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Philemon 1:9

Philemon 1:9 in Multiple Translations

I prefer to appeal on the basis of love. For I, Paul, am now aged, and a prisoner of Christ Jesus as well.

Yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

yet for love’s sake I rather beseech, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now a prisoner also of Christ Jesus:

Still, because of love, in place of an order, I make a request to you, I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner of Christ Jesus:

I would rather ask you this favor out of love. Old Paul, now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus,

Yet for loues sake I rather beseeche thee, though I be as I am, euen Paul aged, and euen nowe a prisoner for Iesus Christ.

because of the love I rather entreat, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ;

yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you, being such a one as Paul, the aged, but also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee , being such one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

For charity sake I rather beseech, whereas thou art such a one, as Paul an old man, and now a prisoner also of Jesus Christ.

But because I know that you love God’s people, I request this instead of commanding you to do it. It is I, Paul, an old man and now also a prisoner because I serve Christ Jesus, who am requesting it.

You see, I love you a lot. You know me, Paul, and you know that I’m an old man. I work for Jesus Christ, so the bosses here put me in jail.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Philemon 1:9

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Philemon 1:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK δια την αγαπην μαλλον παρακαλω τοιουτος ων ως παυλος πρεσβυτης νυνι δε και δεσμιος ιησου χριστου
δια dia G1223 through/because of Prep
την ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASF
αγαπην agapē G26 love Noun-ASF
μαλλον mallon G3123 more Adv
παρακαλω parakaleō G3870 to plead/comfort Verb-PAI-1S
τοιουτος toioutos G5108 such as this Dem-NSM
ων eimi G1510 to be Verb-PAP-NSM
ως hōs G5613 as/when Adv
παυλος Paulos G3972 Paul Noun-NSM
πρεσβυτης presbutēs G4246 old man Noun-NSM
νυνι nuni G3570 now Adv
δε de G1161 then Conj
και kai G2532 and Conj
δεσμιος desmios G1198 prisoner Noun-NSM
ιησου Iēsous G2424 Joshua Noun-GSM
χριστου Christos G5547 Christ Noun-GSM
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Philemon 1:9

δια dia G1223 "through/because of" Prep
Means through or because of, like in Matthew 2:12 where the wise men left by another route. It shows cause or occasion, as in 1 Corinthians 3:15, being saved through fire. It can also describe a state or condition, like in Romans.
Definition: διά (before a vowel δ᾽, exc. Rom.8:10, 2Co.5:7, and in (Proper name)s; Tdf., Pr., 94), prep. with genitive, accusative, as in cl.; __1. with genitive, through; __(i) of Place, after verbs of motion or action: Mat.2:12 12:43, Mrk.2:23, Luk.4:30, Jhn.4:4, 2Co.11:33, al.; σώζεσθαι (διας-) δ. πυρός, ὕδατος, 1Co.3:15, 1Pe.3:20; βλέπειν δ. ἐσόπτρου, 1Co.13:12; metaphorically, of a state or condition: Rom.14:20, 2Co.2:4 5:7, 10; δ. γράμματος, ἀκροβυστίας (Lft., Notes, 263, 279), Rom.2:27 4:11; δι ̓ὑπομενῆς, Rom.8:25. __(ii) Of Time; __(a) during which: Mat.26:61, Mrk.14:58, Luk.5:5; δ. παντὸς τοῦ ζῆν, Heb.2:15; δ. παντός (διαπαντός in Mrk.5:5, Luk.24:53), always, continually, Mat.18:10, Act.2:25" (LXX) 10:2 24:16, Rom.11:10" (LXX), 2Th.3:16, Heb.9:6 13:15. __(b) within which: Act.1:3; δ. νυκτός, Act.5:19 16:9 17:10 23:31; __(with) after which (Field, Notes, 20; Abbott, JG, 255f.): Mrk.2:1, Act.24:17, Gal.2:1. __(iii) Of the Means or Instrument; __(1) of the efficient cause (regarded also as the instrument): of God, Rom.11:36, 1Co.1:9, Gal.4:7, Heb.2:10 7:21; of Christ, Rom.1:8 5:1, 17, 1Co.15:21, 1Pe.4:11, al.; δ. τ. ὑμῶν δεήσεως, Rom.1:12, 2Co.1:4, Gal.4:23, al.; __(2) of the agent, instrument or means; __(a) with genitive of person(s), Mat.11:2, Luk.1:70, Jhn.1:17, Act.1:16, Rom.2:16, 1Co.1:21, Eph.1:5, Heb.2:14, Rev.1:1, al.; ὑπὸ τ. κυρίου δ. τ. προφήτου (δ. τ. κυρίου, 1Th.4:2 (M, Th., in l.); Lft., Rev., 121f.), Mat.1:22 2:15, Rom.1:2; δ. ἐπιστολῆς ὡς δ. ἡμῶν (Field, Notes, 202), 2Th.2:2; δ. Σ. (NTD, 22), 1Pe.5:12; __(b) with genitive of thing(s) (where often the simple dative is used in cl.; Jannaris, Gr., 375), Jhn.11:4, Act.5:12; δ. τ. πίστεως, Rom.3:30; δ. λόγου θεοῦ, 1Pe.1:23; δ. παραβολῆς, Luk.8:4; δουλεύειν δ. τ. ἀγάπης, Gal.5:13; δ. ἐπαγγελίας, Gal.3:18, __2. C. accusative; __(i) rarely, as with genitive, through (Hom), δ. μέσον Σαμαρίας (ICC, in l.; Bl., §42, 1; Robertson, Gr., 581), Luk.17:11. __(ii) by reason of, because of, for the sake of; __(a) with accusative of person(s) (M, Pr., 105), Mrk.2:27, Jhn.6:57 11:42, Rom.8:20; __(b) with accusative of thing(s), δ. φθόνον, Mat.27:18, Mrk.15:10; δ. φόβον, Jhn.7:13 20:19; δ. ἀγάπην, Eph.2:4; δ. τοῦτο, freq., for this cause, therefore, Mat.6:25, Mrk.6:14, Luk.11:49, Jhn.6:65, al.; id. before ὅτι, Jhn.5:16 10:17, al.; δ. τί, why, Mat.9:11, 14 Mrk.2:18, Jhn.7:45, al.; δ. τό, with inf., Mrk.5:4, Luk.9:7, Jas.4:2. __3. In composition, __(1) through, as in διαβαίνω; __(2) of separation, asunder, as in διασπάω; __(3) of distribution, abroad, as in διαγγέλλω; __(4) of transition, as διαλλάσσω; __(5) of "perfective" action (M, Pr., 112f., 115f.), as διαφύγω, διακαθαρίζω. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 603 NT verses. KJV: after, always, among, at, to avoid, because of (that), briefly, by, for (cause) … fore, from, in, by occasion of, of, by reason of, for sake, that, thereby, therefore, X though, through(-out), to, wherefore, with (-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 8:8; 1 Peter 1:3.
την ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASF
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
αγαπην agapē G26 "love" Noun-ASF
Unconditional love or affection, like the love God shows to humanity in John 3:16. It's also used to describe love between people, like in John 13:35.
Definition: ἀγάπη, -ης, ἡ [in LXX for אַהֲבָה, which is also rendered by ἀγάπησις and φιλία ;] love, goodwill, esteem. Outside of bibl. and eccl. books, there is no clear instance (with Deiss., LAE, 18:4, 70:2, cf. the same writer in Constr. Quar., ii, 4; and with MM, VGT, see word, cf. Dr. Moulton in Exp. Times, xxvi, 3, 139). In NT, like ἀγαπάω, -ῶ, __1. Of men's love: __(a) to one another, Jhn.13:35; __(b) to God, 1Jn.2:5. __2. Of divine love; __(a) God's love: to men, Rom.5:8; to Christ, Jhn.17:26; __(b) Christ's love to men: Rom.8:35. __3. In pl., love feasts: Ju 12 (DB, iii, 157). SYN.: φιλία. ἀ., signifying properly (see: ἀγαπάω) love which chooses its object, is taken over from LXX, where its connotation is more general, into NT, and there used exclusively to express that spiritual bond of love between God and man and between man and man, in Christ, which is characteristic of Christianity. It is thusdistinct from φιλία, friendship (Jas.4:4 only), στοργή, natural affection (in NT only in compounds, see: ἄστοργος) and ἔρως, sexual love, which is not used in NT, its place being taken by ἐπιθυμία. (Cf. ἀγαπάω; and see Abbott, Essays, 70f.; DB, vol. i., 555; Cremer, 13, 593; MM, VGT, see word). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 106 NT verses. KJV: (feast of) charity(-ably), dear, love See also: 1 Corinthians 4:21; 2 Timothy 1:13; 1 Peter 4:8.
μαλλον mallon G3123 "more" Adv
The Greek word for more or rather, used to show a greater degree of something, as seen in Mark 10:48 and Romans 5:15. It means a higher amount or extent. Used in comparisons to show increase.
Definition: μάλα adv., [in LXX for אֲבָל, 3Ki.1:43, Dan LXX 10:21, al.; compar. for מ, Num.13:32 (31), al.; μᾶλλον ἠ (מ), Gen.19:9, al.; superlat., 2Ma.8:7, 4Ma.4:22 12:9 15:4 ;] __I. Pos., very, very much, exceedingly (cl.; LXX ut supr.; in NT its place is taken by λίαν, σφόδρα, etc.). __II. Compar., μᾶλλον. __1. Of increase, more; with qualifying words: πολλῷ, Mrk.10:48, Luk.18:39, Rom.5:15, 17, Php.2:12, al.; πόσῳ, Luk.12:24, Rom.11:12, al.; τοσούτῳ . . . ὅσῳ, Heb.10:25. __2. Of comparison, the more: Luk.5:15, Jhn.5:18, Act.5:14, 1Th.4:1, 10, 2Pe.1:10; ἔτι μ. καὶ μ., Php.1:9; with compar., Mrk.7:36, 2Co.7:13; πολλῴ μ. κρεῖσον, Php.1:23; μ. διαφέρειν, with genitive, Mat.6:26; μ. ἤ, Mat.18:13; with genitive, 1Co.14:18; as periphr. for compar., Act.20:35, 1Co.9:15, Gal.4:27; μ. δέ (EV, yea rather), Rom.8:34. __3. Of preference, rather, the rather, sooner: with qualifying words, πολλῷ, Mat.6:30, al.; πολύ, Heb.12:25; πόσῳ, Mat.7:11, al.; in a question, οὐ μ., 1Co.9:12; after a neg., Mat.10:6, al.; θέλω (εὐδοκῶ) μ., 1Co.14:5, 2Co.5:8; ζηλῶ, 1Co.14:1; with subst., τ. σκότος ἢ τ. φῶς, Jhn.3:19; μ. δέ, Gal.4:9. __III. Superl., μάλιστα, most, most of all, above all: Act.20:38 25:26, Gal.6:10, Php.4:22, 1Ti.4:10 5:8, 17, 2Ti.4:13, Tit.1:10, Phm 16, 2Pe.2:10; μ. γνώστης, Act.26:3 (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 80 NT verses. KJV: + better, X far, (the) more (and more), (so) much (the more), rather See also: 1 Corinthians 5:2; Hebrews 12:25; Hebrews 9:14.
παρακαλω parakaleō G3870 "to plead/comfort" Verb-PAI-1S
To plead with or comfort someone, as Jesus did with his disciples in Matthew 26:53 when he told them to have faith. This word can also mean to invoke or call on someone for help or guidance.
Definition: παρακαλέω, -ῶ, [in LXX chiefly for נחם ni., pi. ;] __1. to call to one, call for, summon: Act.28:20 (R, mg.; R, txt., entreat); hence (of the gods: Dem., Xen., al.), to invoke, call on, beseech, entreat: τ. πατέρα μου, Mat.26:53; τ. κύριον, 2Co.12:8; in late writers (Polyb., Diod., al.; rarely in LXX; in π., see Deiss., LAE, 176.14), also of men: absol., Phm 9; with accusative, Mat.8:5, Mrk.1:40, Act.16:9, al.; with inf., Mrk.5:17, Luk.8:41, Act.8:31, al.; before ἵνα (see M, Pr., 205, 208), Mt 14"36, Mrk.5:18, Luk.8:31, al. __2. to admonish, exhort: absol., Luk.3:18, Rom.12:8, 2Ti.4:2, al.; with accusative, Act.15:32, 1Th.2:11, Heb.3:13, al.; id. before inf., Act.11:23, Rom.12:1, Php.4:2, 1Th.4:10, al.; before ἵνα (see M, Pr., l.with), 1Co.1:10, 2Co.8:6, 1Th.4:1, al. __3. to cheer, encourage, comfort (Plut., LXX: Jb 43, Isa.35:3, Sir.43:24, al.): with accusative, 2Co.1:6, Eph.6:22, Col.2:2, al.; id. before ἐν, 1Th.4:18; διά, 2Co.1:4; pass., Mat.5:4, Luk.16:25, Act.20:12. SYN.: παραμυθέω (cf. M, Th., 25). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 104 NT verses. KJV: beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, (give) exhort(-ation), intreat, pray See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; Acts 20:12; 1 Peter 2:11.
τοιουτος toioutos G5108 "such as this" Dem-NSM
This word means something or someone is of a certain kind or character, like a particular example. It appears in Matthew 9:8 and 18:5. It describes a unique individuality.
Definition: τοιοῦτος, -αύτη, -οῦτο (as usually in Att.. prose. Ep. and Ion. neut. -οῦτον in Al., Act.21:25, Rec. only), correlat. of οἷος, ὁποῖος, ὥς, etc., such as this, of such a kind, such: Mat.9:8 18:5, Mrk.4:33 6:2 7:13 9:37 (T, τούτων), Jhn.9:16, Act.16:24, 1Co.5:1 11:16, 2Co.3:4 3:12 12:3, Heb.7:26 8:1 12:3 13:16, Jas.4:16; οἷος . . . τ., 1Co.15:48, 2Co.10:11; id. pleonast. (see Bl., § 50, 4), Mrk.13:19; before ὁποῖος, Act.26:29; ὥς, Phm 9. As subst., anarth: pl., Luk.9:9; with art., ὁ τ., such a one (Bl., § 47, 9; Ellic. on Gal.5:21): Act.22:22, 1Co.5:5, al.; pl., Mat.19:14, Mrk.10:14, al.; neut. pl., Act.19:25, Rom.1:32, al (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 59 NT verses. KJV: like, such (an one) See also: 1 Corinthians 5:1; Galatians 6:1; Hebrews 7:26.
ων eimi G1510 "to be" Verb-PAP-NSM
To be or exist, a basic verb used to describe something or someone, like God saying 'I am' in John 8:58.
Definition: εἰμί, with various uses and significations, like the English verb to be. __I. As substantive verb. __1. Of persons and things, to be, exist: Act.17:28, Jhn.1:1, 8:58, 17:5, al; ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν (for past ptcp.), Rev.1:4, 8, 4:8, 11:17, 16:5 (see Swete, Ap., 5; M, Pr., 228); τὰ (μὴ) ὄντα, Rom.4:17, 1Co.1:28. __2. Of times, events, etc., to be, happen, take place: Mat.24:3, Mrk.14:2, 15:42, Luk.21:23, Jhn.4:6, 23, 5:10, al. __3. to be present, be in a place, have come: Mat.2:13, 15, Mrk.1:45, 5:21, 15:40, Luk.1:80, 5:29, Jhn.7:30, al.; before εἰς, Mrk.2:1; before ἐκ, (ἐξ), Mat.1:20, 21:25, Mrk.11:30, Jhn.3:31, al. __4. Impers., ἔστι, ἦν, etc.; __(a) there is (Fr. il y a), was, etc.: Mat.16:28, Luk.16:19, Jhn.3:1, 5:2, Rom.3:10, al.; with dative (of the possessor; Bl., §37, 3), Mat.16:22, Luk.1:7, Jhn.18.10, Rom.9:2, al.; ἔστιν ὅς, ὅστις (chiefly in pl), Mat.16:28, 19:2, Mrk.9:1, al.; __(b) with inf., = ἔξεστιν (which see), it is possible: Heb.9:5, 1Co.11:20, RV (but see ICC, in l.). __II. As copula uniting subject and predicate. __1. Expressing simply identity or equivalence: Mat.5:13, 14:15, Luk.1:18, 19, Jhn.1:1, 4:19, Rev.3:9, al. mult. __2. Explicative, as in parable, figure, type, etc.: Mat.13:19, 1Co.9:2, 10:4, 11:25, Gal.4:24, Rev.17:15, al.; ταῦτ᾽ ἔστιν, Mat.27:46, Mrk.7:2, Rom.7:18 al.; ὅ ἐστιν, Mrk.3:17, Col.1:24, Heb.7:2, al.; akin to this is the sacramental usage: Mat.26:26-28, Mrk.14:22, 24, Luk.22:19, 1Co.11:24 (see ICC on Mk, I Co, ll. with; DB, iii, 148 f.). __3. C. genitive: qual., etc., Mrk.5:42, Luk.3:23, 1Co.14:33, Heb.12:11, al.; part., 1Ti.1:20, 2Ti.1:15; poss., Mat.5:3, 10, Mrk.12:7, Luk.4:7; of service or partisanship, Rom.8:9, 1Co.1:12, 2Co.10:7, 2Ti.2:19. __4. C. dative (BL, §37, 3): Act.1:8, 9:15, Rom.4:12, 1Co.1:18, 2:14, Rev.21:7, al. __5. C. ptcp., as a periphrasis for the simple verb (Bl., §62, 1, 2; M, Pr., 225 ff.); __(a) with ptcp. pf. (cl.): Mat.10:30, Luk.9:32, Jhn.3:24, Act.21:35, 1Co.15:19, al; __(b) with ptcp. pr. (esp. in impf., as in Heb. and Aram.; Dalman, Words, 35 f.), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Luk.4:31, 14:1, Act.1:10, al. mult., id. for imper. (M, Pr., 180f., 182f.), with ellipsis of εἰμί, Rom.12:9, 10, Heb.13:5, al.; __(with) with ptcp. aor. (cl), Luk.23:9. __6. Seq. εἰς (cf. Heb. הָיָה לְ), a vernac. usage (M, Pr., 71): Mat.19:5, Mrk.10:8, Heb.8:10, al. __7. C. adv.: Mat.19:20, Mrk.4:26, Luk.18:11, al. __8. Ellipses; __(a) of the copula (Bl., §30, 3): Mat.8:29, 24:32, Jhn.21:22, 23, Heb.6:4, al.; __(b) of the predicate: ἐγώ εἰμί, Mat.14:27, Mrk.6:50, al.; absol. (cf. Deu.32:39; אֲנִי הוּא), Mrk.13:6, Jhn.4:26, al. (cf. ἄπ-, ἔν-, πάρ-, συμ-πάρ-, σύν-ειμι). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2123 NT verses. KJV: am, have been, X it is I, was See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Peter 1:6.
ως hōs G5613 "as/when" Adv
This word means as or when, showing a comparison or timing. It's used in many verses, like Mark 4:26 and 1 Corinthians 3:15, to show how things are done. It helps explain how or when something happens.
Definition: ὡς, adverbial form of the relative pron. ὅς, ἥ, ὅ. __I. As relat. adv. of manner, as, like as, just as, even as; __1. with a demonstrative, like οὕτως, expressed or understood: οὕτως . . . ὡς, Mrk.4:26, 1Co.3:15, Eph.5:28, Jas.2:12, al.; ὡς . . . οὕτως, Act.8:32, 1Co.7:17, al.; elliptically (sc. οὕτως, οὕτω), with nom., Mat.6:29, al.; with accusative, Mat.19:19, Mrk.12:31, al.; with prep., Mat.26:55, Mrk.14:48, Luk.22:52, Jhn.7:10, al.; with verb., Jhn.15:6, 2Co.3:1, Eph.2:3, 1Th.5:6, al.; with ptcp. (the ptcp. however not having the special force wh. it has in cl.; see Bl., §73, 5; 74, 6), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Heb.13:17, al.; freq implying opinion or belief, Rom.9:32; so esp, with genitive absol., 1Co.4:18, 2Co.5:20, 1Pe.4:12, 2Pe.1:3. __2. Before numerals, about, nearly: Mrk.5:13, Jhn.1:40, Act.5:7, al. __3. Before adjectives and adverbs, how: Rom.10:15 11:33, 1Th.2:10; with superl., ὡς τάχιστα, as quickly as possible, Act.17:15. __II. As conjunction; __1. temporal, __(a) as, when, since: Mrk.9:21 14:72, Luk.1:23, Jhn.2:9, al.; __(b) while, when, as long as: Luk.12:58, Jhn.12:36, Gal.6:10 (Field, Notes, 191); ὡς ἄν (M, Pr., 167, and see: ἄν), Rom.15:24, 1Co.11:34, Php.2:23. __2. Final, in order that; with inf., in order to (M, Pr., 204n), Luk.9:52, Act.20:24, Heb.7:9. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 436 NT verses. KJV: about, after (that), (according) as (it had been, it were), as soon (as), even as (like), for, how (greatly), like (as, unto), since, so (that), that, to wit, unto, when(-soever), while, X with all speed See also: 1 Corinthians 3:1; 2 Timothy 1:3; 1 Peter 1:14.
παυλος Paulos G3972 "Paul" Noun-NSM
Paul, originally named Saul, was a Roman apostle who wrote many letters in the New Testament, including Romans and 1 Corinthians. He is a key figure in the early Christian church.
Definition: Παῦλος, -ου, ὁ (Lat. Paulus), __1. Sergius Paulus: Act.13:7. __2. the Apostle Paul (cf. Σαῦλος): Act.13:9, and frequently throughout Ac., Rom.1:1, 1Co.1:1, al., 2Pe.3:15. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 159 NT verses. KJV: Paul, Paulus See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; Acts 20:37; Romans 1:1.
πρεσβυτης presbutēs G4246 "old man" Noun-NSM
An old man is referred to as a presbytes, like Zechariah in Luke 1:18, who was advanced in years.
Definition: πρεσβύτης, -ου prose form of πρέσβυς, which see, [in LXX chiefly for זָקֵן, Gen.25:8, al.; also (= πρεσβευτής), 2Ch.32:31 Bl (לוּץ), 1Ma.14:22 S, al. (see Thackeray, Gr., 97) ;] __1. an old man: Luk.1:18, Tit.2:2, Phm 9 (R, txt., but see infr.). __2. As in LXX, also = πρεσβευτής, an am­bassador: Phm 9 (R, mg., see Lft. and ICC, in l).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: aged (man), old man See also: Luke 1:18; Philemon 1:9; Titus 2:2.
νυνι nuni G3570 "now" Adv
Now refers to the present time, as seen in Acts 24:13 and Romans 15:23. It is used to indicate something is happening at this moment.
Definition: νῦνί an Attic strengthened form of νῦν (in cl. always of time, and most often strictly of the pres.), [in LXX : Job.5:1-27, Psa.2:1-12, 1-12, 4Ma.4:1-26, Ep. Je* ;] now; __1. of time: with praes., Act.24:13, Rom.15:23, 25, 1Co.13:13, 2Co.8:11 8:22, Phm 9 11; with pf., Rom.3:21; with pret., Rom.6:22 11:30 (WH, mg.) Rom.7:6, Eph.2:13, Col.1:21 3:8; ἡ ν. ἀπολογία, Act.22:1. __2. Of logical sequence (not so in cl.): Rom.7:17, 1Co.5:11 (νῦν, WH) 1Co.12:18 (νῦν, WH, txt.) 1Co.15:20, Heb.8:6 (νῦν, WH, txt.), Heb.9:26 (cf. WM, 24, 579n).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 20 NT verses. KJV: now See also: 1 Corinthians 12:18; Ephesians 2:13; Hebrews 8:6.
δε de G1161 "then" Conj
This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.
Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.
και kai G2532 "and" Conj
And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.
Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.
δεσμιος desmios G1198 "prisoner" Noun-NSM
A prisoner is someone held captive, often in chains or bonds, like those mentioned in Matthew 27:15 and Acts 16:25. This term is used to describe people being held against their will.
Definition: δέσμιος, -ον (also -α, -ον; δεσμός), [in LXX for אסר;] __1. binding. __2. bound, captive; ὁ δ., as subst., a prisoner: Mat.27:15, 16, Mrk.15:6, Act.16:25, 27 23:18 25:14, 27 28:16 (Rec.) 17, Heb.10:34 13:3; ὁ δ. τοῦ Χριστοῦ, Eph.3:1, 2Ti.1:8, Phm 1, 9; ὁ δ. ἐν κυρίῳ, Eph.4:1.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 16 NT verses. KJV: in bonds, prisoner See also: 2 Timothy 1:8; Ephesians 3:1; Hebrews 13:3.
ιησου Iēsous G2424 "Joshua" Noun-GSM
Jesus is the Greek name for Joshua, which means God is salvation. It is used to refer to Jesus Christ, the son of God, as well as other Israelites with the same name. The name Jesus appears over 900 times in the New Testament.
Definition: Ἰωσή, see: Ἰωσῆς - -ῆ (Rec. -ή Luk.3:29; AV, Jose; see: Ἰησοῦς, 3), and -ῆτος (Mk, ll with), ὁ, Joses; __1. brother of our Lord: Mrk.6:3, Mat.13:55 (Rec., see: Ἰωσήφ). __2. Son of Mary: Mat.27:56 (-σήφ), WH, txt), Mrk.15:40, 47 __3. see: Βαρνάβας.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 932 NT verses. KJV: Jesus See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1.
χριστου Christos G5547 "Christ" Noun-GSM
Christ means anointed, referring to Jesus as the Messiah, as seen in Luke 2:11 and John 1:41.
Definition: χριστός (Χρ-), -ή, -όν (χρίω), [in LXX for מָשִׁיחַ and cogn. forms ;] __1. 1. as adj., __(a) of things, anointing, to be used as ointment (Æsch., Eur., al.; τ. ἔλαιον τὸ χ., Lev.21:10); __(b) of persons, anointed (ὁ ἰερεὺς ὁ χ., Lev.4:5; οἱ χ. ἰευρεῖς, 2Ma.1:10): ὁ χ. τοῦ κυρίου or Θεοῦ (1Ki.2:10, Psa.2:2, al.), of the Messiah (Aram., מְשִׁיחָא; cf. Dalman, Words, 289 ff.), Luk.2:11, 26 Jhn.1:41, Act.2:36 4:26, al. __2. As subst., ὁ Χριστός, the Messiah, the Christ: Mat.2:4, Mrk.8:29, Luk.2:11, Jhn.1:20, Act.2:31, Rom.7:4, al.; Ἰησοῦς, Mrk.1:1, Jhn.1:17, Act.2:38, al.; Χ. Ἰησοῦς, Mat.1:18, WH, mg. Act.5:42, Rom.6:3, al.; Χ. κύριος, Luk.2:11; Ἰησοῦς Χ. ὁ κύριος, Act.15:26, Rom.1:7, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 525 NT verses. KJV: Christ See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Timothy 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1.

Study Notes — Philemon 1:9

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Corinthians 5:20 Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God.
2 Ephesians 4:1 As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received:
3 Romans 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
4 Ephesians 3:1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles...
5 Philemon 1:1–25 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker, to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets at your house: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I always thank my God, remembering you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I pray that your partnership in the faith may become effective as you fully acknowledge every good thing that is ours in Christ. I take great joy and encouragement in your love, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints. So although in Christ I am bold enough to order you to do what is proper, I prefer to appeal on the basis of love. For I, Paul, am now aged, and a prisoner of Christ Jesus as well. I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whose father I became while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. I am sending back to you him who is my very heart. I would have liked to keep him with me, so that on your behalf he could minister to me in my chains for the gospel. But 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. For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back for good— no 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. So if you consider me a partner, receive him as you would receive me. But if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to my account. I, Paul, write this with my own hand. I will repay it—not to mention that you owe me your very self. Yes, brother, let me have some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask. In the meantime, prepare a guest room for me, because I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you. Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings, as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
6 2 Corinthians 6:1 As God’s fellow workers, then, we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.
7 Proverbs 16:31 Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness.
8 Psalms 71:9 Do not discard me in my old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails.
9 Psalms 71:18 Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, until I proclaim Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come.
10 Isaiah 46:4 Even to your old age, I will be the same, and I will bear you up when you turn gray. I have made you, and I will carry you; I will sustain you and deliver you.

Philemon 1:9 Summary

[In this verse, Paul is showing us that love is a powerful way to get things done, even when we have the authority to give orders. By choosing to appeal to Philemon on the basis of love, Paul is helping Philemon to see the value in doing something because it's the right thing to do, not just because he's been told to do it (as in 2 Corinthians 5:14). Paul's humility and vulnerability, as seen in his mention of being aged and a prisoner, help to build trust with Philemon. This is an important reminder for us today, as we seek to build strong, loving relationships with those around us, just as Jesus taught us to love one another in John 13:35.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Paul appeal to Philemon on the basis of love instead of giving him a direct command?

Paul chooses to appeal on the basis of love because he wants Philemon to act out of a willing heart, rather than just following an order, as seen in Philemon 1:9 and also in 2 Corinthians 5:14 where love compels us to serve others.

How does Paul's age and imprisonment affect his relationship with Philemon?

As Paul mentions his age and imprisonment in Philemon 1:9, it shows his humility and vulnerability, which helps to build trust and credibility with Philemon, much like the trust built between Paul and the Philippian church in Philippians 1:12-14.

What is the significance of Paul referring to himself as a prisoner of Christ Jesus?

By calling himself a prisoner of Christ Jesus, Paul emphasizes his commitment to serving Jesus, even in difficult circumstances, and this echoes his statement in Ephesians 6:20 where he is an ambassador in chains.

How does Paul's approach in this verse relate to the broader theme of Christian relationships?

Paul's decision to appeal on the basis of love rather than authority highlights the importance of building strong, loving relationships within the Christian community, as also seen in John 13:35 where love for one another is a key identifier of Christ's disciples.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some situations in my life where I need to choose between giving orders and appealing to others on the basis of love?
  2. How can I, like Paul, use my own experiences of weakness and vulnerability to build trust and credibility with others?
  3. What does it mean for me to be a 'prisoner of Christ Jesus', and how can I live out this reality in my daily life?
  4. In what ways can I demonstrate love and compassion to those around me, just as Paul is demonstrating love to Philemon in this verse?

Gill's Exposition on Philemon 1:9

Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee,.... Either for the sake of the great love which the apostle bore to Philemon, being, as he calls him, his dearly beloved, he took this method; or because of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Philemon 1:9

Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Philemon 1:9

Yet for love’ s sake; writing to thee in a cause of love, where so good and charitable a man may have an opportunity to express his charity. Or rather, out of my love and kindness to thee, persuading me that I need not use my apostolical authority to such a brother and friend, I beseech thee. Being such an one as Paul the aged; being such a one as Paul now much in years, and not like to trouble thee long with any request. Or, Paul the elder by office, one who is thy brother in the ministry. And now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ; and now a prisoner for Christ’ s sake, and so cannot personally speak to thee; and I know such is thy piety, that my being a sufferer for the sake of Christ will not render my petition to thee lest acceptable, or to be regarded less.

Trapp's Commentary on Philemon 1:9

9 Yet for love’ s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. Ver. 9. Yet for love’ s sake, &c.] Here is brave oratory, such as might well mollify the hardest heart; Petendo movet, et movendo petit. Paul the aged] And therefore venerable. Cognata sunt. Old age and honour are in the Greek tongue very near akin; γηρας and γερας. It is a crown (saith Solomon), and that of glory, when found in the way of righteousness, Proverbs 16:31. These bear a resemblance of the Ancient of days, Daniel 7:9. These are like flowers which have their roots perfect when themselves are withering; these, like roses, keep a sweet savour though they lose their colour. These give greatest glimpse at their going down. Magna fuit semper capitis reverentia cani, Acts 21:16.

Ellicott's Commentary on Philemon 1:9

(8-20) Here St. Paul enters on the main subject of his Letter—the recommendation to Philemon of his runaway slave, Onesimus. All thoughtful readers of the Epistle must recognise in this a peculiar courtesy and delicacy of tone, through which an affectionate earnestness shows itself, and an authority all the greater because it is not asserted in command. The substance is equally notable in its bearing on slavery. Onesimus is doubly welcomed into the Christian family. He is St. Paul’s son in the faith: he is to Philemon a brother beloved in the Lord. In that recognition is the truth to which, both in theory and in practice, we may look as being the destruction of slavery.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Philemon 1:9

Verse 9. Paul the aged] If we allow St. Paul to have been about 25 years of age at the utmost, in the year 31, when he was assisting at the martyrdom of Stephen, Acts 7:58; as this epistle was written about A. D. 62, he could not have been at this time more than about 56 years old. This could not constitute him an aged man in our sense of the term; yet, when the whole length of his life is taken in, being martyred about four years after this, he may not improperly be considered an aged or elderly man, though it is generally allowed that his martyrdom took place in the 66th year of our Lord. But the word πρεσβυς signifies, not only an old man, but also an ambassador; because old or elderly men were chosen to fulfil such an office, because of their experience and solidity; and πρεσβυτης, for πρεσβευτης, is used in the same sense and for the same reason by the Septuagint; hence some have thought that we should translate here, Paul the ambassador. This would agree very well with the scope and even the design of the place.

Cambridge Bible on Philemon 1:9

9. for love’s sake] Lit., “because of the love”; i.e., perhaps, “because of our love.” Ellicott, Alford, and Lightfoot take the reference to be to (Christian) love in general. But the Greek commentators (cent. 11) Theophylact and Œcumenius (quoted by Ellicott) explain the phrase as referring to the love of the two friends; and this is surely in point in this message of personal affection.beseech] The verb is one which often means “exhort,” in a sense less tender than “beseech.” But see e.g. Philippians 4:2 for a case where, as here, it evidently conveys a loving appeal.being such a one as] Does this mean, “because I am such,” or “although I am such”? The answer depends mainly on the explanation of the next following words.Paul the aged] Paulus senex, Latin Versions; “and so apparently all versions” (Ellicott). So R.V. text. Its margin has “Paul an ambassador”; and this rendering is advocated by Lightfoot in a long and instructive note. He points out that not only are presbûtês (“an elder,” which all mss. have here) and presbeutês (“an envoy”) nearly identical in form, but that the latter word was often spelt by the Greeks like the former. And he points to Ephesians 6:20 (see our note there), where “the ambassador in chains” expressly describes himself—a passage written perhaps on the same day as this. So explaining, the phrase would be a quiet reminder, in the act of entreaty, that the suppliant was no ordinary one; he was the Lord’s envoy, dignified by suffering for the Lord.But, with reverence to the great Commentator, is not the other explanation after all more in character in this Epistle, which carries a tender pathos in it everywhere? A fresh reminder of his dignity, after the passing and as it were rejected allusion to it in Philemon 1:8, seems to us to be out of harmony; while nothing could be more fitting here than a word about age and affliction. The question whether St Paul was “an old man,” as we commonly reckon age, is not important; so Lightfoot himself points out. At all periods, men have called themselves old when they felt so; Lightfoot instances Sir Walter Scott at fifty-five. (St Paul was probably quite sixty at this time.) And it is immaterial whether or no Philemon was his junior. If he were Paul’s coeval, it would matter little. The appeal lies in the fact of the writer’s “failing powers,” worn in the Lord’s service; and this would touch an equal as readily as a junior. To our mind too the phrase, “being such a one as,” conveys, though it is hard to analyse the impression, the thought of a pathetic self-depreciation.On the whole we recommend the rendering of the A.V. and (text) R.V. But by all means see Lightfoot’s note.also a prisoner of Jesus Christ] See on Philemon 1:1.—“Also”:—the weakness of age was aggravated by the helplessness of bonds.

Barnes' Notes on Philemon 1:9

Yet for love’s sake - For the love which you bear me, and for the common cause. I rather beseech thee - Rather than command thee. Being such an one as Paul the aged - πρεσβυτης presbutēs - an old man.

Whedon's Commentary on Philemon 1:9

9. Being such—Alford, and others of the best class of commentators, place a period before being, a comma after such, and a comma after Christ.

Sermons on Philemon 1:9

SermonDescription
George Fox Epistle 138 by George Fox George Fox preaches to the prisoners of the Lord Jesus Christ, reminding them that they are not their own but purchased with His blood, cleansed, and justified. He encourages them
Hans R. Waldvogel Seeking God by Hans R. Waldvogel In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God with one's whole heart. He uses the example of a woman searching for a lost piece of money to illustrate the d
Alan Redpath The Love of Christ Constrains by Alan Redpath In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of being on a plane that faced difficulties during takeoff. Despite the challenges, the plane managed to take off and ascen
William MacDonald 7 Corrective Lenses for Spiritual Eyesight by William MacDonald In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of having spiritual vision. He uses the analogy of getting corrective lenses for our physical eyes to illustrate how we need co
Compilations The Street Meetings of God (Compilation) by Compilations In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the narrow path that leads to life and the importance of accepting Jesus as the savior. He highlights that salvation comes through the blood
Leonard Ravenhill The Whole Armour of God - Part 4 by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the different responses people have to the moving of the Holy Spirit. Some are receptive and responsive, while others are indifferent and u
Carter Conlon You Have to Love Jesus to Follow Him by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of preaching in a small church and witnessing sparrows pecking at the driveway. Through this observation, the preacher ref

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