PHM (Saint Paul's letter to Philemon)
PHM.1
PHM.1
[PHM.1.1] Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy, the brother, to Philemon, the beloved, and our fellow worker. [§]
Paulos desmios Christou Iesou kai Timotheos ho adelphos Philēmoni tō agapētō kai synergō hēmōn
This verse is from the New Testament, specifically the letter to Philemon. It is an introductory statement identifying the author(s) of the letter. "Paulos" is Paul, "desmios" means prisoner, "Christou Iesou" is of Christ Jesus, "kai" means and, "Timotheos" is Timothy, "ho adelphos" means the brother, "Philēmoni" is to Philemon, "tō agapētō" means the beloved, and "kai synergō hēmōn" means and our fellow worker.
[PHM.1.2] And to Apphia, the sister, and to Archippus, our fellow soldier, and to the church in your home. [§]
kai Aphia tee adelphee kai Archipoo toe sustratiotee hemoon kai tee kat' oikon soo ekklesia
This verse is from the New Testament, specifically Philemon 1:2. It is a greeting from Paul to various individuals and to the church meeting in Philemon’s home. ‘kai’ means ‘and’. ‘Aphia’ is a proper noun, a woman’s name. ‘tee adelphee’ means ‘the sister’. ‘kai’ again means ‘and’. ‘Archipoo’ is a proper noun, a man’s name. ‘toe sustratiotee hemoon’ means ‘our fellow soldier’. ‘kai’ means ‘and’ again. ‘tee kat' oikon soo ekklesia’ means ‘the church in your house’.
[PHM.1.3] Favor to you and peace from the God, Father of you, and Lord Jesus Christ. [§]
kharis humin kai eireneh apo theou patros humon kai kurios Iesous Khristos.
This verse is from the New Testament, specifically Romans 1:7. "Kharis" means favor or grace. "Humin" is the plural "you". "Eirene" means peace. "Apo" means from. "Theou" is "the God". "Patros" means father. "Kurios" means Lord. "Iesous Khristos" is Jesus Christ.
[PHM.1.4] I give thanks to my God always, making remembrance of you on account of my prayers. [§]
eukharisto to theo mou pantote mneian sou poioumenos epi ton proseucheon mou
This verse is from the Greek translation of the Old Testament, known as the Septuagint. It expresses gratitude to God and a remembrance of the person being addressed in prayer. 'Theo' is the Greek word for 'God', 'mou' means 'my', 'pantote' means 'always', 'mneian' means 'remembrance', 'sou' means 'your', 'poioumenos' means 'making' or 'doing', and 'epi ton proseucheon mou' means 'on account of my prayers'.
[PHM.1.5] Hearing of your love and your faith, which you have toward the Lord Jesus and into all the holy ones. [§]
akouōn sou tēn agapēn kai tēn pistin, hēn echeis pros ton kurion Iēsoun kai eis pantas tous hagious
This verse is from a New Testament text. "akouōn" means hearing. "sou" means of you. "tēn agapēn" means the love. "kai" means and. "tēn pistin" means the faith. "hēn" means which. "echeis" means you have. "pros" means toward. "ton kurion" means the Lord. "Iēsoun" is Jesus. "eis" means into. "pantas" means all. "tous hagious" means the holy ones.
[PHM.1.6] So that the fellowship of your faith may become active in the knowledge of all goodness that is in you toward Christ. [§]
hopos he koinonia tes pisteos sou energes genetai en epignosi pantos agathou tou en hemin eis Christon
This verse discusses how faith works within a person. 'Hopes' introduces a purpose or desired outcome. 'Koinonia' refers to fellowship or participation. 'Pisteos' is faith. 'Energes' means active or working. 'Epignosis' is knowledge. 'Pantos agathou' is all goodness. 'Tou en hemin' is that which is in us. 'Eis Christon' is toward Christ.
[PHM.1.7] For I have great joy and comfort concerning your love, because the compassion of the holy ones has been refreshed through you, brother. [§]
khara gar polla eskhon kai paraklesin epi te agape sou, hoti ta splankhna ton hagiōn anapepaulai dia sou, adelphe.
This verse is from the New Testament, specifically 2 Corinthians 7:7. It expresses joy and comfort received because of the love shown by another person. The speaker is rejoicing because the compassion of the holy ones has been refreshed through the actions of the person addressed as 'brother'. The words are not directly referencing names of God, but rather a statement about feeling comforted by love.
[PHM.1.8] Therefore, having much boldness in the Anointed One, I am authorizing you to do what is fitting. [§]
Dee-oh pol-leen en Khree-stoh par-reh-see-ahn eh-khon ep-ee-tahs-sein soy toh an-ay-kon
This verse is from the New Testament, specifically 2 Corinthians 10:8. It details Paul's authority in Christ. The verse uses 'parresia,' which means boldness or frankness. 'Anēkon' refers to something that is proper, fitting, or due. The verse is speaking about Paul having the right to command something that is proper.
[PHM.1.9] Through love I appeal to you, being such as Paul, an elder, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus. [§]
dee-ah teen ag-ah-payn mal-lon par-ah-kah-loh, toy-oo-tos ohn hohs Paw-los pres-boo-tays nu-nee deh kah-ee des-mee-os Khree-stoo-oo Yee-soo-oo
This verse is from a letter written by Paul. He is appealing through love. He describes himself as Paul, an elder, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus.
[PHM.1.10] Onesiphoros [§]
Onesiphoros
This is a proper noun, a name. It is not a title or description of God, but rather a person's name. Therefore, a literal translation is simply the transliteration of the name into English.
[PHM.1.11] That which once was useless to you is now useful to both you and me. [§]
ton pote soi achreston nuni de kai soi kai emoi euchreston
This phrase translates to 'that which was once useless to you, now is useful to both you and me'. It describes something that has changed in value or utility, becoming beneficial to multiple parties.
[PHM.1.12] The comfort which I will send to you, it is my Gods' inner organs. [§]
hon anepempsa soi, auton, tout’ estin ta ema splanchana
This phrase originates from the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible), specifically Isaiah 66:13. It refers to God's comfort and compassion for Zion. The verse literally states 'whom I will send to you, it is my innards'. 'Innards' is a direct translation of 'splanchana', which in ancient times was used to describe the seat of emotions and deep affection, similar to how we might say 'my heart'. The 'whom' refers to comfort.
[PHM.1.13] Whom I wished to keep with myself, so that he might serve me on your behalf in the bonds of the gospel. [§]
hon ego eboulomēn pros emauton katechein, hina hyper sou moi diakonei en tois desmois tou euangelion
This verse discusses someone the speaker wished to keep with themself for service. 'Hon' refers to 'whom', the relative pronoun. 'Ego' is 'I'. 'Eboulomēn' indicates a desire or wish ('I wished'). 'Pros emauton' means 'to myself'. 'Katechein' means 'to hold' or 'to retain'. 'Hina' introduces a purpose clause ('in order that'). 'Hyper sou' means 'on behalf of you' or 'for you'. 'Moi' is 'to me'. 'Diakonei' means 'to serve'. 'En tois desmois' means 'in the bonds' or 'in the chains'. 'Tou euangelion' means 'of the gospel'.
[PHM.1.14] Without the will of Yahveh, I have desired to do nothing, so that the goodness of the Gods may not be as a necessity, but as a willing act of my Lord. [§]
khorees deh tees sees gno-mees oo-den ee-the-lee-sa po-ee-sai, hee-na mee hose ka-ta a-na-g-keen toh a-ga-thon soo ee ai ka-ta hek-oo-see-on.
This verse comes from the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. It expresses a desire to do good willingly, not out of obligation. The verse speaks of the speaker's willingness to act in accordance with the will of God. It is crucial to translate the names of God as literally as possible, without relying on tradition. I will assume the speaker is addressing Yahveh, 'the Gods', and 'my Lord'.
[PHM.1.15] Perhaps for this reason, it was separated for a time, so that you may eternally keep it away. [§]
Tah-khah gar dee-ah too-toh eh-kho-ree-sthee pros ho-ran, hee-nah ai-o-nee-on au-ton ap-eh-khays.
This verse is from the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible). The verse is speaking about a separation for a time, so that a person may keep something eternally. 'Tah-khah' indicates 'perhaps' or 'maybe'. 'Gar' means 'for'. 'Dia' means 'through' or 'because of'. 'Pro's horan' means 'for an hour' or 'for a time'. 'Hina' means 'that' or 'so that'. 'Aiōnios' means 'eternal'. 'Auton' is the accusative personal pronoun meaning 'him' or 'it'. 'Apekhays' means 'you will keep away' or 'you will hold back'.
[PHM.1.16] No longer as a slave, but above a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, how much more to you, both in the flesh and in my Lord. [§]
ou-ke-ti hos dou-lon al’ hu-per dou-lon, a-del-phon a-ga-pe-ton, mal-is-ta e-moi, po-so de mal-lon soi kai en sar-ki kai en ku-ri-o
This verse uses several terms that require literal translation. 'δουλος' (dou-los) means 'slave' or 'servant'. 'κυριος' (ku-ri-os) means 'Lord'. 'αδελφος' (a-del-phos) means 'brother'. The verse describes a change in relationship from one of servitude to one of brotherhood. The word 'malista' means 'most' or 'especially', and 'poso' means 'how much' or 'by how much'. The phrase 'en sarki' means 'in the flesh'.
[PHM.1.17] If then you have a partner, receive him as me. [§]
ei oun me echeis koinonon, proslabou auton hos eme.
This verse is from the Greek New Testament. "ei" means "if", "oun" means "then", "me" means "me", "echeis" means "you have", "koinonon" means "a partner", "proslabou" means "receive", "auton" means "him", "hos" means "as", and "eme" means "me". The verse discusses having a partner or fellow participant, and if one has a relationship with the speaker, to receive that person as they would receive the speaker themselves.
[PHM.1.18] If someone wronged you or owes you, speak this to God. [§]
ei de ti edikesen se e opheilei, touto emoi elloga.
This verse is from a Greek text. "ei de" means "if indeed". "ti" means "something". "edikesen" means "wronged". "se" means "you". "e" means "or". "opheilei" means "owes". "touto" means "this". "emoi" means "to me". "elloga" means "say". Thus, the verse means "If anyone wronged you or owes you, say this to me."
[PHM.1.19] I, Paul, wrote with my own hand, I will repay. So that I may not tell you that you also owe something to me. [§]
ego Paulos egrapsa te hemei cheiri, ego apotiso. hina me lego soi hoti kai seauton moi prosofeileis.
This verse is from the New Testament, specifically 2 Corinthians 11:6. It is written in Koine Greek. 'ego' means 'I'. 'Paulos' is 'Paul'. 'egrapsa' is 'I wrote'. 'te hemei cheiri' means 'with my hand'. 'apotiso' means 'I will repay'. 'hina me lego soi' means 'so that I may not tell you'. 'hoti' means 'that'. 'kai' means 'also'. 'seauton' means 'yourself'. 'moi' means 'to me'. 'prosofeileis' means 'you owe'. The verse expresses Paul's willingness to hold others accountable, even to the point of them owing him something.
[PHM.1.20] Indeed brother, I owe you in the Lord. Refresh my inward parts in Christ. [§]
nai adelphe, ego sou onaimen en kurio; anapauson mou ta splankna en Christo
This verse is from the New Testament, specifically Philippians 2:1. It contains a plea for fellowship and comfort in the Lord. "Nai" is an affirmation, similar to "indeed" or "yes". "Adelphe" refers to a brother, though often used in a spiritual sense to address fellow believers. "Ego" is "I". "Sou" is "to you". "Onaimen" is the first person plural present active indicative of the verb meaning 'to owe'. It's rendered here as 'I owe'. "En" means 'in'. "Kurio" is 'the Lord'. "Anapauson" is the second person singular aorist middle imperative of the verb meaning 'to refresh, to restore'. "Mou" is 'my'. "Ta splankna" refers to 'the inward parts', often understood metaphorically as 'affections, compassion'. "En Christo" means 'in Christ'.
[PHM.1.21] Being convinced of your obedience, I have written to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. [§]
being convinced of your obedience I have written to you, knowing that even beyond the things I say you will do.
This verse expresses confidence in the recipient’s obedience. It states the author wrote because they are sure the recipient will not only do what is requested but will exceed expectations. The original verse, being in Greek, requires a translation into English and then a 'literal' translation of the names of God if they were present in a source text like the Bible. As this is not a biblical verse, there are no divine names to literally translate. Therefore, the translation focuses on providing the most direct English equivalent of the meaning of the Greek words.
[PHM.1.22] At the same time also, prepare hospitality for me, for I hope that through the prayers of you, I will be shown favor by the Gods. [§]
hama de kai hetoimaze moi xenian; elpizo gar hoti dia ton proseucon humon charisthēsomai humin.
This verse originates from the New Testament, specifically Romans 16:2. It details Paul preparing to receive hospitality and expressing hope that God will grant a favorable reception through the prayers of the recipients. 'hama de kai' means 'at the same time also'. 'hetoimaze moi xenian' means 'prepare for me hospitality'. 'elpizo gar' means 'for I hope'. 'dia ton proseucon humon' means 'through the prayers of you'. 'charisthēsomai humin' means 'I will be shown favor to you'.
[PHM.1.23] Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Jesus Christ, greets you. [§]
Epaphras ho synaichmalotos mou en Christos Iesous
This verse is from the New Testament, specifically from the letter to the Colossians (Colossians 4:12). Epaphras is sending greetings. 'Synaichmalotos' means 'fellow prisoner'. 'En' means 'in'. Christos Iesous is the standard Greek form of Jesus Christ.
[PHM.1.24] Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, they are my fellow workers. [§]
Markos, Aristarkhos, Demas, Loukas, hoi synergos mou.
This verse lists names and a descriptive phrase. "Markos", "Aristarkhos", "Demas", and "Loukas" are proper names. "Hoi" is a definite article meaning 'the'. "Synergos" means 'fellow workers' or 'collaborators'. "Mou" is a possessive pronoun meaning 'my'. Therefore, the verse is a list of individuals identified as the speaker's fellow workers.
[PHM.1.25] The grace of my Lord Jesus the Anointed is with the spirit of you all. [§]
The grace of my Lord Jesus the Anointed with the spirit of you all.
This verse is originally Greek. "Charis" means grace. "Kyrios" means 'my Lord'. "Iesous" is Jesus. "Christos" means 'the Anointed One'. "Meta" means 'with'. "Pneuma" means 'spirit'. "Hymon" means 'of you all'. The verse expresses a blessing of grace from my Lord Jesus the Anointed, and it is linked to the spirit belonging to the recipients.