15 For this perhaps is why (A)he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, 16 (B)no longer as a bondservant[a] but more than a bondservant, as (C)a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much more to you, (D)both in the flesh and in the Lord.

17 So if you consider me (E)your partner, receive him as you would receive me.

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Footnotes

  1. Philemon 1:16 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface; twice in this verse

15 Perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a while, so that you could have him back forever, 16 no longer as a slave but better than a slave—as a dear brother, especially to me, but even more so to you, both as a person and as a believer.[a]

17 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome[b] me.

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Footnotes

  1. Philemon 1:16 Or both in the flesh and in the Lord
  2. Philemon 1:17 The Gk. lacks you would welcome