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

6And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ. 7Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people. That is why I am boldly asking a favor of you. I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for you to do. 9But because of our love, I prefer simply to ask you. Consider this as a request from me—Paul, an old man and now also a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus. 10I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while 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 this new way gives us such confidence, we can be very bold.
• 2 Corinthians 10:1Now I, Paul, appeal to you with the gentleness and kindness of Christ—though I realize you think I am timid in person and bold only when I write from far away.
• 2 Corinthians 11:21I’m ashamed to say that we’ve been too “weak” to do that! But whatever they dare to boast about—I’m talking like a fool again—I dare to boast about it, too.
• 1 Thessalonians 2:2You know how badly we had been treated at Philippi just before we came to you and how much we suffered there. Yet our God gave us the courage to declare his Good News to you boldly, in spite of great opposition.
• 2 Corinthians 10:8I may seem to be boasting too much about the authority given to us by the Lord. But our authority builds you up; it doesn’t tear you down. So I will not be ashamed of using my authority.

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