Bible Strands
Philemon 1:21
Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to Philemon while imprisoned, placing this statement immediately after requesting spiritual refreshment and just before asking for lodging.
The words — The Greek term Πεποιθὼς (Pepoithōs) means "having been persuaded of," paired with ὑπακοῆς (hupakoēs) for "obedience," establishing the grammatical basis for the letter's tone.
The thread — This confidence in a believer's compliance echoes the apostolic pattern found in 2 Thessalonians 3:4 and 2 Corinthians 7:16.
Why it lands — The text states the author's assurance of compliance and anticipates action exceeding the stated request, requiring the reader to acknowledge that expectation.
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
Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.
Cross-references
- 2 Thessalonians 3:4 And we have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do what we command.
- 2 Corinthians 2:3 I wrote as I did so that on my arrival I would not be grieved by those who ought to make me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would share my joy.
- 2 Corinthians 7:16 I rejoice that I can have complete confidence in you.
- 2 Corinthians 8:22 And we are sending along with them our brother who has proven his earnestness to us many times and in many ways, and now even more so by his great confidence in you.
- Galatians 5:10 I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is troubling you will bear the judgment, whoever he may be.