a prolonged form of an apparently primary verb (, to slur); for which another prolonged form () is used as an alternate in some tenses (unless indeed it be identical with the base of ὄνομα through the idea of notoriety); to gratify, i.e. (middle voice) to derive pleasure or advantage from:--have joy.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ὀνίνημι (onínēmi), Strong's number `{{G3685}}`, carries the fundamental sense of "to gratify," "to benefit," or "to be useful." While its etymological roots are complex and somewhat debated, potentially linking to concepts of "slurring" or even "notoriety" through ὄνομα (onoma, "name"), its primary usage in the New Testament context emphasizes the idea of deriving advantage or pleasure. Crucially, when used in the middle voice, as it is in its sole New Testament occurrence, the meaning becomes reflexive: "to derive pleasure or advantage for oneself," "to be profited by," or "to have joy from." Thus, the semantic range extends from providing a benefit to experiencing the joy or profit that results from such a benefit.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ὀνίνημι (onínēmi) appears only once in the entire New Testament, specifically in Paul's letter to Philemon:
* **[[Philemon 1:20]]**: "Yes, brother, let me have joy (ὀναίμην) from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ."
In this singular occurrence, Paul employs the optative mood, middle voice, aorist tense (ὀναίμην) to express a fervent desire or wish. The context is deeply personal and relational. Paul, writing from prison, appeals to Philemon regarding Onesimus, a runaway slave who has become a believer and profitable to Paul. Paul asks Philemon to receive Onesimus back, not merely as a slave, but as a beloved brother. It is within this plea for reconciliation and grace that Paul expresses his personal longing for Philemon to provide him with spiritual "joy" or "benefit." The phrase "let me have joy from you" (ὀναίμην ἐγώ σου) underscores a reciprocal relationship within the body of Christ. Paul desires that Philemon's act of obedience and love—receiving Onesimus—will redound to Paul's own spiritual refreshment and joy. The subsequent phrase, "refresh my heart in Christ" (ἀνάπαυσόν μου τὰ σπλάγχνα ἐν Χριστῷ), serves as a parallel expression, elucidating the nature of the "joy" Paul seeks: it is a deep, inner spiritual solace and encouragement, rooted in their shared identity and fellowship "in the Lord" and "in Christ."
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept expressed by ὀνίνημι (onínēmi) in [[Philemon 1:20]] resonates with several related Greek words and theological concepts:
* **Joy and Gladness:** The most direct conceptual link is to words for "joy," such as χαρά (chará, `{{G5479}}`) and ἀγαλλίασις (agallíasis, `{{G20}}`). While ὀνίνημι focuses on the *derivation* of joy or benefit, it converges with the experience of joy itself.
* **Profit and Benefit:** Words like ὠφέλεια (ōphéleia, `{{G5622}}`), meaning "profit" or "advantage," share a semantic field with ὀνίνημι, particularly in its sense of "to be useful" or "to gain advantage."
* **Refreshment and Rest:** The parallel phrase in [[Philemon 1:20]], ἀνάπαυσόν (anapauson, from ἀναπαύω, anapaúō, `{{G373}}`), meaning "to give rest" or "to refresh," highlights the spiritual solace and renewed strength that Philemon's action would bring to Paul. This speaks to the mutual edification and encouragement within Christian fellowship.
* **Love and Fellowship:** The entire letter to Philemon is a testament to Christian love (ἀγάπη, agápē, `{{G26}}`) and fellowship (κοινωνία, koinōnía, `{{G2842}}`). Paul's appeal for Philemon to "have joy" from him is an appeal to the practical outworking of these virtues in their relationship.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, the use of ὀνίνημι (onínēmi) in [[Philemon 1:20]] carries profound theological significance, particularly concerning the nature of Christian relationships and the outworking of faith:
1. **Mutual Edification and Spiritual Refreshment:** Paul's request for Philemon to "have joy" from him underscores the principle of mutual edification within the body of Christ. Christian relationships are not merely transactional but are meant to be sources of spiritual encouragement and refreshment. When one member acts in grace and obedience, it can bring profound joy and solace to another, especially to those laboring for the Gospel.
2. **Joy Rooted in Christ:** The phrase "in the Lord" and "in Christ" qualifies the nature of the joy Paul seeks. It is not a worldly pleasure or a self-serving advantage, but a joy that is intrinsically linked to their shared faith, obedience to Christ's teachings, and the operation of the Holy Spirit. This joy is a fruit of living out the Gospel in practical ways.
3. **The Practicality of Grace and Reconciliation:** The immediate context of Paul's appeal is Philemon's reception of Onesimus. Paul asks Philemon to extend grace and forgiveness, and in doing so, Philemon would not only honor Christ but also bring spiritual joy to Paul. This illustrates how acts of reconciliation and merciful forgiveness among believers are vital expressions of Christian love that bring tangible spiritual benefits to the entire community.
4. **The Interconnectedness of Believers:** The use of ὀνίνημι here highlights the deep interconnectedness of believers. Paul, though an apostle, expresses a personal need for Philemon's act of love to bring him joy, demonstrating that even spiritual leaders depend on the faithful obedience and love of others for their own spiritual well-being and encouragement.
### Summary
The Greek verb ὀνίνημι (onínēmi, `{{G3685}}`) primarily signifies "to gratify" or, in its middle voice, "to derive pleasure or advantage from," leading to the sense of "to have joy." Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Philemon 1:20]] is profoundly insightful. Paul's heartfelt plea to Philemon, "Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ," reveals the deep spiritual and relational dynamics within the early Christian community. It emphasizes that acts of grace, reconciliation, and obedience among believers are not only pleasing to God but also serve as vital sources of spiritual refreshment and mutual joy for one another, all grounded in their shared life "in the Lord." This singular use powerfully illustrates the practical outworking of Christian love and the interconnectedness of believers in fostering an environment of mutual edification and profound spiritual encouragement.
TRV