Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?

PHILEMON 1:16KJV
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Philemon 1:16 (KJV)

What does Philemon 1:16 mean?

Philemon 1:16 means that Onesimus should no longer be seen just as a servant, but as someone even more important—a dearly loved brother, especially to Paul, and even more so to Philemon, both in everyday life and in their shared faith in the Lord. Paul is urging Philemon to welcome Onesimus back not just as a worker, but as family.

Paul is writing to Philemon about Onesimus, who had been Philemon’s servant but had become a Christian while with Paul. Paul is asking Philemon to see Onesimus in a new light: not just as a servant (Greek: δοῦλος, doulos), but as a beloved brother (Greek: ἀδελφός, adelphos), both in their human relationship and as fellow believers. This verse highlights a shift in status and relationship because of their shared faith.

The Greek behind Philemon 1:16

  • δοῦλος (doulos, "servant"): This word means a bondservant or slave. Paul uses it to describe Onesimus’s former status, but then contrasts it with something higher.
  • ὑπὲρ (hyper, "above"): This word means “more than” or “beyond.” Paul is emphasizing that Onesimus’s new relationship to Philemon goes beyond the old master-servant dynamic.
  • ἀδελφός (adelphos, "brother"): This word means “brother,” often used for fellow Christians. Paul is stressing the new, spiritual family bond between Philemon and Onesimus.
  • ἐν σαρκί (en sarki, "in the flesh") and ἐν Κυρίῳ (en Kyriō, "in the Lord"): These phrases show that Onesimus is now connected to Philemon both in everyday life and in their faith, making the relationship doubly strong.

Why Philemon 1:16 matters

  • Philemon 1:16 clarifies that Christian faith changes personal relationships, urging believers to see each other as family rather than just by social roles.
  • The verse shows Paul’s gentle but firm encouragement to Philemon to forgive and fully accept Onesimus, reflecting the transforming power of the gospel.
  • This verse is key to understanding the letter’s main appeal: Paul is not just asking for Onesimus’s return, but for a complete rethinking of his place in Philemon’s life.

Where else these words appear

“specially” Greek G3122 · used in 12 verses

  • Acts 20:38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
  • Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
  • 1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

“much” Greek G4214 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 6:23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
  • Mark 6:38 He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.
  • Luke 15:17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

“now” Greek G3765 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
  • John 11:54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.
  • Romans 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

“beloved” Greek G27 · used in 61 verses

  • Matthew 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
  • 1 Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;