Philemon 1:8

Philemon 1:8 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,
• New International Version (NIV)Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do,
• English Standard Version (ESV)Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required,
• New King James Version (NKJV)Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting,

Context of Philemon 1:8

6I pray that your partnership in the faith may become effective as you fully acknowledge every good thing that is ours in Christ. 7I take great joy and encouragement in your love, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints. So although in Christ I am bold enough to order you to do what is proper, 9I prefer to appeal on the basis of love. For I, Paul, am now aged, and a prisoner of Christ Jesus as well. 10I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whose father I became while I was in chains.

Philemon 1:8 word by word

Διὸ πολλὴν ἐν Χριστῷ παρρησίαν ἔχων ἐπιτάσσειν σοι τὸ ἀνῆκονRead the interlinear

• Soδιόdio · thereforeG1352
• although inἐνen · in/on/amongG1722
• ChristΧριστόςChristos · ChristG5547
• I amἔχωechō · to have/beG2192
• boldπαρρησίαparrhēsia · boldnessG3954
• enoughπολύςpolus polos · muchG4183
• to orderἐπιτάσσωepitassō · to commandG2004
• youσύsu · youG4771
• whatὁho hē to · the/this/whoG3588
• properἀνήκωanēkō · be fittingG433

Cross-references for Philemon 1:8

• 2 Corinthians 3:12Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.
• 2 Corinthians 10:1Now by the mildness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am humble when face to face with you, but bold when away.
• 2 Corinthians 11:21To my shame I concede that we were too weak for that! Speaking as a fool, however, I can match what anyone else dares to boast about.
• 1 Thessalonians 2:2As you are aware, we had already endured suffering and shameful treatment in Philippi. But in the face of strong opposition, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God.
• 2 Corinthians 10:8For even if I boast somewhat excessively about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed.

Commentaries on Philemon 1:8

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 8Wherefore, though I might be much bold - It would be better to read: Wherefore, although I have much authority through Christ, to command thee to do what is proper; yet, on account of my love to thee, I entreat thee. The tenderness and delicacy of this epistle, says Dr. Paley, have long been admired: "Though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient; yet, for love's sake, I rather beseech thee, being such a one as Paul the…Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 8Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ - Though I might have much boldness as an apostle of Christ. He means that he was invested with authority by the Lord Jesus, and would have a right, as an apostle, to enjoin what ought to be done in the case which he is about to lay before him; compare 1 Thessalonians 2:6-7. To enjoin thee that which is convenient - To command what is proper to be done. The word “convenient” here ( ̀ ̓͂ to anēkō), means…Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 8-14Verses 8-14 It does not lower any one to condescend, and sometimes even to beseech, where, in strictness of right, we might command: the apostle argues from love, rather than authority, in behalf of one converted through his means; and this was Onesimus. In allusion to that name, which signifies "profitable," the apostle allows that in time past he had been unprofitable to Philemon, but hastens to mention the change by which he had become profitable…Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 8-9The apostle Paul asked for a favor because Philemon was well-known as a kind and loving person (1:5–7). Paul could have used his authority as an apostle of Christ to demand it, but he chose to ask out of love. I, Paul, am now aged: Paul appealed to the respect owed to older people and his status as a prisoner for Christ Jesus, which would increase a fellow Christian’s respect.Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 88. Wherefore--Because of my love to thee, I prefer to "beseech," rather than "enjoin," or authoritatively command. I might ... enjoin--in virtue of the obligation to obedience which Philemon lay under to Paul, as having been converted through his instrumentality. in Christ--the element in which his boldness has place.Read the comment

In the dictionaries

• Christ
• Christ, Messiah
• Boldness
• Enjoin
• Paul, Saul

Commentaries on Philemon 1

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Calvin’s Commentaries
• Illustrated New Testament
• Burkitt’s Expository Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• Robertson’s Word Pictures
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings