Add parallel Print Page Options

11 who was once useless to you but is now useful[a] to [both] you and me. 12 I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you. 13 I should have liked to retain him for myself, so that he might serve[b] me on your behalf in my imprisonment for the gospel,(A)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 11 Useless…useful: here Paul plays on the name Onesimus, which means “useful” or “beneficial.” The verb translated “profit” in Phlm 20 is cognate.
  2. 13 Serve: the Greek diakoneō could connote a ministry.

11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.

12 I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. 13 I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains(A) for the gospel.

Read full chapter