Philemon 1:15

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back for good—

American Standard Version (1901)

For perhaps he was therefore parted from thee for a season, that thou shouldest have him for ever;

Bible in Basic English

For it is possible that for this reason he was parted from you for a time, so that you might have him for ever;

Douay-Rheims 1899

For perhaps he therefore departed for a season from thee, that thou mightest receive him again for ever:

Free Bible Version

Maybe you lost him for a while so that you could have him back forever!

Geneva Bible 1599

It may be that he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receiue him for euer,

King James (Authorized) Version

For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;

Plain English Version

Maybe God let Onesimus leave you for a short time so that now you can have him back for ever.

Translation for Translators

Perhaps the reason that God permitted Onesimus to be separated from {to leave} you for a little while was that he would believe in Christ, and as a result you would have him ◄back/with you► forever!

Unlocked Literal Bible

Perhaps for this he was separated from you for a time, so that you might have him back forever.

Noah Webster Bible

For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldst receive him for ever;

World English Bible

For perhaps he was therefore separated from you for a while that you would have him forever,

Young's Literal Translation

for perhaps because of this he did depart for an hour, that age-duringly thou mayest have him,

Context

Paul’s Appeal for Onesimus

¹⁴But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that your goodness will not be out of compulsion, but by your own free will.¹⁵For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back for good—¹⁶no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a beloved brother. He is especially beloved to me, but even more so to you, both in person and in the Lord.

Summary

In this verse, Paul appeals to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus, acknowledging that although Onesimus had been separated from Philemon for a time, it was ultimately for a greater purpose. Paul suggests that perhaps Onesimus was separated so that he could return to Philemon not just as a servant, but as a beloved brother in Christ. This transformation highlights the redemptive power of the Gospel, which can reconcile and restore broken relationships. Paul's plea emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, reconciliation, and viewing others through the lens of Christ's love and grace.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill
Tyndale

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

He - departed for a season - This is another most delicate stroke. He departed thy slave, thy unfaithful slave; he departed for a short time; but so has the mercy of God operated in his behalf, and the providence of God in thine, that he now returns, not an unfaithful slave, in whom thou couldst repose no confidence, but as a brother, a beloved brother in the Lord, to be in the same heavenly family with thee for ever. Thou hast, therefore, reason to be thankful to God that he did depart, that he might be restored to thee again infinitely better than he was when be left thee. God has permitted his unfaithfulness, and overruled the whole both to his advantage and thine. The apology for Onesimus is very similar to that made by Joseph for his brethren, Gen 45:5.

Philemon 1:15

Paul’s Appeal for Onesimus

Scripture
Sermons
Commentary

Berean Standard Bible

For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back for good—

American Standard Version (1901)

For perhaps he was therefore parted from thee for a season, that thou shouldest have him for ever;

Bible in Basic English

For it is possible that for this reason he was parted from you for a time, so that you might have him for ever;

Douay-Rheims 1899

For perhaps he therefore departed for a season from thee, that thou mightest receive him again for ever:

Free Bible Version

Maybe you lost him for a while so that you could have him back forever!

Geneva Bible 1599

It may be that he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receiue him for euer,

King James (Authorized) Version

For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;

Plain English Version

Maybe God let Onesimus leave you for a short time so that now you can have him back for ever.

Translation for Translators

Unlocked Literal Bible

Perhaps for this he was separated from you for a time, so that you might have him back forever.

Noah Webster Bible

For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldst receive him for ever;

World English Bible

For perhaps he was therefore separated from you for a while that you would have him forever,

Young's Literal Translation

for perhaps because of this he did depart for an hour, that age-duringly thou mayest have him,

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill
Tyndale

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Philemon 1:15

Verse

Context

Paul’s Appeal for Onesimus

Summary

Commentary

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

John Gill Bible Commentary

Tyndale Open Study Notes

Philemon 1:15

Paul’s Appeal for Onesimus

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

John Gill Bible Commentary

Tyndale Open Study Notes