Philemon 1:11
Philemon 1:11 in Multiple Translations
Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.
Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:
who once was unprofitable to thee, but now is profitable to thee and to me:
Who in the past was of no profit to you, but now is of profit to you and to me:
In the past he was of no use to you, but now he's useful to both you and me!
Which in times past was to thee vnprofitable, but nowe profitable both to thee and to me,
who once was to thee unprofitable, and now is profitable to me and to thee,
who once was useless to you, but now is useful to you and to me.
Who in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:
Who hath been heretofore unprofitable to thee, but now is profitable both to me and thee,
Although his name, as you know, means ‘useful’, formerly he was useless to you. But now he is useful both to you and to me!
You see, he used to work for you some time ago, but he didn’t help you. But now he can help both of us, you and me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Philemon 1:11
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Philemon 1:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — Philemon 1:11
Study Notes — Philemon 1:11
- Context
- Cross References
- Philemon 1:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Philemon 1:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Philemon 1:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Philemon 1:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Philemon 1:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Philemon 1:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Philemon 1:11
- Cambridge Bible on Philemon 1:11
- Barnes' Notes on Philemon 1:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Philemon 1:11
- Sermons on Philemon 1:11
Context — Paul’s Appeal for Onesimus
11Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.
12I am sending back to you him who is my very heart. 13I would have liked to keep him with me, so that on your behalf he could minister to me in my chains for the gospel.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Timothy 4:11 | Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is useful to me in the ministry. |
| 2 | Job 30:1–2 | “But now they mock me, men younger than I am, whose fathers I would have refused to entrust with my sheep dogs. What use to me was the strength of their hands, since their vigor had left them? |
| 3 | 1 Peter 2:10 | Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. |
| 4 | Luke 15:32 | But it was fitting to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” |
| 5 | Romans 3:12 | All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” |
| 6 | Luke 17:10 | So you also, when you have done everything commanded of you, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’” |
| 7 | Matthew 25:30 | And throw that worthless servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ |
| 8 | Luke 15:24 | For this son of mine was dead and is alive again! He was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate. |
Philemon 1:11 Summary
[This verse shows how someone who was once not helpful can become very helpful through knowing Jesus, as seen in the life of Onesimus, who went from being useless to useful to both Philemon and Paul. This is similar to what happens when we become believers, as noted in 2 Corinthians 5:17, where it says we become new creations in Christ. It's a powerful reminder that God can change anyone and use them for good, as taught in Ephesians 2:10, where we learn that we are created to do good works. By following Jesus, we can become more useful and helpful to those around us, serving others in love, as instructed in Galatians 5:13.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that Onesimus was 'useless' to Philemon before?
Onesimus was likely a runaway slave who had not been fulfilling his duties to Philemon, making him useless to his master, as seen in Philemon 1:11, but through his conversion, he became useful, illustrating the transformative power of God, as noted in 2 Corinthians 5:17.
How did Onesimus become 'useless' to Philemon in the first place?
The Bible does not provide explicit details on how Onesimus became useless, but it can be inferred that his actions, possibly related to his runaway status, made him unprofitable to Philemon, highlighting the need for redemption and restoration, as seen in Philemon 1:11 and supported by the concept of restoration in Ephesians 2:10.
What is the significance of Onesimus becoming 'useful' to both Philemon and Paul?
Onesimus' transformation into a useful individual signifies the redemptive work of Christ, allowing him to serve both his earthly master, Philemon, and his spiritual father, Paul, demonstrating the universal applicability of Christian service, as taught in Galatians 5:13 and Colossians 3:23-24.
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual growth and development?
This verse illustrates the potential for spiritual growth and development in an individual, as Onesimus transforms from being useless to useful, mirroring the spiritual journey described in 2 Peter 3:18, where believers are called to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I, like Onesimus, transform from being useless to useful in my service to God and others?
- How can I apply the principle of redemption and restoration, as seen in Onesimus' life, to my own relationships and interactions with others?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be considered 'useless' or unproductive, and how can I seek God's transformation to become more useful and effective in His service?
- In what ways can I, like Paul, invest in the lives of others and help them become more useful and productive in their service to God?
Gill's Exposition on Philemon 1:11
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Philemon 1:11
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Philemon 1:11
Trapp's Commentary on Philemon 1:11
Ellicott's Commentary on Philemon 1:11
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Philemon 1:11
Cambridge Bible on Philemon 1:11
Barnes' Notes on Philemon 1:11
Whedon's Commentary on Philemon 1:11
Sermons on Philemon 1:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Gospel of Luke I by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that there is only one gospel, the gospel of Jesus Christ. Although there are four evangelists who present the gospel in the Bible, they are |
|
The Eternal Spirit the Gifts That Ceased by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on 2 Timothy chapter 4 and verse 11. The speaker mentions that Paul had many companions during his missionary journeys, including Silas, Timothy |
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"Even Barnabas" by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks reflects on the troubling incident involving Barnabas in Galatians 2:13, where even a 'good man' succumbed to dissimulation and hypocrisy, leading to a painful sep |
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Facts About Acts by Victor Maxwell | Victor Maxwell preaches on the book of Acts, highlighting how it continues the unfinished work of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the importance of the church's role in carrying out God' |
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"The Pilgrimage Initiated by God" by Mark D. Partin | Mark D. Partin shares his journey of surrendering to God's calling, reflecting on his initial resistance and attempts to escape his calling to preach, only to be humbled by God's f |
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Day 54, Acts 15 by David Servant | David Servant preaches on the similarities between Acts 15 and Paul's letter to the Galatians, emphasizing the issue of circumcision and the Law of Moses faced by the early church. |
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Epistle 347 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the unity and obedience among the early apostles and disciples, emphasizing their willingness to be sent and their submission to the guidance of the Holy |







