Philemon 1:11

Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:

Which {G3588} in time past {G4218} was {G890} to thee {G4671} unprofitable {G890}, but {G1161} now {G3570} profitable {G2173} to thee {G4671} and {G2532} to me {G1698}:

His name means “useful,” and although he was once useless to you, he has now become most useful — not only to you but also to me;

Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.

who once was unprofitable to thee, but now is profitable to thee and to me:

This verse is central to Paul's appeal to Philemon regarding his runaway slave, Onesimus. It highlights the dramatic transformation that has occurred in Onesimus through his conversion to Christianity.

Context

The short letter to Philemon is a personal plea from the Apostle Paul, who is likely imprisoned (see Philemon 1:1). He is writing to Philemon, a wealthy Christian in Colossae, about Onesimus, who was Philemon's slave but had run away, perhaps having wronged Philemon in some way (see Philemon 1:18). Onesimus encountered Paul, likely in Rome, and became a Christian. This verse explains the core change: Onesimus, once "unprofitable" to Philemon (as a runaway slave, perhaps also having stolen), is now "profitable" in a new, spiritual sense, both to Philemon and to Paul. Paul is sending Onesimus back, not merely as a returned slave, but as a beloved brother in Christ.

Key Themes

  • Transformation: The verse powerfully illustrates the transformative power of the gospel. A person once considered useless or even harmful is now valuable and beneficial because of their faith in Christ.
  • Reconciliation: It sets the stage for reconciliation between Philemon and Onesimus, urging Philemon to receive him back, not as a slave, but as a brother.
  • The Value of Every Person in Christ: Regardless of social status (master or slave), both Philemon and Onesimus are now equals in Christ, sharing a common spiritual profitability.
  • Christian Profitability: The "profit" here is not just economic or practical but spiritual and relational, rooted in shared faith and service.

Linguistic Insights

The contrast between "unprofitable" (Greek: achrēstos) and "profitable" (Greek: euchrēstos, meaning "very useful" or "serviceable") is a deliberate wordplay by Paul. Onesimus's name itself means "profitable" or "useful." Paul highlights the irony that the person named "profitable" was formerly "unprofitable" but is now truly living up to his name in the most important way, spiritually, through Christ.

Reflection

Philemon 1:11 challenges us to see people through the eyes of Christ. Someone we might have considered troublesome, useless, or even an enemy can be fundamentally changed by God's grace. This verse encourages forgiveness, acceptance, and seeing the inherent worth and potential "profitability" (in terms of spiritual contribution and fellowship) that faith in Christ brings to individuals and relationships. It reminds us that our past actions or status do not define our future in God's kingdom; transformation is possible for anyone.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Timothy 4:11

    Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

  • Job 30:1

    ¶ But now [they that are] younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my flock.

  • Job 30:2

    Yea, whereto [might] the strength of their hands [profit] me, in whom old age was perished?

  • 1 Peter 2:10

    Which in time past [were] not a people, but [are] now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

  • Luke 15:32

    It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

  • Matthew 25:30

    And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

  • Luke 17:10

    So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

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