compulsion, but by your own free will." /><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/1-14.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/1-14.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 14</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="/ad14.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/1-13.htm" title="Philemon 1:13">◄</a> Philemon 1:14 <a href="/philemon/1-15.htm" title="Philemon 1:15">►</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> But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. <a href="/nlt/philemon/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent. I wanted you to help because you were willing, not because you were forced. <a href="/esv/philemon/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord. <a href="/bsb/philemon/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that your goodness will not be out of compulsion, but by your own free will. <a href="/blb/philemon/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But I wanted to do nothing apart from your consent, so that your good may be not as according to necessity, but according to willingness. <a href="/kjv/philemon/1.htm">King James Bible</a> But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. <a href="/nkjv/philemon/1.htm">New King James Version</a> But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary. <a href="/nasb_/philemon/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> but I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that your goodness would not be, in effect, by compulsion, but of your own free will. <a href="/nasb/philemon/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> but without your consent I did not want to do anything, so that your goodness would not be, in effect, by compulsion but of your own free will. <a href="/nasb77/philemon/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> but without your consent I did not want to do anything, that your goodness should not be as it were by compulsion, but of your own free will. <a href="/lsb/philemon/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> but without your consent I did not want to do anything, so that your goodness would not be, in effect, by compulsion but voluntarily. <a href="/amp/philemon/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> but I did not want to do anything without first getting your consent, so that your goodness would not be, in effect, by compulsion but of your own free will. <a href="/csb/philemon/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent, so that your good deed might not be out of obligation, but of your own free will. <a href="/hcsb/philemon/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But I didn&#8217t want to do anything without your consent, so that your good deed might not be out of obligation, but of your own free will. <a href="/asv/philemon/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> but without thy mind I would do nothing; that thy goodness should not be as of necessity, but of free will. <a href="/cev/philemon/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But I won't do anything unless you agree to it first. I want your act of kindness to come from your heart, and not be something you feel forced to do. <a href="/erv/philemon/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> but without thy mind I would do nothing; that thy goodness should not be as of necessity, but of free will. <a href="/gwt/philemon/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Yet, I didn't want to do anything without your consent. I want you to do this favor for me out of your own free will without feeling forced to do it. <a href="/gnt/philemon/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> However, I do not want to force you to help me; rather, I would like for you to do it of your own free will. So I will not do anything unless you agree. <a href="/isv/philemon/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> Yet I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that your good deed might not be something forced, but voluntary. <a href="/msb/philemon/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that your goodness will not be out of compulsion, but by your own free will. <a href="/net/philemon/1.htm">NET Bible</a> However, without your consent I did not want to do anything, so that your good deed would not be out of compulsion, but from your own willingness. <a href="/nheb/philemon/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But I was willing to do nothing without your consent, that your goodness would not be as of necessity, but of free will. <a href="/wbt/philemon/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But without thy mind I would do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. <a href="/wey/philemon/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Only I wished to do nothing without your consent, so that his kind action of yours might not be done under pressure, but might be a voluntary one. <a href="/web/philemon/1.htm">World English Bible</a> But I was willing to do nothing without your consent, that your goodness would not be as of necessity, but of free will. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/philemon/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> but apart from your mind I willed to do nothing, so that your good deed may not be as of necessity, but of willingness, <a href="/blb/philemon/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But I wanted to do nothing apart from your consent, so that your good may be not as according to necessity, but according to willingness. <a href="/ylt/philemon/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and apart from thy mind I willed to do nothing, that as of necessity thy good deed may not be, but of willingness, <a href="/slt/philemon/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> But without thy judgment I would do nothing; that good might not be as according to necessity, but according to free will.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/philemon/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But without thy counsel I would do nothing: that thy good deed might not be as it were of necessity, but voluntary. <a href="/cpdv/philemon/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But I was willing to do nothing without your counsel, so as not to make use of your good deed as if out of necessity, but only willingly. <a href="/nabre/philemon/1.htm">New American Bible</a> but I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that the good you do might not be forced but voluntary. <a href="/nrsvce/philemon/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> but I preferred to do nothing without your consent, in order that your good deed might be voluntary and not something forced.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/philemon/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But I did not wish to do anything without consulting you, that your good deeds might not be done as though by compulsion, but of your own desire. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/philemon/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But I did not want to do anything without your counsel, so that your benefit would not be by necessity, but by your will.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/philemon/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> but, without your consent, I was not willing to do any thing, that your good deed might not be as a matter of necessity, but one of free-will.<CM> <a href="/godbey/philemon/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> but without your consent I did not wish to do anything; in order that your good might not be by constraint, but by the free will: <a href="/haweis/philemon/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> but without thy consent would I do nothing; that this good deed of thine might not be as of necessity, but from thy own choice. <a href="/mace/philemon/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but I would not do any thing without your consent; that your benefaction might not appear any ways forc'd, but perfectly voluntary. <a href="/wey/philemon/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Only I wished to do nothing without your consent, so that his kind action of yours might not be done under pressure, but might be a voluntary one. <a href="/worrell/philemon/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> but, without your consent, I was willing to do nothing; that your beneficence might not be by necessity, but by choice. <a href="/worsley/philemon/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> But I would do nothing without thy knowledge, that thy kindness might not be as it were forced, but voluntary. <a href="/parallel/philemon/1-14.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=100" 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">Paul's Appeal for Onesimus</a> …13I would have liked to keep him with me, so that on your behalf he could minister to me in my chains for the gospel. 14<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: ēthelēsa (V-AIA-1S) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">I did not want</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poiēsai (V-ANA) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">to do</a> <a href="/greek/3762.htm" title="3762: ouden (Adj-ANS) -- No one, none, nothing. ">anything</a> <a href="/greek/5565.htm" title="5565: Chōris (Prep) -- Apart from, separately from; without. Adverb from chora; at a space, i.e. Separately or apart from.">without</a> <a href="/greek/4674.htm" title="4674: sēs (PPro-GF2S) -- Yours, thy, thine. From su; thine.">your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1106.htm" title="1106: gnōmēs (N-GFS) -- Opinion, counsel, judgment, intention, decree. From ginosko; cognition, i.e. opinion, or resolve.">consent,</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">so that</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: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/18.htm" title="18: agathon (Adj-NNS) -- A primary word; good.">goodness</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ē (V-PSA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">will not be</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner."></a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kata (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">out of</a> <a href="/greek/318.htm" title="318: anankēn (N-AFS) -- From ana and the base of agkale; constraint; by implication, distress.">compulsion,</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/2596.htm" title="2596: kata (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">by</a> <a href="/greek/1595.htm" title="1595: hekousion (Adj-ANS) -- Willing, with right good will, voluntary, spontaneous. Neuter of a derivative from hekon; voluntariness.">your own free will.</a> 15For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back for good—…<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/9-7.htm">2 Corinthians 9:7</a> Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-17.htm">1 Corinthians 9:17</a> If my preaching is voluntary, I have a reward. But if it is not voluntary, I am still entrusted with a responsibility. <a href="/2_corinthians/8-8.htm">2 Corinthians 8:8</a> I am not giving a command, but I am testing the sincerity of your love through the earnestness of others. <a href="/2_corinthians/8-12.htm">2 Corinthians 8:12</a> For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have. <a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">1 Peter 5:2</a> Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; <a href="/galatians/5-13.htm">Galatians 5:13</a> For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love. <a href="/romans/12-8.htm">Romans 12:8</a> if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. <a href="/1_corinthians/16-3.htm">1 Corinthians 16:3-4</a> Then, on my arrival, I will send letters with those you recommend to carry your gift to Jerusalem. / And if it is advisable for me to go also, they can travel with me. <a href="/2_corinthians/8-3.htm">2 Corinthians 8:3-5</a> For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. Of their own accord, / they earnestly pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. / And not only did they do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us, through the will of God. <a href="/philippians/2-13.htm">Philippians 2:13</a> For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose. <a href="/matthew/10-8.htm">Matthew 10:8</a> Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. <a href="/john/10-18.htm">John 10:18</a> No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from My Father.” <a href="/1_chronicles/29-14.htm">1 Chronicles 29:14</a> But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from You, and from Your own hand we have given to You. <a href="/exodus/25-2.htm">Exodus 25:2</a> “Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering. You are to receive My offering from every man whose heart compels him. <a href="/deuteronomy/15-10.htm">Deuteronomy 15:10</a> Give generously to him, and do not let your heart be grieved when you do so. And because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything to which you put your hand.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But without your mind would I do nothing; that your benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.without.<a href="/philemon/1-8.htm">Philemon 1:8,9</a> Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, … <a href="/2_corinthians/1-24.htm">2 Corinthians 1:24</a> Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.<a href="/1_peter/5-3.htm">1 Peter 5:3</a> Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.thy benefit.<a href="/1_chronicles/29-17.htm">1 Chronicles 29:17</a> I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.<a href="/psalms/110-3.htm">Psalm 110:3</a> Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.<a href="/1_corinthians/9-7.htm">1 Corinthians 9:7,17</a> Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/titus/3-1.htm">Action</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-8.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-15.htm">Approval</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-2.htm">Benefit</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-7.htm">Compulsion</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-3.htm">Consent</a> <a href="/titus/3-1.htm">Deed</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-7.htm">Effect</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-21.htm">Favor</a> <a href="/titus/2-14.htm">Free</a> <a href="/philemon/1-8.htm">Freely</a> <a href="/philemon/1-13.htm">Good</a> <a href="/titus/3-4.htm">Goodness</a> <a href="/titus/2-10.htm">Kind</a> <a href="/titus/3-1.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-7.htm">Necessity</a> <a href="/philemon/1-13.htm">Order</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-28.htm">Pressure</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-11.htm">Spontaneous</a> <a href="/colossians/2-18.htm">Voluntary</a> <a href="/titus/3-8.htm">Want</a> <a href="/colossians/1-27.htm">Willed</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-18.htm">Willing</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-2.htm">Willingly</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-2.htm">Willingness</a> <a href="/philemon/1-13.htm">Wished</a> <a href="/titus/3-14.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/james/1-20.htm">Action</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-15.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-2.htm">Approval</a> <a href="/philemon/1-20.htm">Benefit</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">Compulsion</a> <a href="/genesis/34-15.htm">Consent</a> <a href="/james/1-25.htm">Deed</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-15.htm">Effect</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-19.htm">Favor</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-15.htm">Free</a> <a href="/james/1-5.htm">Freely</a> <a href="/philemon/1-15.htm">Good</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-5.htm">Goodness</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-11.htm">Kind</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-6.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-12.htm">Necessity</a> <a href="/hebrews/1-2.htm">Order</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-12.htm">Pressure</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-5.htm">Spontaneous</a> <a href="/exodus/36-3.htm">Voluntary</a> <a href="/philemon/1-20.htm">Want</a> <a href="/genesis/18-27.htm">Willed</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-17.htm">Willing</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">Willingly</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-11.htm">Willingness</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-17.htm">Wished</a> <a href="/hebrews/1-10.htm">Works</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'; </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>But I did not want to do anything without your consent Paul emphasizes the importance of voluntary action in Christian relationships. In the context of the letter to Philemon, Paul is addressing the issue of Onesimus, a runaway slave who has become a Christian. By seeking Philemon's consent, Paul respects the social and legal norms of the time, which required the master's approval for any change in a slave's status. This approach reflects the biblical principle of mutual respect and love among believers, as seen in <a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">Matthew 18:15-17</a>, where Jesus teaches about resolving conflicts within the church community.so that your goodness will not be out of compulsion Paul desires that Philemon's actions be motivated by genuine love and goodness rather than obligation. This reflects the broader biblical theme that God values the heart's intentions over mere external compliance, as seen in <a href="/2_corinthians/9-7.htm">2 Corinthians 9:7</a>, where Paul writes about giving cheerfully rather than reluctantly. The cultural context of the Roman world often involved hierarchical relationships, but Paul encourages a transformation of these relationships through the lens of Christian love and freedom.but by your own free will The concept of free will is central to Christian theology, emphasizing that true goodness and love must be chosen rather than forced. This aligns with the biblical narrative of God granting humans free will, as seen in the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis. Paul's appeal to Philemon highlights the transformative power of the Gospel, which calls believers to act out of love and conviction rather than societal pressure or legal obligation. This principle is echoed in <a href="/galatians/5-13.htm">Galatians 5:13</a>, where Paul urges believers to use their freedom to serve one another in love.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who wrote the letter to Philemon. He is in prison at the time of writing and is appealing to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus. 2. <a href="/topical/p/philemon.htm">Philemon</a> A Christian leader and the recipient of the letter. He is a wealthy man who hosts a church in his home and is the master of Onesimus. 3. <a href="/topical/o/onesimus.htm">Onesimus</a> A slave who belonged to Philemon. He ran away, met Paul, and became a Christian. Paul is sending him back to Philemon with this letter. 4. <a href="/topical/r/rome.htm">Rome</a> The city where Paul is imprisoned and from where he writes this letter. 5. <a href="/topical/c/colossae.htm">Colossae</a> The city where Philemon lives and where the church meets in his home.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/v/voluntary_goodness.htm">Voluntary Goodness</a> Paul emphasizes the importance of actions being voluntary rather than forced. This teaches us that true Christian service and kindness should come from the heart, not out of obligation. <a href="/topical/r/respect_for_authority_and_consent.htm">Respect for Authority and Consent</a> Paul respects Philemon's authority and seeks his consent, demonstrating the importance of respecting others' roles and decisions in the body of Christ. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_free_will_in_christian_life.htm">The Role of Free Will in Christian Life</a> The passage highlights the role of free will in our spiritual lives, encouraging believers to make choices that reflect their faith and love for others. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_influence.htm">The Power of Influence</a> Paul uses his influence not to command but to persuade, showing that leadership in the Christian context often involves gentle persuasion rather than authoritative demands.<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/is_the_marriage_legally_valid.htm">What does the Bible say about people pleasing?</a> <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> <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/why_does_1_tim_5_14_advise_widows_to_remarry.htm">Why does 1 Timothy 5:14 instruct younger widows to remarry, seemingly contradicting Paul's advice to remain single in other passages like 1 Corinthians 7:8?</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>(14) That thy benefit should not be . . .--The benefit derived from the service of Onesimus St. Paul acknowledges as coming from Philemon, because given with his consent. He will not keep Onesimus and ask that consent by letter, lest it should be "as it were of necessity:" i.e., lest it should wear even the semblance of constraint.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/philemon/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 14. - But without thy mind I would do nothing. The "would" of Ver. 13 is ἐβουλόμην; the "would" here is ἠθέλησα. The former denoted natural but indeterminate impulse; the latter deliberate conclusion of the will (cf. <a href="/romans/7-15.htm">Romans 7:15, 16</a>). Mind; i.e. knowledge and decision. "Why was he unwilling? For many causes. (1) Because grave penalties were denounced by Roman law upon those who received or retained fugitive slaves. (2) That he might not seem to keep back something which was due to Philemon, perhaps to his injury; of which, perhaps, Philemon might have complained. (3) Because Onesimus himself chose to go back, in order that he might show conclusively that he had net embraced the Christian religion that he might withdraw himself from the power of his lawful lord. . . . <a href="/commentaries/philemon/1-14.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. I did [not] want ἠθέλησα (ēthelēsa) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. to do ποιῆσαι (poiēsai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do. [anything] οὐδὲν (ouden) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3762.htm">Strong's 3762: </a> No one, none, nothing. without Χωρὶς (Chōris) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_5565.htm">Strong's 5565: </a> Apart from, separately from; without. Adverb from chora; at a space, i.e. Separately or apart from. your σῆς (sēs) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4674.htm">Strong's 4674: </a> Yours, thy, thine. From su; thine. consent, γνώμης (gnōmēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1106.htm">Strong's 1106: </a> Opinion, counsel, judgment, intention, decree. From ginosko; cognition, i.e. opinion, or resolve. so that ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. 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. goodness ἀγαθόν (agathon) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_18.htm">Strong's 18: </a> A primary word; 'good'. will not be ᾖ (ē) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. out of κατὰ (kata) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). compulsion, ἀνάγκην (anankēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_318.htm">Strong's 318: </a> From ana and the base of agkale; constraint; by implication, distress. but ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. by κατὰ (kata) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). your own free will. ἑκούσιον (hekousion) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1595.htm">Strong's 1595: </a> Willing, with right good will, voluntary, spontaneous. Neuter of a derivative from hekon; voluntariness. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/philemon/1-14.htm">Philemon 1:14 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/philemon/1-14.htm">Philemon 1:14 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/philemon/1-14.htm">Philemon 1:14 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/philemon/1-14.htm">Philemon 1:14 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/philemon/1-14.htm">Philemon 1:14 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/philemon/1-14.htm">Philemon 1:14 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/philemon/1-14.htm">Philemon 1:14 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/philemon/1-14.htm">Philemon 1:14 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/philemon/1-14.htm">Philemon 1:14 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/philemon/1-14.htm">Philemon 1:14 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/philemon/1-14.htm">NT Letters: Philemon 1:14 But I was willing to do nothing (Phm Phl) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/philemon/1-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Philemon 1:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Philemon 1:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/philemon/1-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Philemon 1:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Philemon 1:15" /></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>