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

6in such sort that thy participation in the faith should become operative in the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in us towards Christ [Jesus]. 7For we have great thankfulness and encouragement through thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. Wherefore having much boldness in Christ to enjoin thee what is fitting, 9for love's sake I rather exhort, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now also prisoner of Jesus Christ. 10I exhort thee for my child, whom I have begotten in [my] bonds, Onesimus,

Philemon 1:8 word by word

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

• muchπολύςpolus polos · muchG4183
• boldnessπαρρησίαparrhēsia · boldnessG3954
• ChristΧριστόςChristos · ChristG5547

Cross-references for Philemon 1:8

• 2 Corinthians 3:12Having therefore such hope, we use much boldness:
• 2 Corinthians 10:1But I myself, Paul, entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of the Christ, who, as to appearance, [when present] [am] mean among you, but absent am bold towards you;
• 2 Corinthians 11:21I speak as to dishonour, as though we had been weak; but wherein any one is daring, (I speak in folly,) I also am daring.
• 1 Thessalonians 2:2but, having suffered before and been insulted, even as ye know, in Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the glad tidings of God with much earnest striving.
• 2 Corinthians 10:8For and if I should boast even somewhat more abundantly of our authority, which the Lord has given [to us] for building up and not for your overthrowing, I shall not be put to shame;

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
• 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