Philemon 1:10

KJV

I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:

KJV (with Strong's)

I beseech {G3870} thee {G4571} for {G4012} my {G1699} son {G5043} Onesimus {G3682}, whom {G3739} I have begotten {G1080} in {G1722} my {G3450} bonds {G1199}:

Complete Jewish Bible

My request to you concerns my son, of whom I became the father while here in prison, Onesimus.

Berean Standard Bible

I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whose father I became while I was in chains.

American Standard Version

I beseech thee for my child, whom I have begotten in my bonds, Onesimus,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Philemon 1:10, the Apostle Paul makes a tender and deeply personal appeal to Philemon concerning Onesimus, a runaway slave who has become Paul's spiritual son during his imprisonment. This verse introduces the transformed Onesimus, setting the stage for Paul's earnest plea for reconciliation and forgiveness, highlighting the profound spiritual bond forged in the midst of adversity and the radical power of the Gospel to redeem and unite.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Philemon 1:10 serves as the pivotal introduction of the letter's central subject, Onesimus, after Paul's initial salutation and commendation of Philemon's faith and love in [Philemon 1:1-7](/philemon/1-1-7 "Philemon 1:1-7 - Paul's Greeting and Thanksgiving"). Paul, identifying himself as a "prisoner of Christ Jesus" in [Philemon 1:1](/philemon/1-1 "Philemon 1:1 - Paul, a Prisoner"), transitions from general encouragement to a specific, delicate request. This verse immediately precedes Paul's detailed explanation of Onesimus's transformation and his subsequent appeal to Philemon's Christian character, as seen in [Philemon 1:11-16](/philemon/1-11-16 "Philemon 1:11-16 - Onesimus's Transformation and Paul's Plea"). The entire letter is a masterful example of persuasive rhetoric, leveraging Paul's apostolic authority and personal affection to advocate for a former slave.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The letter to Philemon is set against the backdrop of Roman slavery, a pervasive institution that differed significantly from later forms of chattel slavery. Slaves in the Roman Empire could be highly educated and held various roles, from manual laborers to household managers. While their legal status was that of property, they could sometimes earn money, purchase their freedom, or be manumitted by their masters. Runaway slaves, however, faced severe penalties, including branding, torture, or even death, if caught. Onesimus, as Philemon's runaway slave, was in a precarious legal and social position. Paul's imprisonment, likely in Rome, provided an unexpected encounter point for Onesimus, who, as a fugitive, would have sought anonymity in a large city. This context underscores the radical nature of Paul's request, which challenged deeply ingrained social hierarchies and legal norms based on the new reality of Christian brotherhood.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the letter and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it highlights **Spiritual Transformation and New Creation**, demonstrating the Gospel's power to radically change individuals, turning a "useless" runaway into a "profitable" brother in Christ, a theme further developed in [Philemon 1:11](/philemon/1-11 "Philemon 1:11 - Onesimus's New Usefulness"). Secondly, it exemplifies **Christian Brotherhood and Equality**, showing how the spiritual family in Christ transcends societal distinctions like slave and free, echoing Paul's teaching in [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free, Male or Female in Christ"). Thirdly, the phrase "in my bonds" underscores **God's Sovereignty in Adversity**, revealing how God can use even Paul's imprisonment to advance the Gospel and bring about spiritual birth, aligning with Paul's perspective on suffering for Christ as seen in [Philippians 1:12-14](/philippians/1-12-14 "Philippians 1:12-14 - Paul's Imprisonment Advances the Gospel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **beseech (Greek, _parakaléō'_):** This verb, G3870, means "to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)." Paul's choice of "beseech" (rather than "command," as he notes in [Philemon 1:8](/philemon/1-8 "Philemon 1:8 - Paul's Authority and Appeal")) indicates a deeply personal and heartfelt appeal, emphasizing his desire for Philemon to act out of love and willingness rather than obligation. It highlights the sensitive nature of the request and Paul's pastoral wisdom in navigating the master-slave relationship within the Christian framework.
* **begotten (Greek, _gennáō'_):** The verb G1080, literally meaning "to procreate" or "to give birth to," is used here metaphorically. Paul employs this term to signify a spiritual birth, indicating that through his ministry, Onesimus came to faith in Jesus Christ. This establishes a profound spiritual father-son relationship, akin to Paul's spiritual paternity over the Corinthians ([1 Corinthians 4:15](/1_corinthians/4-15 "1 Corinthians 4:15 - Paul as a Spiritual Father")). It underscores the transformative power of the Gospel and Paul's role as an agent of new life.
* **bonds (Greek, _desmón'_):** This noun, G1199, refers to "a band, i.e., ligament (of the body) or shackle (of a prisoner)." Paul uses "in my bonds" to emphasize the circumstances of Onesimus's conversion – it occurred while Paul was imprisoned. This detail is crucial, as it highlights that the Gospel's power to regenerate is not limited by physical confinement or adverse conditions. It also subtly appeals to Philemon's sympathy, reminding him of Paul's suffering for the sake of the Gospel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I beseech thee for my son Onesimus":** Paul initiates his appeal with a powerful and tender plea. The use of "beseech" (parakaléō) rather than a command underscores the personal and relational nature of his request, appealing to Philemon's love and Christian character. Calling Onesimus "my son" immediately elevates Onesimus's status in Philemon's eyes from a runaway slave to a beloved spiritual child of Paul, establishing a new, sacred bond. This sets the tone for the entire letter, framing the subsequent discussion not as a legal demand but as a family matter within the household of faith.
* **"whom I have begotten in my bonds":** This clause reveals the profound spiritual transformation Onesimus underwent and the unique circumstances surrounding it. The term "begotten" (gennáō) signifies spiritual regeneration, indicating that Paul was instrumental in leading Onesimus to faith in Christ, thus becoming his spiritual father. The phrase "in my bonds" emphasizes that this spiritual birth occurred while Paul was imprisoned, likely in Rome. This detail is significant, as it highlights God's ability to work powerfully even through difficult and confining circumstances, turning Paul's physical limitations into opportunities for spiritual fruitfulness. It also serves as a subtle reminder to Philemon of Paul's suffering for the Gospel, adding weight to his appeal.

#### Literary Devices
Philemon 1:10 is rich with literary devices that enhance its persuasive power and emotional depth. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically in Paul's declaration, "my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten." This is not a literal biological relationship but a profound spiritual one, conveying the intimacy of Paul's discipleship and Onesimus's new birth in Christ. This metaphor immediately redefines Onesimus's identity for Philemon, shifting him from a mere runaway slave to a valued member of Paul's spiritual family. Furthermore, the phrase "in my bonds" employs **Pathos**, appealing to Philemon's emotions by reminding him of Paul's suffering for the Gospel. This detail adds moral weight to Paul's request, framing it within the context of shared Christian experience and sacrifice. There is also an element of **Irony** in the fact that Paul, a prisoner, is the one through whom freedom (spiritual freedom) is found, and that Onesimus, whose name means "profitable," was once "unprofitable" but has now become truly useful through his conversion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Philemon 1:10 profoundly illustrates the transformative power of the Gospel, demonstrating that new life in Christ transcends all social, legal, and personal barriers. Onesimus, a runaway slave who had wronged his master, is presented not as a legal problem but as a spiritual son, a testament to the radical change wrought by faith. This verse underscores the Christian belief that spiritual identity in Christ redefines human relationships, elevating them beyond worldly distinctions to a plane of shared sonship and brotherhood. It also highlights the sovereign way God works, using even Paul's imprisonment to bring about new spiritual life, affirming that the Gospel cannot be chained.

* [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ"): This verse speaks directly to the "new creation" that occurs in Christ, perfectly aligning with Paul's description of Onesimus being "begotten" in his bonds, signifying a profound spiritual rebirth.
* [Colossians 3:11](/colossians/3-11 "Colossians 3:11 - Christ is All and In All"): Paul's appeal for Onesimus as a brother, despite his former status as a slave, powerfully demonstrates the truth that "there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free; but Christ is all, and is in all."
* [Philippians 1:12](/philippians/1-12 "Philippians 1:12 - Paul's Imprisonment Advances the Gospel"): This passage resonates with the idea that Onesimus's conversion occurred "in my bonds," showing how Paul's imprisonment, instead of hindering the Gospel, actually served to advance it and bring new believers into the faith.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Philemon 1:10 offers a profound invitation to reflect on the nature of spiritual transformation and the radical implications of the Gospel for our relationships. It challenges us to see beyond societal labels, past mistakes, or personal grievances, and instead, to recognize the image of Christ in every believer, regardless of their background. Paul's willingness to invest in Onesimus, a runaway slave, and to advocate for him so passionately, serves as a powerful model for discipleship and reconciliation. We are called to be agents of spiritual birth, nurturing new believers and actively pursuing reconciliation in fractured relationships within the body of Christ. This verse also reminds us that God's work is not limited by our circumstances; even in our "bonds" – whether they be physical, emotional, or circumstantial – God can bring forth new life and purpose. It compels us to consider how we might extend grace, forgiveness, and genuine brotherhood to those who have wronged us or who stand in need of spiritual guidance and acceptance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's description of Onesimus as "my son" challenge our perceptions of status and relationship within the Christian community today?**
* **In what "bonds" or difficult circumstances might God be working to bring about new spiritual life or transformation in your own life or the lives of those around you?**
* **How can we, like Paul, actively participate in the spiritual "begetting" and nurturing of new believers, especially those from unexpected or challenging backgrounds?**
* **What relational barriers or past grievances might the message of reconciliation in Philemon 1:10 call you to address in your own life?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "begotten in my bonds" regarding Onesimus?**

Answer: When Paul says he has "begotten" Onesimus "in my bonds," he is using a powerful **metaphor** to describe a spiritual birth. The Greek word for "begotten" (gennáō) literally means to give birth or to procreate. In this context, it signifies that Paul was instrumental in leading Onesimus to faith in Jesus Christ, effectively becoming his spiritual father. The phrase "in my bonds" refers to Paul's imprisonment, likely in Rome, at the time of Onesimus's conversion. This means that even while confined and suffering, Paul was actively sharing the Gospel, and it was during this period that Onesimus, a runaway slave, encountered Christ through Paul's ministry. It highlights God's ability to work powerfully and bring about new life even in the most challenging and restrictive circumstances, as Paul himself noted that his imprisonment served to advance the Gospel in [Philippians 1:12-14](/philippians/1-12-14 "Paul's Imprisonment Advances the Gospel").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Philemon 1:10 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the source of all spiritual begetting and the ultimate reconciler. Paul's spiritual fatherhood over Onesimus mirrors Christ's redemptive work, where through His sacrifice, we are born again into God's family, no longer slaves to sin but adopted children ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")). Onesimus, once "unprofitable" due to his sin and flight, becomes "profitable" through his new life in Christ, foreshadowing how Christ transforms those who were lost and estranged into valuable members of His body, the Church ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with God's People")). The very act of Paul, a prisoner, bringing spiritual freedom to Onesimus, points to Christ, who, though innocent, became a "prisoner" for our sake, enduring the cross to set us free from the bondage of sin and death ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). This verse, therefore, is a microcosm of the Gospel itself: a story of radical transformation, reconciliation, and the breaking down of all barriers through the new creation found in Christ Jesus, where all distinctions fade in the light of our shared identity as children of God ([Colossians 3:11](/colossians/3-11 "Colossians 3:11 - Christ is All, and in All")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Colossians 4:9

With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is [one] of you. They shall make known unto you all things which [are done] here.

1 Corinthians 4:15

For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet [have ye] not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

1 Timothy 1:2

Unto Timothy, [my] own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, [and] peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

Galatians 4:19

¶ My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,

2 Samuel 19:37

Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, [and be buried] 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.

2 Samuel 19:38

And the king answered, Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which shall seem good unto thee: and whatsoever thou shalt require of me, [that] will I do for thee.

Titus 1:4

To Titus, [mine] own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, [and] peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.