Philemon 1:7 Explained

"For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother." — Philemon 1:7 (KJV)

Paul softening up a friend before asking him for something very hard, and the compliment is entirely sincere.

Read it in context: The Book of Philemon. Also gathered under verses about encouragement.

Philemon 1:7 in context

What does Philemon 1:7 mean?

'Bowels' is the King James rendering of splanchna — the inward parts, where the ancient world located deep feeling; a modern translation would say hearts. 'Refreshed' is a word for giving rest to the weary, the same root Paul uses at the end when he asks Philemon to refresh his own heart. The compliment is thus also the request, planted eleven verses early.

What is the context of Philemon 1:7?

Philemon is the shortest of Paul's letters, written to persuade a slave-owner to take back a runaway as a brother. Verse 7 sits in the opening courtesy, before the request. Paul is in prison and has no authority to compel anything.

How do I pray Philemon 1:7?

Give thanks for someone whose kindness has actually rested you, and then tell them — Paul writes it down rather than merely feeling it. If you are about to ask something difficult of a person, notice the order here: the gratitude is true first and useful second, and it does not work the other way round.

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