Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— New Living Translation It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever. English Standard Version For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, Berean Standard Bible For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back for good— Berean Literal Bible For perhaps because of this he was separated for an hour, so that you might have him back eternally, King James Bible For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; New King James Version For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, New American Standard Bible For perhaps it was for this reason that he was separated from you for a while, that you would have him back forever, NASB 1995 For perhaps he was for this reason separated from you for a while, that you would have him back forever, NASB 1977 For perhaps he was for this reason parted from you for a while, that you should have him back forever, Legacy Standard Bible For perhaps he was for this reason separated from you for a while, that you would have him back forever, Amplified Bible Perhaps it was for this reason that he was separated from you for a while, so that you would have him back forever, Berean Annotated Bible For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back for good— Christian Standard Bible For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a brief time, so that you might get him back permanently, Holman Christian Standard Bible For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a brief time, so that you might get him back permanently, American Standard Version For perhaps he was therefore parted from thee for a season, that thou shouldest have him for ever; Contemporary English Version Perhaps Onesimus was taken from you for a little while so you could have him back for good, English Revised Version For perhaps he was therefore parted from thee for a season, that thou shouldest have him for ever; GOD'S WORD® Translation Maybe Onesimus was gone for a while so that you could have him back forever- Good News Translation It may be that Onesimus was away from you for a short time so that you might have him back for all time. International Standard Version Perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a while, so that you could have him back forever, NET Bible For perhaps it was for this reason that he was separated from you for a little while, so that you would have him back eternally, New Heart English Bible For perhaps he was therefore separated from you for a while, that you would have him forever, Webster's Bible Translation For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldst receive him for ever; Weymouth New Testament For perhaps it was for this reason he was parted from you for a time, that you might receive him back wholly and for ever yours; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFor perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back for good— World English Bible For perhaps he was therefore separated from you for a while that you would have him forever, Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor perhaps because of this he departed for an hour, that you may have him continuously, Berean Literal Bible For perhaps because of this he was separated for an hour, so that you might have him back eternally, Young's Literal Translation for perhaps because of this he did depart for an hour, that age-duringly thou mayest have him, Smith's Literal Translation For perhaps therefore he was separated for a time, that thou mightest receive him forever; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor perhaps he therefore departed for a season from thee, that thou mightest receive him again for ever: Catholic Public Domain Version So perhaps, then, he departed from you for a time, so that you might receive him again for eternity, New American Bible Perhaps this is why he was away from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, New Revised Standard Version Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back forever, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BiblePerhaps this was the reason why he left you for a while, that you can now engage him for ever; Aramaic Bible in Plain English But perhaps also for this cause he departed for a time, so that you may have him for eternity, NT Translations Anderson New TestamentPerhaps, indeed, lie departed for a short time for this reason, that you might receive him forever; Godbey New Testament for on this account he suddenly departed from you for an hour, that you might have him back forever; Haweis New Testament For to this end perhaps was he separated from thee for a season, that thou mightest receive him for ever; Mace New Testament perhaps he quitted you for a while, to be yours for ever after: Weymouth New Testament For perhaps it was for this reason he was parted from you for a time, that you might receive him back wholly and for ever yours; Worrell New Testament For, perhaps, he departed for a season for this reason, that you might have him back forever; Worsley New Testament For perhaps he was therefore parted from thee for a season, that thou mightest receive him for ever: Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Paul's Appeal for Onesimus…14But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that your goodness will not be out of compulsion, but by your own free will. 15For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back for good— 16no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a beloved brother. He is especially beloved to me, but even more so to you, both in person and in the Lord.… Cross References For perhaps this is why Genesis 50:20 As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people. Romans 8:28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. Esther 4:14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” he was separated from you Isaiah 54:7-8 “For a brief moment I forsook you, but with great compassion I will bring you back. / In a surge of anger I hid My face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you,” says the LORD your Redeemer. Deuteronomy 30:3-4 then He will restore you from captivity and have compassion on you and gather you from all the nations to which the LORD your God has scattered you. / Even if you have been banished to the farthest horizon, He will gather you and return you from there. Jeremiah 31:16-17 This is what the LORD says: “Keep your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for the reward for your work will come, declares the LORD. Then your children will return from the land of the enemy. / So there is hope for your future, declares the LORD, and your children will return to their own land. for a while, John 16:16 In a little while you will see Me no more, and then after a little while you will see Me.” John 16:22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. 1 Peter 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials so that you might have him back Luke 15:24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again! He was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate. Luke 15:32 But it was fitting to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” 2 Corinthians 2:7-8 So instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. / Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him. for good— 1 Thessalonians 4:17 After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord. John 17:24 Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, that they may see the glory You gave Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world. John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am. Genesis 45:5-8 And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you. / For the famine has covered the land these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting. / God sent me before you to preserve you as a remnant on the earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. … Treasury of Scripture For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that you should receive him for ever; Genesis 45:5-8 Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life… Genesis 50:20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Psalm 76:10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain. Jump to Previous Depart Departed Forever Fully Good Hour Little Mayest Mightest Parted Perhaps Possess Possible Reason Receive Season Separated Shouldest Shouldst Time WhollyJump to Next Depart Departed Forever Fully Good Hour Little Mayest Mightest Parted Perhaps Possess Possible Reason Receive Season Separated Shouldest Shouldst Time WhollyPhilemon 1 1. Paul rejoices to hear of the faith and love of Philemon, 8. whom he desires to forgive his servant Onesimus, and lovingly to receive him again. For perhaps this is why This phrase introduces the idea of divine providence. The use of "perhaps" suggests humility in discerning God's will, acknowledging that human understanding is limited. This reflects the biblical theme that God can work through circumstances that seem negative or unintended, as seen in Genesis 50:20, where Joseph tells his brothers that what they intended for harm, God intended for good. he was separated from you for a while so that you might have him back for good— Persons / Places / Events 1. PhilemonA Christian leader in Colossae, likely a wealthy man who hosted a house church. He is the recipient of Paul's letter. 2. Onesimus A slave who belonged to Philemon. He ran away and later became a Christian under Paul's mentorship. 3. Paul The apostle who wrote the letter to Philemon. He is in prison at the time of writing. 4. Colossae The city where Philemon lived and where the church met in his house. 5. The Separation Refers to the time Onesimus was away from Philemon, which Paul suggests was part of God's providential plan. Teaching Points Providence in SeparationGod can use difficult or unexpected circumstances for His purposes. Onesimus's departure, though initially negative, led to his conversion and a deeper relationship with Philemon. Transformation through Christ Onesimus's account is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel. In Christ, he went from a runaway slave to a beloved brother. Reconciliation and Forgiveness The letter encourages Philemon to forgive Onesimus and accept him back, highlighting the Christian call to reconciliation. The Role of Intercession Paul acts as an intercessor for Onesimus, modeling how believers can advocate for one another in love and grace. Eternal Perspective Paul encourages Philemon to see beyond the temporary separation to the eternal relationship they now share in Christ. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Philemon 1:15?2. How does Philemon 1:15 illustrate God's sovereignty in relationships and circumstances? 3. What does "separated from you for a while" teach about divine purpose? 4. How can Philemon 1:15 encourage reconciliation in our personal relationships today? 5. Compare Philemon 1:15 with Romans 8:28 on God's plan for good. 6. How can we trust God's timing in difficult situations, as seen in Philemon 1:15? 7. How does Philemon 1:15 address the concept of divine providence in human relationships? 8. What historical context is necessary to understand Philemon 1:15? 9. How does Philemon 1:15 challenge traditional views on slavery and freedom? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Philemon 1? 11. What does it mean to hate evil and love good? 12. What is secondary separation? 13. How is Jesus represented in each book of the Bible? 14. Philemon 1:12-16 - Why would Paul send a slave back to his master instead of urging Philemon to free him outright? What Does Philemon 1:15 Mean For PerhapsPaul adopts a gentle tone: “For perhaps…” (Philemon 1:15). • He doesn’t demand, he invites Philemon to recognize God’s hand. Compare Esther 4:14, where Mordecai hints at providence with “who knows?”. • Scripture shows God steering events for His purposes—Romans 8:28; Genesis 45:5. • The word “perhaps” guards against presumption while still affirming divine sovereignty (Proverbs 16:9). He Was Separated from You for a While “…he was separated from you for a while…” (Philemon 1:15). • Onesimus’s flight looked like pure loss, yet God redeems even wrong turns (Psalm 31:15; Jonah 2:3–6). • Temporary trials are often God-ordained classrooms (2 Corinthians 4:17; James 1:2-4). • Paul frames the separation as something God allowed, shifting the focus from human failure to divine purpose (Acts 17:26-27). So That You Might Have Him Back “…so that you might have him back…” (Philemon 1:15). • Restoration, not mere return, is in view—echoing the prodigal son in Luke 15:24. • God reconciles people to Himself and to each other (2 Corinthians 5:18-19; Matthew 18:15). • The gospel turns broken relationships into testimonies of grace (Ephesians 2:13). For Good “…for good—” (Philemon 1:15). • More than lifetime employment, this is eternal brotherhood (verse 16; John 10:28). • “Good” signals lasting spiritual benefit—Philippians 1:6 assures God finishes what He starts. • The transformation of a useless slave into a “beloved brother” (Philemon 1:16) showcases the permanence of redemption (Hebrews 9:12). summary Paul views Onesimus’s flight not as an accident but a providential detour. Temporary separation, guided by God, led to lasting reconciliation and eternal fellowship. The verse invites us to trust God’s unseen purposes, welcome repentant believers warmly, and celebrate the permanent “good” produced through the gospel. (15) For perhaps he therefore departed (or, was parted).--This is a further reason for sending Onesimus back. St. Paul now touches on Onesimus' "being parted" from Philemon, using a phrase not only (as has been noted) euphemistic, but also one which suggested that his running away was, however unconsciously, overruled by a higher hand. God, in His wisdom, "parted" him from Philemon "for a season, that he might receive him for ever." The phrase "for ever" is the word always used for "eternal." The contrast with "for a season" might be satisfied here by the merely relative sense of "perpetual" or "life-long service;" but, considering that the phrase is used in direct reference to the brotherhood of the Communion of Saints, it is better to take it in its absolute sense, of fellowship in the life eternal.Verse 15. - Therefore; for this purpose (final cause). Departed for a season. He was therefore parted from thee for a time (Revised Version). Forever; everlastingly (accusative, not an adverb). The relation of master and slave would have been in any case, and would still be, terminated by death. But it was now replaced by a new relation of Christian brotherhood, which would be permanent - a great advantage. So Calvin, Grotius, and many others. Meyer's objection does not seem of much weight (compare the Perpetua mancipia of Exodus 21:6; Deuteronomy 15:17). Baur thinks that in this verse he has reached the core of the Epistle - the ethical truth which it seeks to embody (but see Introduction: "Authenticity and Characteristics").Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Forγὰρ (gar) Conjunction Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. perhaps τάχα (tacha) Adverb Strong's 5029: Quickly, presently, perhaps. As if neuter plural of tachus; shortly, i.e. possibly. this is why διὰ (dia) Preposition Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. he was separated [from you] ἐχωρίσθη (echōristhē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 5563: From chora; to place room between, i.e. Part; reflexively, to go away. for πρὸς (pros) Preposition Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. a while, ὥραν (hōran) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 5610: Apparently a primary word; an 'hour'. so that ἵνα (hina) Conjunction Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. you might have him back ἀπέχῃς (apechēs) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Singular Strong's 568: To have in full, be far, it is enough. From apo and echo; to have out, i.e. Receive in full; to keep away, i.e. Be distant. for good— αἰώνιον (aiōnion) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 166: From aion; perpetual. Links Philemon 1:15 NIVPhilemon 1:15 NLT Philemon 1:15 ESV Philemon 1:15 NASB Philemon 1:15 KJV Philemon 1:15 BibleApps.com Philemon 1:15 Biblia Paralela Philemon 1:15 Chinese Bible Philemon 1:15 French Bible Philemon 1:15 Catholic Bible NT Letters: Philemon 1:15 For perhaps he was therefore separated (Phm Phl) |
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