Philemon 1:19

I Paul have written [it] with mine own hand, I will repay [it]: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.

I {G1473} Paul {G3972} have written {G1125} it with mine own {G1699} hand {G5495}, I {G1473} will repay {G661} it: albeit {G3363} I do {G3004} not {G3363} say {G3004} to thee {G4671} how {G3754} thou owest {G4359} unto me {G3427} even {G2532} thine own self {G4572} besides {G4359}.

I, Sha’ul, write with my own hand. I will repay it.

(I won’t mention, of course, that you owe me your very life.)

I, Paul, write this with my own hand. I will repay it—not to mention that you owe me your very self.

I Paul write it with mine own hand, I will repay it: that I say not unto thee that thou owest to me even thine own self besides.

Philemon 1:19 (KJV)

"I Paul have written [it] with mine own hand, I will repay [it]: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides."

Commentary

This verse is part of Paul's personal appeal to Philemon regarding Onesimus, Philemon's runaway slave whom Paul had led to faith in Christ. Paul is sending Onesimus back to Philemon and is asking Philemon to receive him no longer as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ.

Historical and Cultural Context

Writing "with mine own hand" was a way for Paul to authenticate the letter and add a personal, emphatic touch, especially since he often dictated his letters to a scribe (amanuensis). This personal signature and guarantee underscored the sincerity and weight of his promise to repay any debt.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Personal Guarantee: Paul personally vouches for Onesimus and offers to cover any financial loss Philemon may have incurred due to Onesimus's running away or theft. This demonstrates Paul's commitment and willingness to bear the cost for another.
  • Spiritual Debt: The phrase "thou owest unto me even thine own self besides" is a poignant reminder to Philemon of his spiritual debt to Paul. Paul likely brought Philemon to faith or significantly discipled him, implying that Philemon's very spiritual life was a result of Paul's ministry. This puts Philemon's potential financial loss in perspective compared to the immeasurable gain of his salvation.
  • Substitution and Reconciliation: Paul acts as a mediator and substitute for Onesimus, offering to take on his debt, much like Christ took on the debt of humanity's sin. This highlights the theme of reconciliation and bearing one another's burdens.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "with mine own hand" (Greek: τῇ ἐμῇ χειρί) emphasizes Paul's direct writing and personal authority on this specific promise, contrasting with the possibility that the rest of the letter was dictated. The strong statement "thou owest unto me even thine own self" (Greek: σεαυτόν μοι προσοφείλεις) uses a strong verb for "owe" (προσφείλω - prosopheilo), indicating a deep and significant obligation.

Cross-References

Paul often referred to his role in bringing others to faith, creating a spiritual parent-child relationship (1 Corinthians 4:15, Galatians 4:19).

Practical Application

This verse reminds us of the depth of spiritual debt we owe to those who shared the Gospel with us and discipled us. It also challenges us to consider how we might personally bear the burdens or debts of others, reflecting Christ's substitutive sacrifice for us.

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.

  • Galatians 5:2

    Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.

  • Galatians 6:11

    ¶ Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.

  • 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.

  • James 5:19

    Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;

  • James 5:20

    Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:1

    ¶ Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?

  • 1 Corinthians 9:2

    If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.

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