from πρός and ὀφείλω; to be indebted additionally:--over besides.
Transliteration:prosopheílō
Pronunciation:pros-of-i'-lo
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb προσοφείλω (prosopheílō, `{{G4359}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition πρός (pros), meaning "to," "in addition to," or "besides," and the verb ὀφείλω (opheílō, `{{G3784}}`), meaning "to owe," "to be indebted," or "to be under obligation." The combination thus conveys the precise meaning of "to owe in addition," "to be further indebted," or "to have an additional obligation over and above what is already due." It emphasizes a supplementary or cumulative debt, indicating that something is owed *besides* or *more than* what might initially be considered. This nuance of "additional" is crucial, distinguishing it from a simple state of indebtedness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term προσοφείλω (prosopheílō, `{{G4359}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in Paul's letter to Philemon:
* **[[Philemon 1:19]]**: "I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it. And I will not mention that you owe me even your own self besides."
In this highly personal and poignant letter, Paul intercedes on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway slave who has become a believer and useful to Paul. Paul is sending Onesimus back to his master, Philemon, and offers to personally cover any financial loss or debt Onesimus might have incurred. It is within this context that Paul adds the powerful statement: "that you owe me even your own self besides" (ἵνα μὴ λέγω σοι ὅτι καὶ σεαυτόν μοι προσοφείλεις).
The use of προσοφείλεις (prosopheíleis), the second person singular form of προσοφείλω, is strategically placed. Paul first assures Philemon that he will handle any material debt. Then, with a gentle yet firm assertion of apostolic authority and spiritual influence, he reminds Philemon of a far greater, immeasurable debt: Philemon owes Paul his very self. This implies that Philemon came to faith through Paul's ministry, and the spiritual life he now possesses is a profound gift mediated by Paul. This "additional" debt overshadows any material considerations, subtly urging Philemon towards grace and forgiveness concerning Onesimus, in light of the spiritual grace Philemon himself received through Paul. It highlights the profound spiritual obligation that believers have to those who brought them the Gospel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root verb ὀφείλω (opheílō, `{{G3784}}`), which signifies the general concept of owing, whether financially, morally, or spiritually. Other related terms include:
* **ὀφείλημα (opheilēma, `{{G3783}}`)**: A noun meaning "a debt," "an obligation," or "a trespass," as seen in the Lord's Prayer ("forgive us our debts," [[Matthew 6:12]]).
* **ὀφειλέτης (opheiletēs, `{{G3781}}`)**: A noun meaning "a debtor" or "one who is obligated."
* **χρέος (chreos, `{{G5532}}`)**: A more general term for "debt."
The concept of spiritual indebtedness is also present in other New Testament passages, where believers are seen as "debtors" to Christ or to one another due to the grace received or the obligations of love and service (e.g., [[Romans 1:14]], [[Romans 15:27]]). The addition of πρός (pros) in προσοφείλω elevates this to a specific, additional, and often unquantifiable debt, particularly in the context of salvation and spiritual formation.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of προσοφείλω (prosopheílō, `{{G4359}}`) in [[Philemon 1:19]] carries significant theological weight. It underscores the profound and often unacknowledged spiritual debt that believers owe to those who were instrumental in their conversion and spiritual growth. This debt is not a burden in the sense of legalistic obligation, but rather an immeasurable indebtedness rooted in the transformative power of the Gospel.
Paul's statement serves several theological purposes:
1. **Highlighting Spiritual Grace:** It subtly reminds Philemon that his very spiritual existence, his salvation, is a gift mediated through Paul. This spiritual benefit far outweighs any material loss or grievance Philemon might have against Onesimus.
2. **Asserting Apostolic Authority:** While not demanding, Paul's words gently assert his spiritual authority and the legitimate claim he has on Philemon's gratitude and obedience, stemming from his role as an apostle and spiritual father.
3. **Modeling Forgiveness and Reconciliation:** By offering to cover Onesimus's debt and then reminding Philemon of his own greater spiritual debt, Paul sets a powerful example of grace and reconciliation. Philemon is implicitly encouraged to extend the same grace to Onesimus that he himself received through Paul's ministry.
4. **Distinguishing Debts:** The verse distinguishes between a quantifiable, material debt (Onesimus's potential debt to Philemon) and an unquantifiable, spiritual debt (Philemon's debt to Paul for his salvation). The latter is presented as infinitely greater and foundational.
In essence, προσοφείλω points to the incalculable value of spiritual transformation and the profound, enduring gratitude that should flow from it, shaping one's response to others.
### Summary
The Greek verb προσοφείλω (prosopheílō, `{{G4359}}`) precisely means "to owe in addition" or "to be further indebted." Its sole appearance in the New Testament, in [[Philemon 1:19]], is highly significant. Paul uses it to remind Philemon that while he, Paul, will cover any material debt Onesimus owes, Philemon himself owes Paul a far greater, immeasurable debt: his very spiritual life. This word powerfully highlights the concept of spiritual indebtedness, where the reception of the Gospel and subsequent spiritual transformation create a profound and unquantifiable obligation of gratitude to the one who brought that message. It underscores the immense value of spiritual blessings and implicitly encourages a response of grace and forgiveness, reflecting the transformative power of God's work in human lives.
TRV