Philemon 1:10

King James Version (KJV)

I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:

Translations

Philemon 1:10 - Amplified Bible

I appeal to you for my [own spiritual] child, Onesimus [meaning profitable], whom I have begotten [in the faith] while a captive in these chains.

Philemon 1:10 - American Standard Version

I beseech thee for my child, whom I have begotten in my bonds, Onesimus,

Philemon 1:10 - Bible in Basic English

My request is for my child Onesimus, the child of my chains,

Philemon 1:10 - Darby Bible

I exhort thee for *my* child, whom I have begotten in [my] bonds, Onesimus,

Philemon 1:10 - English Standard Version

I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment.

Philemon 1:10 - King James Version

I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:

Philemon 1:10 - La Biblia de las Americas

te ruego por mi hijo Onésimo (I.e., ùtil), a quien he engendrado en mis prisiones,

Philemon 1:10 - The Message

While here in jail, I’ve fathered a child, so to speak. And here he is, hand-carrying this letter—Onesimus! He was useless to you before; now he’s useful to both of us. I’m sending him back to you, but it feels like I’m cutting off my right arm in doing so. I wanted in the worst way to keep him here as your stand-in to help out while I’m in jail for the Message. But I didn’t want to do anything behind your back, make you do a good deed that you hadn’t willingly agreed to.

Philemon 1:10 - New American Standard Bible

I appeal to you for my child (I.e. useful) Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my imprisonment,

Philemon 1:10 - Nueva Biblia Latinoamericana de Hoy

te ruego por mi hijo Onésimo, a quien he engendrado en mis prisiones;

Philemon 1:10 - World English Bible

I beg you for my child, whom I have fathered in my bonds, Onesimus,

Philemon 1:10 - Young's Living Translation

I entreat thee concerning my child -- whom I did beget in my bonds -- Onesimus,

Philemon 1:10 - Additional Comments

"Onesimus" in Greek means "useful" or "profitable."
The arguments Paul gives for Philemon to accept Onesimus back:
1. (vs 5,14,20) See so much good in Philemon towards the saints, this would refresh both Paul and Onesimus if Philemon received Onesimus. (Do not weary of doing good - Gal 6:9-10.)
2. (vs 8) Paul could ask as one who has authority of Philemon (even though he chooses not to).
3. (vs 9) Instead of using his authority over Philemon, Paul entreats Phlemon to respond from love.
4. (vs 9) Paul refers to himself as "the aged", so he entreats out of the wisdom and respect of his years.
5. (vs 9,10) Paul refers to himself as a prisoner, creating sympathy for his request.
6. (vs 10) Onesimus has become a Christian, and Paul states his new position as his spiritual son.
7. (vs 11) Onesimus was useless to Philemon, both physically and spiritually, but is now profitable and useful for both.
8. (vs 12) Paul shows his great affection for Onesimus, and would like to see him do well.
9. (vs 13) Paul shows Onesimus' value, that he would love to keep him there to minister to him, but will deny himself and allow him to go.
10. (vs 15) That such a change is now in Onesimus, that Philemon need not fear him acting the way he formerly did.
11. (vs 15) For Philemon to act out of grace -- Onesimus does not deserve restoration, but as a gift he would be restored.
12. (vs 16) Onesimus is now a brother to Philemon (and Paul).
13. (vs 17) Receive Onesimus as you would Paul, your partner. He is Paul's surrogate - Onesimus travels as his representative.
14. (vs 18,19) Paul is taking any debt owed Philemon by Onesimus on himself, even monetary. Paul reminds Philemon of his own debt to Paul.
15. (vs 21) Paul appeals to Philemon's character, how he regularly goes beyond what people ask and expect.
16. (vs 22) Paul plans to be traveling to see Philemon, which effectively would hold him accountable to how he handles this situation.

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