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

6As you share the faith you have in common with others, I pray that you may come to have a complete knowledge of every blessing we have in Christ. 7Your love ⌞for God’s people⌟ gives me a lot of joy and encouragement. You, brother, have comforted God’s people. Christ makes me bold enough to order you to do the right thing. 9However, I would prefer to make an appeal on the basis of love. I, Paul, as an old man and now a prisoner for Christ Jesus, 10appeal to you for my child Onesimus [Useful]. I became his spiritual father here in prison.

Philemon 1:8 word by word

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

Words taken from the KJV.

• ·ὁho hē to · the/this/whoG3588
• Whereforeδιόdio · thereforeG1352
• though I might beἔχωechō · to have/beG2192
• muchπολύςpolus polos · muchG4183
• boldπαρρησίαparrhēsia · boldnessG3954
• inἐνen · in/on/amongG1722
• ChristΧριστόςChristos · ChristG5547
• to enjoinἐπιτάσσωepitassō · to commandG2004
• theeσύsu · youG4771
• that which is convenientἀνήκωanēkō · be fittingG433

Cross-references for Philemon 1:8

• 2 Corinthians 3:12Since we have confidence ⌞in the new promise⌟, we speak very boldly.
• 2 Corinthians 10:1I, Paul, make my appeal to you with the gentleness and kindness of Christ. I’m the one who is humble when I’m with you but forceful toward you when I’m not with you.
• 2 Corinthians 11:21I’m ashamed to admit it, but Timothy and I don’t have the strength to do those things to you. Whatever other people dare to brag about, I, like a fool, can also brag about.
• 1 Thessalonians 2:2As you know, we suffered rough and insulting treatment in Philippi. But our God gave us the courage to tell you his Good News in spite of strong opposition.
• 2 Corinthians 10:8So, if I brag a little too much about the authority which the Lord gave us, I’m not ashamed. The Lord gave us this authority to help you, not to hurt you.

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