Bible Strands
Philemon 1:20
Yes, brother, let me have some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to Philemon, a fellow believer, immediately after offering to repay a debt and noting that Philemon owes Paul his own life. He makes this request before stating his confidence that Philemon will exceed his expectations (Philemon 1:21).
The words — The Greek ναί (nai) affirms the preceding appeal, while ἀδελφέ (adelphe) identifies the recipient as a fellow believer. The text directly asks for personal benefit and spiritual refreshment in the Lord and Christ.
The thread — This appeal to refresh hearts echoes Paul’s earlier note that Philemon already refreshed the hearts of the saints (Philemon 1:7) and parallels his joy in Onesimus, whom he calls his very heart (Philemon 1:12). The theme of spiritual refreshment and obedience appears alongside the promise of greater compliance in Philemon 1:21.
Why it lands — The verse requires the reader to recognize that spiritual encouragement is a tangible expectation within the Christian community. It demands a practical response of mutual refreshment in Christ rather than abstract devotion.
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
Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.
Cross-references
- Philemon 1:7 I take great joy and encouragement in your love, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
- 3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
- Philemon 1:12 I am sending back to you him who is my very heart.
- Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.
- 2 Corinthians 2:2 For if I grieve you, who is left to cheer me but those whom I have grieved?
- 2 Corinthians 7:4 Great is my confidence in you; great is my pride in you; I am filled with encouragement; in all our troubles my joy overflows.
- 2 Corinthians 7:13 On account of this, we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were even more delighted by the joy of Titus. For his spirit has been refreshed by all of you.
- Philippians 1:8 God is my witness how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 2:1 Therefore if you have any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,
- Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you must stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.