✉️WEB · Philemon 1:13
What does Philemon 1:13 mean?
"whom I desired to keep with me, that on your behalf he might serve me in my chains for the Good News."
— Philemon 1:13 (World English Bible)
Surrounding context
I beg you for my child, whom I have become the father of in my chains, Onesimus,
who once was useless to you, but now is useful to you and to me.
I am sending him back. Therefore receive him, that is, my own heart,
whom I desired to keep with me, that on your behalf he might serve me in my chains for the Good News.
But I was willing to do nothing without your consent, that your goodness would not be as of necessity, but of free will.
For perhaps he was therefore separated from you for a while, that you would have him forever,
no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much rather to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
A full explanation for this verse is coming soon. In the meantime, you can ask our AI about Philemon 1:13 directly — it will give you a detailed answer grounded in the actual text.
Compare translations
Go deeper with ScriptureCompanion AI
Ask questions about any verse, follow reading plans, write personal prayers, and track your daily habit — all grounded in verified scripture text.