Lexical Summary oninémi: To profit, benefit, help Original Word: ὀνίνημι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance have joy. A prolonged form of an apparently primary verb (onomai, to slur); for which another prolonged form (onao) is used as an alternate in some tenses (unless indeed it be identical with the base of onoma through the idea of notoriety); to gratify, i.e. (middle voice) to derive pleasure or advantage from -- have joy. see GREEK onoma NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. verb Definition to profit, help NASB Translation benefit (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3685: ὀνίνημιὀνίνημι: from Homer down; to be useful, to profit, help (Latinjuvo); middle, present ὀνίναμαι; 2 aorist ὠνήμην (and later ὠνάμην, see Lob. ad Phryn., p. 12f; Kühner, § 343 under the word, i., p. 880; (Veitch, under the word)), optative ὀναίμην; to receive profit or advantage, be helped (or have joy (Latinjuvor)): τίνος, of one, Philemon 1:20 (see Lightfoot at the passage). (Elsewhere in the Scriptures only in Sir. 30:2.) Topical Lexicon Significance in Pauline Correspondence Strong’s Greek 3685 appears once in the New Testament, within Paul’s brief letter to Philemon. Its solitary occurrence carries weight because Paul crafts the entire appeal for Onesimus around the idea embedded in this term—personal benefit that ultimately glorifies Christ. The word functions as the pivot of Paul’s argument, conveying not mere advantage but spiritual profit gained through Christian fellowship. Context in Philemon Philemon 1:20 reads, “Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.” The apostle has already urged Philemon to welcome his runaway bond-servant Onesimus “no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a beloved brother” (Philemon 1:16). By the time Paul reaches verse 20, he calls for an act that will produce tangible spiritual gain: Philemon’s gracious reception of Onesimus will “refresh” Paul’s very heart while he remains imprisoned for the gospel. Thus the word captures a triple benefit—blessing for Paul, reconciliation for Philemon, and restoration for Onesimus—all “in the Lord.” Theological Themes 1. Mutual Edification. The term underscores how believers are meant to bring genuine profit to one another (compare Romans 1:11-12; 1 Thessalonians 3:8). Connection with the Name Onesimus Onesimus means “useful” or “profitable.” Paul’s use of Strong’s 3685 forms a deliberate wordplay: the once “useless” (Philemon 1:11) servant can now live up to his name through gospel reconciliation. The pun is pastoral, not merely literary; it affirms the gospel’s power to remake identity and purpose (2 Corinthians 5:17). Pastoral Implications for Christian Community • Reconciliation is profitable ministry. Restoring fractured relationships yields spiritual dividends that extend beyond the immediate parties involved. Historical Background In the Roman world, a runaway slave faced severe penalties. By interceding for Onesimus, Paul presses a radical gospel ethic onto a first-century socio-legal system. The single verb at Philemon 1:20 signals a reversal of expected outcomes: instead of retribution, there will be profit—spiritually, relationally, even socially—demonstrating the kingdom’s subversive grace (Galatians 3:28). Doctrinal and Practical Applications • Justification produces new usefulness. Once estranged sinners become instruments of blessing (Ephesians 2:10). Links to Old Testament Concepts The Old Testament often pairs righteousness with benefit to the community (Psalm 112:5-9; Proverbs 11:10). Paul’s vocabulary resonates with Wisdom literature where favor and refreshment flow from covenant faithfulness (Proverbs 11:25). Thus the apostle stands in continuity with the scriptural pattern that ties godliness to communal prosperity. Use in Early Church Discourse Although the verbal root appears only here in canonical Greek, the patristic writers picked up Paul’s language. Ignatius, writing to the Ephesians, describes mutual benefit in Christ as the hallmark of church unity. The single-use New Testament term therefore seeded a tradition of viewing Christian relationships through the lens of shared profit for the gospel. Concluding Reflection Strong’s Greek 3685 may surface only once, yet its lone appearance crystallizes the heart of Christian fellowship: believers derive true joy and benefit when they act in ways that honor Christ and heal relationships. Paul’s artful deployment of the word summons every generation to become “useful” servants whose lives refresh the saints and magnify the Lord. Forms and Transliterations οναιμην οναίμην ὀναίμην ονοκένταυροι ονοκενταύροις onaimen onaimēn onaímen onaímēnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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