King James Version

What Does Philemon 1:20 Mean?

Philemon 1:20 in the King James Version says “Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.” — study this verse from Philemon chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.”

Philemon 1:20 · KJV

Joy

Context

18

If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;

19

I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.

20

Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.

21

Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.

22

But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.

Read Philemon 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord—ναὶ ἀδελφέ (nai adelphe, yes brother) ἐγώ σου ὀναίμην ἐν κυρίῳ (egō sou onaimēn en kyriō, I would benefit from you in the Lord)—ναί (nai, yes) intensifies appeal. ὀνίνημι (oninēmi, benefit/profit/have joy) is rare optative mood expressing wish/prayer. The verb ὀναίμην (onaimēn, may I have profit) plays on Ὀνήσιμος (Onēsimos, Onesimus—"profitable"). Paul requests the benefit Onesimus's name promises: Philemon's forgiveness will "profit" Paul emotionally.

Refresh my bowels in the Lord (ἀνάπαυσόν μου τὰ σπλάγχνα ἐν Χριστῷ, anapayson mou ta splanchna en Christō, rest/refresh my affections in Christ)—ἀναπαύω (anapauō, rest/refresh) and σπλάγχνα (splanchna, bowels/affections) recall verse 7: "the bowels of the saints are refreshed by you." Paul applies Philemon's proven character to his own need. ἐν Χριστῷ (en Christō, in Christ) frames everything—this isn't personal favor but Christian obedience.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The wordplay Ὀνήσιμος/ὀναίμην (Onesimos/onaimēn) would delight ancient hearers: "Let Onesimus (Useful) be useful by forgiving Onesimus!" The appeal to consistency ("you refresh others, refresh me") uses ancient rhetorical technique—showing contradiction between reputation and current opportunity. ἐν κυρίῳ/ἐν Χριστῷ (in Lord/in Christ) appears repeatedly, grounding personal requests in theological reality.

Reflection Questions

  1. Does your Christian reputation create accountability—do others appeal to your proven character to expect consistent behavior?
  2. How do you "refresh the bowels" of spiritual leaders and friends through your obedience and encouragement?
  3. What requests framed "in the Lord" or "in Christ" are you currently resisting, and why?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
Ναί,1 of 13

“Yea”

G3483

yes

ἀδελφέ2 of 13

“brother”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ἐγώ3 of 13

“me”

G1473

i, me

σου4 of 13

“of thee”

G4675

of thee, thy

ὀναίμην5 of 13

“have joy”

G3685

for which another prolonged form (????) is used as an alternate in some tenses (unless indeed it be identical with the base of g3686 through the idea

ἐν6 of 13

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Κυρίῳ.7 of 13

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἀνάπαυσόν8 of 13

“refresh”

G373

(reflexively) to repose (literally or figuratively (be exempt), remain); by implication, to refresh

μου9 of 13

“my”

G3450

of me

τὰ10 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σπλάγχνα11 of 13

“bowels”

G4698

an intestine (plural); figuratively, pity or sympathy

ἐν12 of 13

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Κυρίῳ.13 of 13

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Study Guide

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 1:20 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 1:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philemon 1:73 John 1:4Philemon 1:12Hebrews 13:172 Corinthians 7:4-71 Thessalonians 3:7-9

Test Your Knowledge

Philemon 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPhilemon Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Philemon 1 with CommentaryAll Philemon ChaptersComplete Philemon QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes