New International VersionI would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel.
New Living TranslationI wanted to keep him here with me while I am in these chains for preaching the Good News, and he would have helped me on your behalf.
English Standard VersionI would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel,
Berean Standard BibleI would have liked to keep him with me, so that on your behalf he could minister to me in my chains for the gospel.
Berean Literal Biblewhom I was wishing to keep with myself, so that on behalf of you he might serve me in the chains of the gospel.
King James BibleWhom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
New King James Versionwhom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel.
New American Standard Biblewhom I wanted to keep with me, so that in your behalf he might be at my service in my imprisonment for the gospel;
NASB 1995whom I wished to keep with me, so that on your behalf he might minister to me in my imprisonment for the gospel;
NASB 1977whom I wished to keep with me, that in your behalf he might minister to me in my imprisonment for the gospel;
Legacy Standard Biblewhom I intended to keep with me, so that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel,
Amplified BibleI would have chosen to keep him with me, so that he might minister to me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel;
Christian Standard BibleI wanted to keep him with me, so that in my imprisonment for the gospel he might serve me in your place.
Holman Christian Standard BibleI wanted to keep him with me, so that in my imprisonment for the gospel he might serve me in your place.
American Standard Versionwhom I would fain have kept with me, that in thy behalf he might minister unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
Contemporary English VersionI would like to keep him here with me, where he could take your place in helping me while I am here in prison for preaching the good news.
English Revised Versionwhom I would fain have kept with me, that in thy behalf he might minister unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
GOD'S WORD® TranslationI wanted to keep him here with me. Then he could have served me in your place while I am in prison for spreading the Good News.
Good News TranslationI would like to keep him here with me, while I am in prison for the gospel's sake, so that he could help me in your place.
International Standard VersionI wanted to keep him with me so that he could serve me in your place during my imprisonment for the gospel.
NET BibleI wanted to keep him so that he could serve me in your place during my imprisonment for the sake of the gospel.
New Heart English Biblewhom I desired to keep with me, that on your behalf he might serve me in my chains for the Good News.
Webster's Bible TranslationWhom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered to me in the bonds of the gospel:
Weymouth New TestamentIt was my wish to keep him at my side for him to attend to my wants, as your representative, during my imprisonment for the Good News. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleI would have liked to keep him with me, so that on your behalf he could minister to me in my chains for the gospel.
World English Biblewhom I desired to keep with me, that on your behalf he might serve me in my chains for the Good News. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionwhom I intended to retain to myself, that in your behalf he might minister to me in the bonds of the good news,
Berean Literal Biblewhom I was wishing to keep with myself, so that on behalf of you he might serve me in the chains of the gospel.
Young's Literal Translation whom I did wish to retain to myself, that in thy behalf he might minister to me in the bonds of the good news,
Smith's Literal TranslationWhom I was wishing to retain to myself, that for thee he might serve me in the bonds of the good news: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWhom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered to me in the bands of the gospel:
Catholic Public Domain VersionI myself wanted to retain him with me, so that he might minister to me, on your behalf, while I am in the chains of the Gospel.
New American BibleI should have liked to retain him for myself, so that he might serve me on your behalf in my imprisonment for the gospel,
New Revised Standard VersionI wanted to keep him with me, so that he might be of service to me in your place during my imprisonment for the gospel; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor I would have kept him with me to minister to me in your place during my imprisonment for the gospel:
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishFor I was willing to keep him with me to minister to me on your behalf in the bondage of The Gospel. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentI did wish to keep him with me, that, in your stead, he might serve me in my bonds for the gospel;
Godbey New TestamentWhom I did wish to have with me, in order that he might minister unto me in your stead in the bonds of the gospel:
Haweis New Testamentwhom I wished to detain about myself, that in thy stead he might have waited upon me during my bonds for the gospel:
Mace New TestamentI would have kept him with me, to assist me in your stead during my confinement for the gospel.
Weymouth New TestamentIt was my wish to keep him at my side for him to attend to my wants, as your representative, during my imprisonment for the Good News.
Worrell New Testamentwhom I was disposed to keep with me, that in your stead he might minister to me in the bonds of the Gospel;
Worsley New TestamentWhom I would gladly have kept with me, that he might have ministered unto me as thou wouldst have done, in the bonds of the gospel.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Paul's Appeal for Onesimus… 12I am sending back to you him who is my very heart. 13Iwould have likedto keephimwithme,so thaton your behalfhe could minister tomeinmychainsfor thegospel.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.…
Cross References Philippians 1:7It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart. For in my chains and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partners in grace with me.
Colossians 4:10My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you greetings, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas. You have already received instructions about him: If he comes to you, welcome him.
2 Timothy 1:8So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me, His prisoner. Instead, join me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.
Acts 28:30-31Paul stayed there two full years in his own rented house, welcoming all who came to visit him. / Boldly and freely he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:8-11We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the hardships we encountered in the province of Asia. We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. / Indeed, we felt we were under the sentence of death, in order that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God, who raises the dead. / He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us, ...
Galatians 4:14And although my illness was a trial to you, you did not despise or reject me. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus Himself.
Romans 16:3-4Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, / who have risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.
1 Corinthians 16:17-18I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. / For they refreshed my spirit and yours as well. Show your appreciation, therefore, to such men.
2 Corinthians 7:6-7But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the arrival of Titus, / and not only by his arrival, but also by the comfort he had received from you. He told us about your longing, your mourning, and your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced all the more.
Philippians 2:25-30But I thought it necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my needs. / For he has been longing for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. / He was sick indeed, nearly unto death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. ...
2 Timothy 4:11Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is useful to me in the ministry.
Acts 13:2While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
Romans 15:30-32Now I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. / Pray that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there, / so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed.
1 Thessalonians 3:2We sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,
2 Corinthians 8:23As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you. As for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.
Treasury of Scripture Whom I would have retained with me, that in your stead he might have ministered to me in the bonds of the gospel: in thy stead. 1 Corinthians 16:17 I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied. Philippians 2:30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me. the bonds. Philemon 1:1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothyour brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, Ephesians 3:1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, Jump to Previous AttendBehalfBondsChainsDesireDesiredDesirousFainGladGoodGospelHelpingImprisonmentKeepingKeptLikedMinisterMinisteredNewsOrderRepresentativeRetainRetainedServantServeSideSteadWantsWishWishedJump to Next AttendBehalfBondsChainsDesireDesiredDesirousFainGladGoodGospelHelpingImprisonmentKeepingKeptLikedMinisterMinisteredNewsOrderRepresentativeRetainRetainedServantServeSideSteadWantsWishWishedPhilemon 1 1.Paul rejoices to hear of the faith and love of Philemon,8.whom he desires to forgive his servant Onesimus, and lovingly to receive him again.I would have liked to keep him with mePaul expresses a personal desire to retain Onesimus, a runaway slave who has become a Christian. This reflects the close bond formed between Paul and Onesimus during the latter's conversion and subsequent service. The phrase highlights the personal nature of Paul's letter to Philemon, emphasizing the deep relationships within the early Christian community. It also underscores the theme of Christian fellowship and mutual support, which is a recurring theme in Paul's epistles (e.g., Philippians 1:3-5). so that on your behalf
Paul suggests that Onesimus's service to him would be as if Philemon himself were ministering to Paul. This reflects the interconnectedness of the body of Christ, where actions by one member can represent the intentions or desires of another. It also subtly appeals to Philemon's sense of duty and generosity, encouraging him to view Onesimus not merely as a slave but as a brother in Christ. This idea of representation and intercession is seen elsewhere in Paul's writings, such as in2 Corinthians 5:20, where believers are called ambassadors for Christ. he could minister to me
The term "minister" here implies service, which in the context of Paul's imprisonment, would include providing for his physical needs and assisting in his ministry. This reflects the early Christian practice of supporting those in ministry, as seen in the support Paul received from other churches (Philippians 4:14-18). It also highlights the transformation in Onesimus's life, from a runaway slave to a valued co-worker in the gospel. in my chains for the gospel
Paul's reference to his chains underscores his imprisonment for preaching the gospel, a recurring theme in his letters (Ephesians 6:20,Colossians 4:3). This phrase serves as a reminder of the cost of discipleship and the reality of persecution faced by early Christians. It also emphasizes the power of the gospel to transcend social and legal boundaries, as Onesimus, a slave, is now seen as a partner in ministry. The imagery of chains also points to the spiritual freedom found in Christ, contrasting physical bondage with spiritual liberation (Galatians 5:1). Persons / Places / Events 1. PaulThe apostle who wrote the letter to Philemon. He is imprisoned for preaching the gospel and desires Onesimus to stay with him to assist in his ministry. 2. OnesimusA runaway slave who has become a Christian and is now considered a spiritual son to Paul. Paul is sending him back to his master, Philemon, with this letter. 3. PhilemonA Christian leader and the owner of Onesimus. Paul appeals to him to receive Onesimus back not just as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ. 4. RomeThe likely place where Paul is imprisoned and from where he writes this letter. 5. The GospelThe central message of Christianity, which Paul is committed to spreading, even while in chains. Teaching Points The Power of the Gospel to Transform LivesOnesimus's transformation from a runaway slave to a beloved brother in Christ demonstrates the life-changing power of the gospel. Christian Brotherhood Transcends Social StatusPaul’s appeal to Philemon highlights that in Christ, social distinctions such as slave and free are secondary to spiritual kinship. The Role of Intercession in Christian RelationshipsPaul acts as an intercessor for Onesimus, modeling how believers can mediate and advocate for one another in love. The Importance of Reconciliation and ForgivenessThe letter encourages Philemon to forgive Onesimus and restore their relationship, reflecting the reconciliation believers have with God through Christ. Serving Christ in All CircumstancesPaul’s desire to have Onesimus minister to him in his imprisonment shows that service to Christ can occur in any situation, even in chains. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Philemon 1:13?
2.How does Philemon 1:13 illustrate the value of Christian service and support?
3.What does Paul's desire to keep Onesimus reveal about Christian fellowship?
4.How can Philemon 1:13 inspire us to support fellow believers in ministry?
5.Compare Paul's request in Philemon 1:13 with Jesus' teachings on servanthood.
6.How can we apply Paul's example in Philemon 1:13 to our daily lives?
7.Why did Paul want to keep Onesimus with him in Philemon 1:13?
8.How does Philemon 1:13 reflect early Christian views on slavery?
9.What does Philemon 1:13 reveal about Paul's relationship with Onesimus?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Philemon 1?
11.Given the lack of Roman archival records, how certain can we be that Paul’s house arrest in Acts 28:16 and 30–31 happened exactly as recorded?
12.How can Paul's claim that his imprisonment helped spread the message (Philippians 1:12-13) be substantiated by historical evidence outside the Bible?
13.Philemon 1:12-16 - Why would Paul send a slave back to his master instead of urging Philemon to free him outright?
14.In John 13:1, why does the timing of the 'last supper' differ from accounts in the Synoptic Gospels?What Does Philemon 1:13 Mean I would have liked to keep him with mePaul’s opening phrase shows a genuine, heartfelt longing. • The apostle isn’t speaking in abstractions; he truly values Onesimus as a brother now (v. 16). • Similar moments appear inPhilippians 1:23–24, where Paul balances personal desire and what is best for others. •1 Corinthians 16:12 shows the same respectful tone—Paul never forces people, even when he has strong preferences. • The phrase affirms the reality of personal affection in gospel partnerships, reminding us that ministry is deeply relational.
so that on your behalfPaul envisions Onesimus serving as Philemon’s representative. • Ministry can be delegated (2 Corinthians 8:23;Philippians 2:25). • The wording honors Philemon’s ownership rights while emphasizing their new spiritual bond—Philemon’s blessing would “stand behind” Onesimus’s service. • It models how believers can extend their reach through trusted partners (3John 8).
he could minister to mePaul sees real, tangible help coming through Onesimus. • “Minister” points to practical service—meeting needs, delivering messages, tending daily necessities (Matthew 25:40). •Galatians 6:6 and2 Timothy 1:16–18 highlight caring for those who teach or suffer for the gospel. • In receiving Onesimus’s aid, Paul shows that the gospel transforms a runaway slave into a fellow worker (Colossians 4:9).
in my chains for the gospel.Paul’s imprisonment frames the whole request. • He is literally chained—yet the gospel keeps advancing (Philippians 1:12–14;2 Timothy 2:9). • Calling the bonds “for the gospel” (Ephesians 3:1;Colossians 4:3) places suffering inside God’s redemptive plan. • Paul assumes that supporting a prisoner for Christ is a sacred duty—hence the value of Onesimus’s presence.
summaryVerse 13 reveals Paul’s pastoral heart: he longs to retain Onesimus, not for personal convenience but so Philemon can share in caring for an imprisoned apostle. The line illustrates loving partnership, voluntary service, and gospel-centered suffering—showing how the cross redefines relationships, priorities, and even chains. (13) Whom I would have retained.--In the original we have here a graceful distinction in two points between the two clauses. The verb in the first clause is "to wish;" in the second "to will." The tense in the first clause is the imperfect: "I was wishing," or "prepared to wish" (just as in Acts 25:22; and, in the case of a cognate verb, Romans 9:3), implying, perhaps, a suppressed condition; in the second it is the past definite: "I willed," or "determined" finally. In thy stead.--Here, again, there is a certain delicacy of suggestion. A slave was his master's property; he could act only on his master's behalf and by his consent. St. Paul is sure that Philemon's love for him would have gladly given that consent, and so made Onesimus an instrument of willing service to St. Paul. Verse 13. - I was wishing; I would fain have kept (Revised Version). The story tells itself if we read between the lines. What steadfast adherence to principle on the part of the apostle, when the help of Onesimus would have been so welcome to him in his weak health, and his position as a prisoner! Philemon could hardly fail to think more favorably of Onesimus, when he saw how much importance the apostle attached to his services. In the bonds of the gospel. "Which I am enduring for the sake of the gospel" (see Ver. 9) - a variation of phrase from Ver. 9 (and of our Lord's words, Mark 8:35; Mark 10:29).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Iἐγὼ(egō)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.would have likedἐβουλόμην(eboulomēn)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1014:To will, intend, desire, wish. Middle voice of a primary verb; to 'will, ' i.e. be willing.to keepκατέχειν(katechein)Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 2722:From kata and echo; to hold down, in various applications.[him]ὃν(hon)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.withπρὸς(pros)Preposition
Strong's 4314:To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.me,ἐμαυτὸν(emauton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1683:Genitive case compound of emou and autos; of myself so likewise the dative case emautoi em-ow-to', and accusative case emauton em-ow-ton'.so thatἵνα(hina)Conjunction
Strong's 2443:In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.on your behalfσοῦ(sou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.he could minister toδιακονῇ(diakonē)Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1247:From diakonos; to be an attendant, i.e. Wait upon (figuratively) teacher; technically, to act as a Christian deacon.meμοι(moi)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.[my]τοῖς(tois)Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.chainsδεσμοῖς(desmois)Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1199:Or desmos des-mos' neuter and masculine respectively from deo; a band, i.e. Ligament or shackle; figuratively, an impediment or disability.for theτοῦ(tou)Article - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.gospel.εὐαγγελίου(euangeliou)Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 2098:From the same as euaggelizo; a good message, i.e. The gospel.
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NT Letters: Philemon 1:13 Whom I desired to keep with me (Phm Phl) |
