King James Version
Philemon 1:16 in the King James Version says “Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the ...” — study this verse from Philemon chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“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?”
Philemon 1:16 · KJV
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.
If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;
KJV Study — Public Domain
“a servant”
G1401a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
“above”
G5228"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
“a servant”
G1401a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
“how much”
G4214interrogative pronoun (of amount) how much (large, long or (plural) many)
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“the flesh”
G4561flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“the Lord”
G2962supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
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 1:16 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 1:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge