Philemon 1:16

no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a beloved brother. He is especially beloved to me, but even more so to you, both in person and in the Lord.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul addresses Philemon regarding Onesimus, a man who was temporarily separated from his household and has now returned. The letter confronts the immediate relational and social recalibration required upon this reunion.

The words — οὐκέτι (ouketi) translates literally as "no longer," and ἀδελφὸν (adelphon) means "brother." These terms establish the textual baseline that legal bondage is being replaced by familial kinship.

The thread — The designation of believers as brothers appears in Matthew 23:8, and the status of slaves as the Lord's freedmen is recorded in 1 Corinthians 7:22. The ongoing tension between earthly service and spiritual identity is also addressed in Colossians 3:22.

Why it lands — The text commands Philemon to receive Onesimus without claiming ownership rights, explicitly naming him a brother. Readers must strip relational hierarchies when interacting with fellow believers, prioritizing spiritual equality over social or legal status.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?

Cross-references

Matthew 23:8 But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.
Colossians 3:22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 7:22 For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. Conversely, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave.
1 Timothy 6:2 Those who have believing masters should not show disrespect because they are brothers, but should serve them all the more, since those receiving their good service are beloved believers. Teach and encourage these principles.
Ephesians 6:5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.
1 Peter 1:22 Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart.
Acts 9:17 So Ananias went to the house, and when he arrived, he placed his hands on Saul. “Brother Saul,” he said, “the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Galatians 4:28 Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise.
Hebrews 3:1 Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, set your focus on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.
1 John 5:1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father also loves those born of Him.