King James Version
Philemon 1:15 in the King James Version says “For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;” — study this verse from Philemon chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;”
Philemon 1:15 · KJV
Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly .
For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;
Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“For”
G1063properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
“for”
G4314a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
“him”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
“thou shouldest receive”
G568(actively) to have out, i.e., receive in full; (intransitively) to keep (oneself) away, i.e., be distant (literally or figuratively)
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.
Philemon 1:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Philemon 1:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge