Philemon 14-16
New Century Version
14 But I did not want to do anything without asking you first so that any good you do for me will be because you want to do it, not because I forced you. 15 Maybe Onesimus was separated from you for a short time so you could have him back forever— 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a loved brother. I love him very much, but you will love him even more, both as a person and as a believer in the Lord.
Read full chapter
Philemon 14-16
English Standard Version
14 but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be (A)by compulsion but of your own accord. 15 For this perhaps is why (B)he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, 16 (C)no longer as a bondservant[a] but more than a bondservant, as (D)a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much more to you, (E)both in the flesh and in the Lord.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Philemon 1:16 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface; twice in this verse
The Holy Bible, New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025.
