Philemon 1:19 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it — to say nothing of your owing me even your own self.

NIV: I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self.

NASB: I, Paul, have written this with my own hand, I will repay it (not to mention to you that you owe to me even your own self as well).

CSB: I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it—not to mention to you that you owe me even your very self.

NLT: I, PAUL, WRITE THIS WITH MY OWN HAND: I WILL REPAY IT. AND I WON’T MENTION THAT YOU OWE ME YOUR VERY SOUL!

KJV: I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.

NKJV: I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay—not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides.

This verse extends Paul's focus on Onesimus' freedom which began in verse 8, and shifted to a personal emphasis in verse 17. It is clear Paul was personally marking these words on paper, adding to the authenticity of his promise. Paul often used others to physically write down the words of his letters, a common practice in the first century. This is the same idea as a modern stenographer, or transcriber.

In this letter, Timothy may have been Paul's assistant (Philemon 1:1), as was also likely the case in 2 Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, and 2 Thessalonians. However, Paul often hand-wrote his own personal comments (1 Corinthians 16:21; Galatians 6:11; Colossians 4:18; 2 Thessalonians 3:17).

In contrast with Paul's commitment to repay debt for Onesimus, he mentions that Philemon is deeply indebted to Paul in the first place. In other words, Paul believed he had been involved in a particularly powerful blessing on Philemon's life. This was probably not financial, since Philemon appears to have been quite wealthy, and Paul was the missionary needing support. Paul likely had in mind the fact that his missionary work in the region where Philemon lived led to his conversion, a vital spiritual blessing.

Philemon 1:17–22 continues Paul’s request that Philemon free his runaway slave, Onesimus. Paul goes so far as to ask Philemon to treat Onesimus exactly as he would Paul himself. And, Paul pledges to repay any debts which Onesimus now owes to Philemon. Paul seems confident that Philemon will grant his request, and asks him make a room ready in anticipation of his release from imprisonment.

Philemon is a letter from Paul, regarding a runaway slave named Onesimus. Paul respectfully requests that Philemon forgive his runaway slave, free him, and allow him to serve Christ without restrictions. Philemon was a prominent figure in the church of Colossae. Paul goes so far as to ask Philemon to charge any debts owed by Onesimus to Paul himself.

Philemon is short enough that it only contains a single chapter. Because Paul knows Philemon personally, and has only positive things to say about him, there is no need for a lengthy discussion. Paul appeals to Philemon to forgive and release his runaway slave, Onesimus. Onesimus, a convert to Christianity, seems be the one sent to deliver this letter to his former master.

Philemon is one of the shorter books in the Bible, but it contains some important information. The Christian concept of slavery cannot be understood without a proper review of this letter. Paul recognizes the facts of slavery in his era, and does not command Philemon to release Onesimus. However, he does appeal to the unity we share in Christ as a reason for Philemon to set this man free.