Philemon 1:15 - Forerunner Commentary

Philemon 1:15

13 whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel.

14 But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, ^athat your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary.

15 For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever,

16 no longer as a slave but more than a slave—a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the ^aflesh and in the Lord.

Philemon’s Obedience Encouraged

17 If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me.

18 But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account.

19 I, Paul, am writing with my own ^ahand. I will repay—not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides.

Verse Comparison: Philemon 1:15

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Philemon 1:16 >>

American Standard Version
For perhaps he was therefore parted `from thee' for a season, that thou shouldest have him for ever;

Amplified® Bible
Perhaps it was for this reason that he was separated [from you] for a while, that you might have him back as yours forever,

Contemporary English Version
Perhaps Onesimus was taken from you for a little while so that you could have him back for good,

Darby English Version
for perhaps for this reason he has been separated [from thee] for a time, that thou mightest possess him fully for ever;

Good News Bible
It may be that Onesimus was away from you for a short time so that you might have him back for all time.

International Standard Version
Perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a while, so that you could have him back forever,

King James Version
For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;

New American Standard Bible
For perhaps he was for this reason separated {from you} for a while, that you would have him back forever,

New International Version
Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good—

New King James Version
For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever,

N.A.S.B. in E-Prime
For perhaps he for this reason separated himself from you for a while, that you would have him back forever,

Young's Literal Translation
for perhaps because of this he did depart for an hour, that age-duringly thou mayest have him,

New English Translation
For perhaps it was for this reason that he was separated from you for a little while, so that you would have him back eternally,¹

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Philemon’s Obedience Encouraged

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