Philemon 1:16

Fellowship and the church Conflict and reconciliation Love for others Identity and self-worth

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.

¹⁵ For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back for good—

no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a beloved brother. He is especially beloved to me, but even more so to you, both in person and in the Lord.

¹⁷ So if you consider me a partner, receive him as you would receive me.

¹⁸ But if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to my account.

Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB: no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a beloved brother. He is especially beloved to me, but even more so to you, both in person and in the Lord.
KJV: Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
WEB: no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much rather to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
ASV: no longer as a servant, but more than a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much rather to thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
DARBY: not any longer as a bondman, but above a bondman, a beloved brother, specially to me, and how much rather to thee, both in [the] flesh and in [the] Lord?
BLB: no longer as a slave, but above a slave, a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

ÅB: Ikke lenger som slave, men mer enn en slave -- som en elsket bror. Når han var det for meg, hvor mye mer må han ikke være det for deg, både medmenneskelig og i Herren!
OTB: ikke lenger bare som en tjener, men mer enn det, en elsket bror, spesielt for meg, men hvor mye mer for deg, både i kjødet og i Herren.
B1930: ikke lenger som træl, men mere enn en træl, som en elsket bror, især for mig, men hvor meget mere for dig, både i kjødet og i Herren!

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

Colossians 3:22
Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord.
Read in context
Matthew 23:8
But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.
Read in context
1 Timothy 6:2
Those who have believing masters should not show disrespect because they are brothers, but should serve them all the more, since those receiving their good service are beloved believers. Teach and encourage these principles.
Read in context
1 Corinthians 7:22
For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. Conversely, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave.
Read in context
Ephesians 6:5–7
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.
Read in context
1 Peter 1:22–23
Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart.
Read in context
Hebrews 3:1
Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, set your focus on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.
Read in context
Acts 9:17
So Ananias went to the house, and when he arrived, he placed his hands on Saul. “Brother Saul,” he said, “the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Read in context