The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. Written from Rome to Philemon, by Onesimus a servant.

PHILEMON 1:25KJV
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Philemon 1:25 (KJV)

What does Philemon 1:25 mean?

Philemon 1:25 is a closing blessing from Paul, wishing that the grace of Jesus Christ would be with Philemon’s spirit. Paul ends his letter with a prayerful hope that Philemon will experience the kindness and favor that come from Jesus.

Paul is writing from Rome to Philemon, a Christian in Colossae, and this final verse serves as a personal and spiritual farewell. The mention of “your spirit” highlights a deep, inner encouragement, not just a general wish for well-being. The letter itself was delivered by Onesimus, a servant, which adds a personal touch to this closing line.

The Greek behind Philemon 1:25

  • χάρις (charis, "grace"): This word means favor, kindness, or goodwill, especially as a gift from God. Paul’s use of it here is a reminder that everything he hopes for Philemon comes from Jesus’s generosity.
  • πνεῦμα (pneuma, "spirit"): This refers to the inner life or soul of a person. Paul’s blessing is not just for Philemon’s outward circumstances but for his deepest self.
  • ἀμήν (amēn, "Amen"): This is a word of affirmation, meaning “truly” or “so be it,” underscoring Paul’s sincerity and the seriousness of his prayer.

Why Philemon 1:25 matters

  • This verse shows that Paul’s concern for Philemon is not just practical but spiritual, focusing on his inner life and relationship with Jesus.
  • The blessing ties together the whole letter, which deals with forgiveness and reconciliation, by grounding it in the grace that comes from Christ.
  • Noting that Onesimus, the former servant, is the letter’s carrier, the closing highlights the personal nature of Paul’s appeal and the unity he hopes to see among believers.

Where else these words appear

“Philemon” Greek G5371 · used in 2 verses

  • Philemon 1:1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,

“Onesimus” Greek G3682 · used in 4 verses

  • Colossians 4:9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.
  • Colossians 4:18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. Written from Rome to Colossians by Tychicus and Onesimus.
  • Philemon 1:10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:

“servant” Greek G3610 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 16:13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
  • Acts 10:7 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;
  • Romans 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

“Rome” Greek G4516 · used in 14 verses

  • Acts 18:2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla;(because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.
  • Acts 28:16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.
  • Ephesians 6:24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. To the Ephesians written from Rome, by Tychicus.