Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:

PHILEMON 1:11KJV
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Philemon 1:11 (KJV)

What does Philemon 1:11 mean?

Philemon 1:11 describes how Onesimus, who was once considered useless or unhelpful to Philemon, has now become valuable and beneficial both to Philemon and to Paul. The verse highlights a real change in Onesimus’s character or usefulness.

Paul is writing to Philemon about Onesimus, a slave who had run away but has since become a Christian while with Paul. Paul points out that Onesimus’s past was marked by being "unprofitable" to Philemon, but now, after his transformation, he is "profitable" to both of them, showing a clear shift in relationship and worth.

The Greek behind Philemon 1:11

  • ἀχρηστον (achrēston, "unprofitable") and εὔχρηστον (euchrēston, "profitable") are used as a wordplay. The Greek here carries the sense of being useless versus being truly helpful or valuable, which sharpens the contrast Paul is making about Onesimus’s change.
  • νῦν (nyn, "now") emphasizes the present, showing that the change in Onesimus is current and real, not just hoped for.
  • καί (kai, "and") links Philemon and Paul together as both benefiting from Onesimus, not just one or the other, which underlines the communal aspect of Onesimus’s transformation.

Why Philemon 1:11 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Paul is not ignoring Onesimus’s past faults but is emphasizing genuine change, which can help clear up the idea that Christian forgiveness overlooks wrongdoing rather than recognizing real growth.
  • By stressing that Onesimus is now useful to both Philemon and Paul, the verse connects personal transformation to practical benefit within the Christian community.
  • The contrast in the verse sets up Paul’s appeal for Philemon to receive Onesimus back, not just as a slave, but as someone who now has real value and a new identity.

Where else these words appear

“profitable” Greek G2173 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Timothy 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
  • 2 Timothy 4:11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

“now” Greek G3570 · used in 21 verses

  • Romans 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
  • 1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
  • Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

“past” Greek G4218 · used in 28 verses

  • Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
  • Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:

“me” Greek G1698 · used in 87 verses

  • Matthew 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
  • John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:4 Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we(that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.