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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.)

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Philemon 1:19, the Apostle Paul underscores his personal commitment to Philemon regarding Onesimus, explicitly stating in his own handwriting a promise to repay any financial loss Philemon incurred. This direct assurance is immediately followed by a subtle yet profound reminder to Philemon of his immeasurable spiritual debt to Paul, implying that Philemon's very salvation and spiritual life were a result of Paul's ministry. The verse masterfully balances a practical financial guarantee with a powerful spiritual appeal, setting the stage for Philemon's gracious reception of Onesimus.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within Paul's deeply personal and persuasive letter to Philemon. The preceding verses (Philemon 1:17-18) establish Paul's request for Philemon to receive Onesimus "as myself," and if Onesimus has wronged Philemon or owes him anything, Paul explicitly states, "put that on my account." Verse 19 serves as Paul's personal, written guarantee of this promise, adding significant weight and authenticity to his appeal. The subsequent verses (Philemon 1:20-21) continue Paul's gentle persuasion, expressing confidence in Philemon's obedience and even anticipating that Philemon will do "even more than I say," hinting at the desired outcome of Onesimus's freedom. The entire letter is a masterful example of intercessory prayer and pastoral diplomacy, aiming to reconcile a master with his runaway slave, now a brother in Christ.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of writing "with mine own hand" (autograph) was a common way in the ancient world for authors, including Paul, to authenticate letters, particularly when the bulk of the letter was dictated to an amanuensis (scribe). This personal signature added legal weight and emotional emphasis to the specific promise Paul was making. Roman society was deeply structured by patron-client relationships and the institution of slavery. A runaway slave like Onesimus could incur significant financial penalties for his master, including the cost of his absence, any theft, and the expense of his recovery. Paul's offer to repay any debt directly addresses these cultural and legal realities, demonstrating his willingness to absorb the cost of reconciliation. Furthermore, Paul was likely imprisoned at the time of writing (Philemon 1:1, 9-10), which adds to the poignancy of his personal commitment and the logistical challenges of his ministry.
* **Key Themes:** Philemon 1:19 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the letter and Paul's broader theology. It highlights the theme of **Christian reconciliation and forgiveness**, as Paul mediates between Philemon and Onesimus, urging Philemon to extend grace. The verse also exemplifies **Paul's pastoral heart and spiritual fatherhood**, as he not only intercedes for Onesimus but also reminds Philemon of the profound spiritual debt owed to Paul for his conversion or significant spiritual formation, a theme echoed in Paul's letters to the Corinthians, where he refers to himself as their spiritual father ([1 Corinthians 4:15](/1_corinthians/4-15 "1 Corinthians 4:15 - Paul, Spiritual Father")). Furthermore, Paul's offer to bear Onesimus's debt foreshadows the **substitutionary nature of Christ's work**, where one bears the burden or debt of another, a concept foundational to the Gospel message found throughout [the New Testament](/new_testament "The New Testament"). Finally, the verse subtly touches on the **transformative power of the Gospel**, as it turns a runaway slave into a "beloved brother" (Philemon 1:16) and prompts a master to consider a radical act of Christian love and forgiveness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **written (Greek, _gráphō_):** This primary verb means "to grave," especially to write, and figuratively, to describe. Paul's use of "I Paul have written it with mine own hand" (τῇ ἐμῇ χειρί ἔγραψα) emphasizes the personal, authentic, and legally binding nature of his promise. It signifies that this specific part of the letter, if not the whole, was penned directly by him, adding an undeniable weight of authority and sincerity to his guarantee.
* **repay (Greek, _apotínō_):** Derived from ἀπό (apo, "from") and τίνω (tinō, "to pay"), this verb means "to pay in full." It conveys the idea of a complete and final settlement of a debt. Paul's declaration, "I will repay it," is a firm, unequivocal commitment to cover any financial loss Philemon might have suffered due to Onesimus's actions, demonstrating Paul's integrity and his willingness to bear the burden for the sake of reconciliation and the Gospel.
* **owest...besides (Greek, _prosopheílō_):** This compound verb comes from πρός (pros, "in addition to") and ὀφείλω (opheilō, "to owe"). It literally means "to be indebted additionally" or "to owe in addition." When Paul states, "thou owest unto me even thine own self besides," he is not referring to a financial debt but a profound spiritual obligation. Philemon's very spiritual existence – his conversion, faith, and standing in Christ – is presented as a debt owed to Paul's ministry, a debt so immense that it dwarfs any material loss. This word highlights the depth of spiritual influence and the eternal value of the Gospel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I Paul have written [it] with mine own hand":** This clause serves as Paul's personal authentication and signature for the promise that follows. By explicitly stating he has penned this himself, Paul lends immense weight and sincerity to his commitment. It signifies that this is not merely a dictated message but a direct, personal assurance, carrying the full authority and integrity of the apostle himself. This personal touch is intended to impress upon Philemon the seriousness and certainty of Paul's guarantee.
* **"I will repay [it]":** This is the core of Paul's financial guarantee. Paul unequivocally commits to covering any debt or loss Onesimus may have incurred. This promise is not a vague offer but a firm declaration of intent to make full restitution. It demonstrates Paul's willingness to stand as a substitute for Onesimus, absorbing the financial consequences of the slave's actions, thereby removing a potential stumbling block to Philemon's gracious reception of his transformed brother.
* **"albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides":** This is a masterstroke of Pauline rhetoric, a subtle yet powerful appeal. Paul implies that Philemon's spiritual debt to him (likely for bringing Philemon to faith or profoundly shaping his spiritual life) is so vast and fundamental that it far outweighs any material debt Onesimus might owe. By phrasing it as "I do not say," Paul avoids directly demanding anything, instead allowing Philemon to acknowledge this profound spiritual obligation himself. This rhetorical device gently but firmly reminds Philemon of the greater spiritual reality at play, encouraging him to respond to Paul's request not just out of obligation, but out of gratitude for his own salvation.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this verse. The most prominent is **Understatement** (or litotes), particularly in the phrase "albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides." By stating that he *won't* mention the depth of Philemon's spiritual debt, Paul paradoxically highlights it all the more powerfully. The unstated is often more impactful than the stated, allowing the reader (Philemon) to fully grasp the magnitude of the obligation without it being explicitly demanded. There is also a strong element of **Personal Appeal** and **Pathos**, as Paul leverages his personal relationship and spiritual authority over Philemon to persuade him. His willingness to personally guarantee the debt appeals to Philemon's sense of fairness and respect for Paul, while the reminder of Philemon's spiritual debt taps into his gratitude and conscience. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a form of **Substitution**, with Paul placing himself in Onesimus's stead, offering to bear the financial burden, which subtly foreshadows the greater substitutionary work of Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Philemon 1:19 is a profound theological statement wrapped in a personal appeal. It highlights the principle of **Christian intercession and substitution**, where one believer willingly steps in to bear the burden or debt of another. Paul's offer to repay Onesimus's debt is a practical demonstration of the love and grace that should characterize believers, reflecting the very heart of the Gospel. Moreover, the verse underscores the immense value of **spiritual mentorship and evangelism**. Paul's gentle reminder to Philemon about owing "thine own self" emphasizes that the greatest debt a person can incur is not financial, but the spiritual debt of receiving salvation and spiritual life through another's ministry. This spiritual obligation is not a burden but a profound bond of gratitude, intended to motivate acts of grace and reconciliation within the Christian community.

* [Romans 15:1-3](/romans/15-1-3 "Romans 15:1-3 - Bearing One Another's Burdens")
* [Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Galatians 6:2 - Bear One Another's Burdens")
* [1 Corinthians 4:15](/1_corinthians/4-15 "1 Corinthians 4:15 - Paul, Spiritual Father")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Philemon 1:19 offers rich ground for personal reflection and practical application in the life of a believer. It challenges us to consider our own willingness to bear the burdens and debts of others, whether financial, emotional, or relational. Paul's example of stepping into the gap for Onesimus calls us to a radical generosity and a spirit of reconciliation that prioritizes the restoration of relationships over personal loss or legalistic adherence. Furthermore, the verse prompts us to reflect on the spiritual debts we owe. Who were the individuals God used to bring us to faith, disciple us, or profoundly shape our spiritual journey? Recognizing these "debts" cultivates a spirit of profound gratitude and humility, motivating us to honor those who have poured into our lives and, in turn, to pay it forward by investing in the spiritual growth of others. It reminds us that true Christian living is marked by both tangible acts of love and a deep appreciation for the spiritual heritage we have received.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be called to "repay" a "debt" for someone else, either literally or figuratively, as Paul did for Onesimus?**
* **Who are the individuals in my life to whom I "owe even [my] own self besides" for their spiritual influence or evangelism? How can I express gratitude to them?**
* **How does Paul's gentle yet firm reminder of Philemon's spiritual debt encourage me to prioritize spiritual relationships and the work of the Gospel over material concerns?**

### FAQ

**Why did Paul specifically write this verse with his own hand?**

Answer: Paul's statement, "I Paul have written it with mine own hand," served as a personal authentication and a legal guarantee. In the ancient world, many authors, including Paul, dictated their letters to a scribe (amanuensis). However, adding a personal autograph, especially for a specific promise like repaying a debt, was a way to underscore the sincerity, authority, and binding nature of that commitment. It added a personal, emphatic touch, making it clear that Paul himself was personally vouching for Onesimus and taking full responsibility for any financial loss, thereby strengthening his appeal to Philemon.

**What does Paul mean by "thou owest unto me even thine own self besides"?**

Answer: This phrase refers not to a financial debt, but to a profound spiritual obligation. Paul is subtly reminding Philemon that his very salvation, his spiritual life, and his standing in Christ are a result of Paul's ministry. Paul was likely the one who brought Philemon to faith or played a crucial role in his spiritual formation (Philemon 1:19, "I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides"). This spiritual debt is immeasurable and far outweighs any material loss Philemon might have incurred from Onesimus. Paul uses this powerful, understated reminder to appeal to Philemon's gratitude and conscience, encouraging him to extend grace to Onesimus in light of the greater grace he himself received through Paul's ministry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Philemon 1:19 powerfully foreshadows the ultimate act of Christ's substitutionary work on behalf of humanity. Paul's willingness to personally assume Onesimus's debt and stand as his guarantor mirrors Christ's divine intercession for us. Just as Paul offered to "repay" any wrong Onesimus had committed, so too did [Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), take upon Himself the full debt of humanity's sin. He did not merely offer to repay, but He fully paid the price through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, becoming sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Moreover, Paul's gentle reminder to Philemon that he "owes even thine own self" to Paul’s ministry points to the profound spiritual debt we all owe to Christ for our salvation. We were spiritually dead in our trespasses and sins ([Ephesians 2:1](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1 - Dead in Sins")), but through Christ's work, we have been made alive ([Ephesians 2:5](/ephesians/2-5 "Ephesians 2:5 - Made Alive with Christ")). He is our ultimate Intercessor, ever living to make intercession for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Intercession")), bridging the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity, just as Paul sought to bridge the gap between Philemon and Onesimus. Thus, Paul's actions in this verse serve as a beautiful, tangible illustration of the Gospel's core message of substitution, reconciliation, and the immeasurable grace found in Christ.

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

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.