“Perhaps” (Revised Standard Version) represents Greek tacha (here and in Rom 5.7). The potentiality suggested by the introductory expression it may be that is often better expressed by an adverb such as “perhaps.”

Was away (from you) … you might have him back refer to two contrasting situations: the first during the time Onesimus was in flight from Philemon and the second when he is to return to his master. It seems quite clear that the way in which Paul phrases the matter [particularly in the use of the cautions “perhaps,” the use of the passive form of the verb “to be separated,” and the avoidance of the verb “he ran away (from you)”] implies that in all this God was at work to bring about the intended result which Paul so ardently hopes to achieve.

Was away from you may be expressed more effectively as a negation, for example, “was not with you” or “did not remain there with you.”

Onesimus’ separation was for a short time (literally “for an hour,” see also 2 Cor 7.8); his return will hold good for all time (Revised Standard Version “for ever”). It is difficult to determine exactly what Paul meant by this “eternally”; perhaps something like “for good,” “permanently” (see a similar use in John 8.35). In any case the new relationship, that of Christian brothers, is a permanent one, which will not change regardless of whatever else may change.

For a short time must not be understood as merely a brief period of a day or so. Obvious Onesimus had traveled some distance from Colossae and had probably been with Paul for some time. If a somewhat definite expression of time must be employed, it should reflect at least several weeks and possibly several months.

For all time may be expressed as “from now on” or “continuously.”

You might have him back may be expressed in many languages as “he might be again with you” or “he might remain with you.”

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on Paul’s Letter to Philemon. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1977. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .