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Verse Takeaways
1
A Clever Wordplay
Several commentators highlight a clever pun in Paul's request. The Greek verb for 'let me have joy' or 'benefit' (onaimēn) is the root of the name 'Onesimus,' which means 'profitable.' Paul is essentially saying, 'Let me find you to be a true Onesimus (profitable) to me by accepting the one who has now become truly profitable.'
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Philemon
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Commentaries
8
Albert Barnes
On Philemon 1:20
18th Century
Theologian
Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord. "By showing me this favour in receiving my friend and brother as I request." The phras…
AT Robertson
On Philemon 1:20
Let me have joy of thee (εγω σου οναιμην). Second aorist middle optative of ονινημ, old verb, only here in N.T. Optative the regul…
Charles Ellicott
On Philemon 1:20
19th Century
Bishop
Let me have joy of you.—Properly, may I have pleasure, or profit, from you: a phrase used espec…
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Charles Spurgeon
On Philemon 1:20
19th Century
Preacher
"You have refreshed others; then, surely, you will not let me be without refreshment now. You have been very kind to all sorts of saints; then you …
Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Philemon 1:20
Paul now expresses another wish, using the same word in “I do wish... some benefit” (GK 3949) as is in the root of the name Onesimus. Paul then ret…
John Calvin
On Philemon 1:20
16th Century
Theologian
Yea, brother. This affirmation is used to increase the intensity of the exhortation, as if he had said, “Now it will be clearly proven tha…
John Gill
On Philemon 1:20
17th Century
Pastor
Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord
Through the apostle was his spiritual father, having been the inst…
Matthew Henry
On Philemon 1:15–22
17th Century
Minister
When we speak of the nature of any sin or offense against God, its evil is not to be lessened; but in a penitent sinner, as God covers it, so must …