Movatterモバイル変換

◄ Philemon 1:15►

New International Version
Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever—

New Living Translation
It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever.

English Standard Version
For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever,

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—

Berean Literal Bible
For perhaps because of this he was separatedfrom you for a time, so that you might possess him eternally,

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

New King James Version
For perhaps he departed for a while for thispurpose, that you might receive him forever,

New American Standard Bible
For perhapsit was for this reasonthat he was separatedfrom you for a while, that you would have him back forever,

NASB 1995
For perhaps he was for this reason separated from you for a while, that you would have him back forever,

NASB 1977
For perhaps he was for this reason partedfrom you for a while, that you should have him back forever,

Legacy Standard Bible
For perhaps he was for this reason separatedfrom you for a while, that you would have him back forever,

Amplified Bible
Perhaps it was for this reason that he was separated from you for a while, so that you would have him back forever,

Christian Standard Bible
For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a brief time, so that you might get him back permanently,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a brief time, so that you might get him back permanently,

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

Contemporary English Version
Perhaps Onesimus was taken from you for a little while so you could have him back for good,

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Maybe Onesimus was gone for a while so that you could have him back forever-

Good News Translation
It may be that Onesimus was away from you for a short time so that you might have him back for all time.

International Standard Version
Perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a while, so that you could have him back forever,

NET Bible
For perhaps it was for this reason that he was separated from you for a little while, so that you would have him back eternally,

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

Webster's Bible Translation
For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldst receive him for ever;

Weymouth New Testament
For perhaps it was for this reason he was parted from you for a time, that you might receive him back wholly and for ever yours;

Majority Text Translations

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

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

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
for perhaps because of this he departed for an hour, that you may have him continuously,

Berean Literal Bible
For perhaps because of this he was separatedfrom you for a time, so that you might possess him eternally,

Young's Literal Translation
for perhaps because of this he did depart for an hour, that age-duringly thou mayest have him,

Smith's Literal Translation
For perhaps therefore he was separated for a time, that thou mightest receive him forever;

Catholic Translations

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

Catholic Public Domain Version
So perhaps, then, he departed from you for a time, so that you might receive him again for eternity,

New American Bible
Perhaps this is why he was away from you for a while, that you might have him back forever,

New Revised Standard Version
Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back forever,

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Perhaps this was the reason why he left you for a while, that you can now engage him for ever;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But perhaps also for this cause he departed for a time, so that you may have him for eternity,

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
Perhaps, indeed, lie departed for a short time for this reason, that you might receive him forever;

Godbey New Testament
for on this account he suddenly departed from you for an hour, that you might have him back forever;

Haweis New Testament
For to this end perhaps was he separated from thee for a season, that thou mightest receive him for ever;

Mace New Testament
perhaps he quitted you for a while, to be yours for ever after:

Weymouth New Testament
For perhaps it was for this reason he was parted from you for a time, that you might receive him back wholly and for ever yours;

Worrell New Testament
For, perhaps, he departed for a season for this reason, that you might have him back forever;

Worsley New Testament
For perhaps he was therefore partedfrom thee for a season, that thou mightest receive him for ever:

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

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.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Genesis 45:5-8
And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you. / For the famine has covered the land these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting. / God sent me before you to preserve you as a remnant on the earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. ...

Romans 8:28
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

Genesis 50:20
As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people.

Esther 4:14
For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

2 Corinthians 4:17
For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison.

Acts 15:37-39
Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark. / But Paul thought it best not to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not accompanied them in the work. / Their disagreement was so sharp that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus,

1 Corinthians 7:21-24
Were you a slave when you were called? Do not let it concern you—but if you can gain your freedom, take the opportunity. / For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. Conversely, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave. / You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. ...

Ephesians 6:5-9
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. / And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. / Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, ...

Colossians 3:22-25
Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. / Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. ...

1 Peter 2:18-20
Servants, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but even to those who are unreasonable. / For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended. / How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.

Matthew 18:21-22
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?” / Jesus answered, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!

Luke 15:11-32
Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. / The younger son said to him, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. / After a few days, the younger son got everything together and journeyed to a distant country, where he squandered his wealth in wild living. ...

Galatians 4:7
So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God.

1 Timothy 6:1-2
All who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their masters as fully worthy of honor, so that God’s name and our teaching will not be discredited. / Those who have believing masters should not show disrespect because they are brothers, but should serve them all the more, since those receiving their good service are beloved believers. Teach and encourage these principles.

Exodus 21:2-6
If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free without paying anything. / If he arrived alone, he is to leave alone; if he arrived with a wife, she is to leave with him. / If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the woman and her children shall belong to her master, and only the man shall go free. ...

Treasury of Scripture

For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that you should receive him for ever;

Genesis 45:5-8
Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life…

Genesis 50:20
But as for you, ye thought evil against me;but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, asit is this day, to save much people alive.

Psalm 76:10
Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.

Jump to Previous

Depart Departed Forever Fully Good Hour Little Mayest Mightest Parted Perhaps Possess Possible Reason Receive Season Separated Shouldest Shouldst Time Wholly

Jump to Next

Depart Departed Forever Fully Good Hour Little Mayest Mightest Parted Perhaps Possess Possible Reason Receive Season Separated Shouldest Shouldst Time Wholly

Philemon 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.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

For perhaps this is why
This phrase introduces the idea of divine providence. The use of "perhaps" suggests humility in discerning God's will, acknowledging that human understanding is limited. This reflects the biblical theme that God can work through circumstances that seem negative or unintended, as seen inGenesis 50:20, where Joseph tells his brothers that what they intended for harm, God intended for good.

he was separated from you
The separation refers to Onesimus, a slave who had run away from his master, Philemon. In the Roman world, slavery was a common institution, and a runaway slave could face severe punishment. This separation, though seemingly a negative event, is presented as part of a larger divine plan. The concept of separation leading to a greater purpose is echoed in the story of Moses, who was separated from his people for a time before leading them to freedom.

for a while
This indicates a temporary situation, suggesting that the separation was not meant to be permanent. The temporary nature of trials is a recurring theme in Scripture, as seen in2 Corinthians 4:17, which speaks of "light and momentary troubles" achieving an eternal glory. It emphasizes the transient nature of earthly struggles in contrast to eternal outcomes.

so that you might have him back
The return of Onesimus is not just a physical return but a transformation. Onesimus is returning not merely as a slave but as a brother in Christ. This reflects the transformative power of the Gospel, which changes relationships and social structures. The reconciliation between Philemon and Onesimus is a microcosm of the reconciliation between God and humanity through Christ.

for good—
This phrase implies a permanent and positive change. The Greek word used here can mean both "forever" and "better," suggesting both a lasting relationship and an improved one. This echoes the eternal nature of the new covenant in Christ, as seen inHebrews 9:15, where Christ is the mediator of a new covenant that is eternal. The transformation of Onesimus from a slave to a beloved brother is a type of the believer's transformation in Christ, from bondage to sin to freedom and eternal life.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Philemon
A Christian leader in Colossae, likely a wealthy man who hosted a house church. He is the recipient of Paul's letter.

2.Onesimus
A slave who belonged to Philemon. He ran away and later became a Christian under Paul's mentorship.

3.Paul
The apostle who wrote the letter to Philemon. He is in prison at the time of writing.

4.Colossae
The city where Philemon lived and where the church met in his house.

5.The Separation
Refers to the time Onesimus was away from Philemon, which Paul suggests was part of God's providential plan.

Teaching Points

Providence in Separation
God can use difficult or unexpected circumstances for His purposes. Onesimus's departure, though initially negative, led to his conversion and a deeper relationship with Philemon.

Transformation through Christ
Onesimus's account is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel. In Christ, he went from a runaway slave to a beloved brother.

Reconciliation and Forgiveness
The letter encourages Philemon to forgive Onesimus and accept him back, highlighting the Christian call to reconciliation.

The Role of Intercession
Paul acts as an intercessor for Onesimus, modeling how believers can advocate for one another in love and grace.

Eternal Perspective
Paul encourages Philemon to see beyond the temporary separation to the eternal relationship they now share in Christ.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Philemon 1:15?

2.How does Philemon 1:15 illustrate God's sovereignty in relationships and circumstances?

3.What does "separated from you for a while" teach about divine purpose?

4.How can Philemon 1:15 encourage reconciliation in our personal relationships today?

5.Compare Philemon 1:15 with Romans 8:28 on God's plan for good.

6.How can we trust God's timing in difficult situations, as seen in Philemon 1:15?

7.How does Philemon 1:15 address the concept of divine providence in human relationships?

8.What historical context is necessary to understand Philemon 1:15?

9.How does Philemon 1:15 challenge traditional views on slavery and freedom?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Philemon 1?

11.What does it mean to hate evil and love good?

12.What is secondary separation?

13.How is Jesus represented in each book of the Bible?

14.Philemon 1:12-16 - Why would Paul send a slave back to his master instead of urging Philemon to free him outright?

What Does Philemon 1:15 Mean

For Perhaps

Paul adopts a gentle tone: “For perhaps…” (Philemon 1:15).

• He doesn’t demand, he invites Philemon to recognize God’s hand. CompareEsther 4:14, where Mordecai hints at providence with “who knows?”.

• Scripture shows God steering events for His purposes—Romans 8:28;Genesis 45:5.

• The word “perhaps” guards against presumption while still affirming divine sovereignty (Proverbs 16:9).

He Was Separated from You for a While

“…he was separated from you for a while…” (Philemon 1:15).

• Onesimus’s flight looked like pure loss, yet God redeems even wrong turns (Psalm 31:15;Jonah 2:3–6).

• Temporary trials are often God-ordained classrooms (2 Corinthians 4:17;James 1:2-4).

• Paul frames the separation as something God allowed, shifting the focus from human failure to divine purpose (Acts 17:26-27).

So That You Might Have Him Back

“…so that you might have him back…” (Philemon 1:15).

• Restoration, not mere return, is in view—echoing the prodigal son inLuke 15:24.

• God reconciles people to Himself and to each other (2 Corinthians 5:18-19;Matthew 18:15).

• The gospel turns broken relationships into testimonies of grace (Ephesians 2:13).

For Good

“…for good—” (Philemon 1:15).

• More than lifetime employment, this is eternal brotherhood (verse 16;John 10:28).

• “Good” signals lasting spiritual benefit—Philippians 1:6 assures God finishes what He starts.

• The transformation of a useless slave into a “beloved brother” (Philemon 1:16) showcases the permanence of redemption (Hebrews 9:12).

summary

Paul views Onesimus’s flight not as an accident but a providential detour. Temporary separation, guided by God, led to lasting reconciliation and eternal fellowship. The verse invites us to trust God’s unseen purposes, welcome repentant believers warmly, and celebrate the permanent “good” produced through the gospel.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(15)For perhaps he therefore departed (or,was parted).--This is a further reason for sending Onesimus back. St. Paul now touches on Onesimus' "being parted" from Philemon, using a phrase not only (as has been noted) euphemistic, but also one which suggested that his running away was, however unconsciously, overruled by a higher hand. God, in His wisdom, "parted" him from Philemon "for a season, that he might receive him for ever." The phrase "for ever" is the word always used for "eternal." The contrast with "for a season" might be satisfied here by the merely relative sense of "perpetual" or "life-long service;" but, considering that the phrase is used in direct reference to the brotherhood of the Communion of Saints, it is better to take it in its absolute sense, of fellowship in the life eternal.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 15. -Therefore; for this purpose (final cause).Departed for a season. He was therefore parted from thee for a time (Revised Version).Forever; everlastingly (accusative, not an adverb). The relation of master and slave would have been in any case, and would still be, terminated by death. But it was now replaced by a new relation of Christian brotherhood, which would be permanent - a great advantage. So Calvin, Grotius, and many others. Meyer's objection does not seem of much weight (compare thePerpetua mancipia ofExodus 21:6;Deuteronomy 15:17). Baur thinks that in this verse he has reached the core of the Epistle - the ethical truth which it seeks to embody (but see Introduction: "Authenticity and Characteristics").

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

For
γὰρ(gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

perhaps
τάχα(tacha)
Adverb
Strong's 5029:Quickly, presently, perhaps. As if neuter plural of tachus; shortly, i.e. possibly.

this is why
διὰ(dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223:A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

he was separated [from you]
ἐχωρίσθη(echōristhē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5563:From chora; to place room between, i.e. Part; reflexively, to go away.

for
πρὸς(pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314:To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

a while,
ὥραν(hōran)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5610:Apparently a primary word; an 'hour'.

so that
ἵνα(hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443:In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

you might have him back
ἀπέχῃς(apechēs)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 568:To have in full, be far, it is enough. From apo and echo; to have out, i.e. Receive in full; to keep away, i.e. Be distant.

for good—
αἰώνιον(aiōnion)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 166:From aion; perpetual.

Links

Philemon 1:15 NIV
Philemon 1:15 NLT
Philemon 1:15 ESV
Philemon 1:15 NASB
Philemon 1:15 KJV

Philemon 1:15 BibleApps.com
Philemon 1:15 Biblia Paralela
Philemon 1:15 Chinese Bible
Philemon 1:15 French Bible
Philemon 1:15 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: Philemon 1:15 For perhaps he was therefore separated (Phm Phl)