That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

PHILEMON 1:6KJV
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Philemon 1:6 (KJV)

What does Philemon 1:6 mean?

Philemon 1:6 expresses Paul’s hope that Philemon’s faith will become powerful and effective as he recognizes and shares all the good things he has in Christ Jesus. Paul is praying that Philemon’s understanding of what God has done in his life will lead to fruitful relationships and actions.

Paul is writing personally to Philemon, a Christian in Colossae, about how faith should work out in daily life. Paul’s words encourage Philemon to see the good that God has placed in him through Christ and to let that awareness overflow in how he interacts with others, especially in the situation with Onesimus, the runaway slave. The verse highlights the connection between understanding God’s gifts and living out faith in practical, visible ways.

The Greek behind Philemon 1:6

  • The word "communication" (κοινωνία, koinōnia) is often understood as "sharing" or "fellowship," not just talking but actively participating in the life of faith with others. This suggests Paul is focusing on the practical sharing of faith, not just beliefs.
  • The word "effectual" (ἐνεργής, energēs) carries the sense of something being active, powerful, or effective. Paul is praying for Philemon’s faith to have real impact, not to remain passive.
  • The word "acknowledging" (ἐπίγνωσις, epignōsis) means a deep, personal recognition or understanding. Paul is not just talking about head knowledge but a lived, experiential awareness of the good in Christ.

Why Philemon 1:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that faith is not just private belief but is meant to be shared and lived out in community, making a real difference in relationships.
  • Paul’s emphasis on "every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus" reminds readers that all goodness in a believer’s life comes from being connected to Christ, not from personal merit.
  • Understanding this verse helps set the tone for Paul’s appeal to Philemon about Onesimus, showing that Paul’s request is rooted in the practical outworking of Christian faith and love.

Where else these words appear

“effectual” Greek G1756 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 16:9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
  • Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

“communication” Greek G2842 · used in 18 verses

  • Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
  • Philippians 2:1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

“acknowledging” Greek G1922 · used in 20 verses

  • Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
  • Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
  • 2 Timothy 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

“That” Greek G3704 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Mark 3:6 And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.
  • Acts 20:16 For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.