King James Version
What Does Philemon 1:12 Mean?
“Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:”
Context
10
I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
11
Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:
12
Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:
13
Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
14
But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly .
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(12) **Thou therefore receive him.**—The word “receive” is not in the best MSS. It is supplied here from Philemon 1:17 (apparently rightly in respect of sense) to fill up a broken construction in the original.
**Mine own bowels**—*i.e., my own heart, *dear to me as my own soul. There is, indeed, an usage of the word which applies it to children as begotten of our own body. But this is hardly St. Paul’s usage (see 2Corinthians 6:12; Philippians 1:8; Philippians 2:1; Colossians 3:12; and Philemon 1:7; Philemon 1:20 of this Epistle), though it suits very well with the phrase “whom I have begotten” above.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Philemon. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Philemon 1:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Philemon 1:12
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge