The Greek in Philemon 1:19 that is translated in English as “I say nothing about your owing me even your own self” or similar is translated in Kinaray-A as “I will not mention your debt to me, because wasn’t it because of me that you obtained life without end?” The rhetorical question is used to soften the impact of the reminder that the person has an eternal debt (utang) to the writer. A person with such a debt is forever obligated to his benefactor almost as a slave to his master. So, a straightforward assertion would be a crude reminder to the debtor of his lowered status as being practically a slave to the writer. This might cause the person to feel he was being deliberately put to shame and thus caused to lose face. So, to avoid that, the writer softens the reminder with a rhetorical question. (Source: Balbina Abadiano in Notes on Translation 1988, p. 40ff.)
Paul (icon)
Following is a Georgian Orthodox icon of Paul the Apostle from the 14th century (located in the Art Museum of Georgia, Tbilisi).
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Orthodox Icons are not drawings or creations of imagination. They are in fact writings of things not of this world. Icons can represent our Lord Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the Saints. They can also represent the Holy Trinity, Angels, the Heavenly hosts, and even events. Orthodox icons, unlike Western pictures, change the perspective and form of the image so that it is not naturalistic. This is done so that we can look beyond appearances of the world, and instead look to the spiritual truth of the holy person or event. (Source )
See also Paul.
Philemon 1:17 - 20 in Mexican Sign Language
Following is the translation of Philemon 1:17-20 into Mexican Sign Language with back-translations into Spanish and English underneath:
© La Biblia en LSM / La Palabra de Dios
Retrotraducciones en español (haga clic o pulse aquí)
Si en tu opinión somos verdaderos compañeros en el servicio de Dios, y tú me aceptas, acepta en la misma manera a Onésimo y dale un bienvenido.
Si Onésimo te hizo algun mal o te debe dinero, pidemelo. Yo, Pablo, te escribo con mis propias manos para mostrarte que yo te pagaré para cancelar (la deuda).
Yo te enseñé y tú creíste en Dios, tú eres salvo, por cierto ¿yo no necesito pedirte que me pagues?
Hermano en Cristo hazme un favor y anima mi corazón para que esté alegre.
If you consider us to be real partners in God’s service and you accept me, then also accept Onesimus in the same way and welcome him in.
If Onesimus did something bad to you or if he owes you money, ask me for it. I, Paul write to you with my own hands to show you that I will pay you to erase (the debt).
I taught you and you believed in God and were saved, certainly I don’t have to ask you to pay me?!
Brother in Christ, do me a favor and encourage my heart, so that it will be joyful.
Source: La Biblia en LSM / La Palabra de Dios
Paul
The term that is transliterated as “Paul” in English is translated in American Sign Language with a sign that signifies the many letters he wrote. (Source: Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)
“Paul” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor
In Spanish Sign Language it is translated with a sign depicting putting away a sword, referring to his conversion from a persecutor of Christians to a Christian leader. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)
“Paul (and Saul)” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España
Click or tap here to see a short video clip about Paul (source: Bible Lands 2012)
For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .
See also Paul (icon).
Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Paul .
complete verse (Philemon 1:19)
Following are a number of back-translations of Philemon 1:19:
- Uma: “That is why I write here with my own hand: I Paulus will pay all. (I do not need to remind you that I am the one who taught you to believe in the Lord. So, you are in behavior debt to me.) [i.e., you should do something good for me because of what I did for you]” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
- Yakan: “I am the one writing this: I, Paul, am the one to pay. I do no longer mention that you have a great debt to me, for it is because of me that you have everlasting life.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
- Western Bukidnon Manobo: “Look at my writing this: I Paul will pay. However, you know that your debt to me is also big, for by means of me you came to own life forever.” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
- Kankanaey: “I myself am the writer (lit. owner of the writing) and signer (lit. owner of the signature) of this in order that you (sing.) will thereby-know that I will fulfill what I have said: ‘I am Pablo. I will pay Onesimus’ debt to you (sing.).’ Perhaps I don’t need to remind you (sing.) that your (sing.) life that is forever is your (sing.) debt to me.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
- Tagbanwa: “As proof, I will now write this with my own hand, I Pablo will take responsibility to pay you. But good if you remember also that your debt-of-gratitude to me is your being able to know/recognize Cristo, that being what can enable you to be saved.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
- Tenango Otomi: “I put here on this paper these words here: ‘I Paul will pay you.’ But I do not want to remind you that you also are in debt to me. Because it was I who told you the word about how to save your life.” (Source: Tenango Otomi Back Translation)
Performing Philemon from a Caribbean Perspective
The following is a translation for a performance of the book of Philemon in Papiamento and its English translation. The translation is interspersed with a provocative fictional response by the historical character of Tula, the Curaçaoan revolt leader of 1795, juxtaposing the subtle liberating message of Paul with a revolutionary approach. This is followed by a video showing the performance:
1 Esaki ta karta
1 This is [a] letter
di Pablo,
from Paul,
i di ruman Timoteo,
From sibling Timothy
Pablo prezu pa kousa di Kristu-Hesus;
Paul imprisoned for the cause of Christ-Jesus
ta pa Filemon, kompañer’i trabou,
it is for Philemon, fellow of work
2 ta pa Iglesia, reuní na su kas.
2 It is for the church, gathered at his house
Karta tambe pa Apfia, nos ruman muhé,
Letter also to Apphia, our sibling female
Karta tambe pa Argipo, kompañer’i lucha.
Letter also for Archippus fellow of fight
Click or tap here to see the rest of this translation as well as the video performance
3 Dios nos Tata, duna boso
3 God the Father give you
Señor Hesu-Kristu duna boso
Lord Jesus-Christ give you
grasia i pas.
grace and peace
Filemon, Filemon,
Philemon, Philemon
Skucha bon Filemon
Listen good, Philemon
Bo n’ tende anto Filemon
Have you not heard (then) Philemon
Skucha bon Filemon
Listen good, Philemon
Lesa mi ta lesa den karta sagrado
Read I do read in holy letter
Ta ku masha kachèt mester kumindá bo
(that) with lots of respect you have to be greeted
Pa kombensébo ku hende ta util
(so as to) convince you that (a) human being is useful
Hende ta mas k’util.
(A) Human being is more than useful
4 Mi Dios mi ta gradisí,
4 My God I do thank
Ora mi kòrdabo den mi orashon,
When I remember you in my prayer
5 pasobra hopi fe den Señor Hesus bo tin
because lots of faith in (the) Lord Jesus you have
Segun mi a tende,
From what I hear
Stimashon pa Dios su pueblo bo tin.
Love for God his people you have.
6 Mi ta resa, pa e fe
I pray for the faith
ku bo ta kompartí ku otro kreyente,
that you share with other believers,
hiba na komprondementu berdadero di tur kos bon
lead to understanding true of all good things
ku pa Kristu nos por hasi.
that for Christ we can do
7 Mi ruman, bo amor
7 My sibling, your love
a hasi mi mashá kontentu
has made me very happy
kurashá mi hopi,
encouraged me a lot
pasobra el a sirbi pa animá kurason di e rumannan.
Because he has to animate (the) heart of the siblings.
Filemon, Filemon,
Philemon, Philemon
Skucha bon Filemon
Listen good, Philemon
Bo n’ tende anto Filemon
Have you not heard (then) Philemon
Skucha bon Filemon
Listen good, Philemon
Ta trasta mester trasta ku bo
Flatter has to flatter you
Hunta stropi na bo boka
Put honey at your mouth
Pa por bisa bo ku bo ta mal robes
So as to say that you are badly wrong
Pa por bisa bo ku bo ta mal brua
So as to say that you are badly confused
8 P’esei derecho mi tin di bisa bo kiko hasi,
8 That is why with what right I have to tell you what to do,
Ora mi apelá na Kristu.
When I appeal to Christ.
9 Tòg a base di amor,
9 Though on (the) basis of love,
un petishon mi ta preferá hasi na bo.
A petition I prefer to do to you.
Ami, Pablo un hòmber bieu kaba,
I, Paul a man old already
asta prezu awor pa kousa di Kristu
even imprisoned now for (the) cause of Christ
10 Mi ke pidi bo pa mi yu Onésimo;
10 I want to ask you for my son Onesimus;
ta den prisón mi a bira su tata spiritual.
it is in prison that I have become his spiritual father.
11 Un tempu e no tabata sirbi bo pa nada,
11 A time he was not useful for anything
pero awor el a bira útil pa nos tur dos,
but now he has become useful to two of us,
manera su nòmber mes ta nifiká.
just as his name means.
Filemon, Filemon,
Philemon, Philemon
Skucha bon Filemon
Listen good, Philemon
Bo n’ tende anto Filemon
Have you not heard (then) Philemon
Skucha bon Filemon
Listen good, Philemon
Pachi7 Pablo pone preshon
Old man Paul put pressure
Pachi Pablo no papia ko’I kèns
Old man Paul do not speak foolishness
Ku trabou’i katibu n’ ta bal nada
(to say) that work of slave is not worth anything
Ku mi t’ei djis pa ta “util.”
That I am (exist) just to be “useful”
12 Mi ta mand’é bèk pa bo;
12 I am sending him back to you
ta manera mi kurason mes
as if my heart itself
mi ta ranka saka manda pa bo!
I rip out and send to you!
13 Gana di ten’é serka mi, mi tin
13 Desire to have him with me, I have
pa e por a yuda mi na bo lugá,
so that he can help me in your place
tanten mi ta prezu pa kousa di e bon notisia.
while I am imprisoned for the cause of the good news.
14 Sinembargo mi no ke hasi nada sin bo aprobashon,
14 Although I do not want to do anything without your approval
pa bo no haña bo ta hasi un bondat fòrsá,
so you will not find yourself doing a good, forced,
ma dje manera akí bo por hasié di bo mes boluntat.
but in this way you can do it from your own will.
Filemon, Filemon,
Philemon, Philemon
Skucha bon Filemon
Listen good, Philemon
Bo n’ tende anto Filemon
Have you not heard (then) Philemon
Skucha bon Filemon
Listen good, Philemon
Ai malai ai malai ei
(lamentation sound)
Ai malai ai malai ei
(lamentation sound)
Si bo tabata konosé doló di katibu
If you do not know (the) pain of slave(s)
Pablito lo bo no a saka bo shiri shiri,
(Dear) Paul (diminutive)
you would not have to take out your guts,
Bo yu sin doló, mand’é bèk.
your child-without-pain to send him back.
15 Por ta mashá bon:
15 Could be very well:
pa un tempu el a alehá for di bo,
For a time he has gone away from you,
djis pa bo hañ’é bèk pa semper.
Just so you can find him back for ever.
16 Pasobra awor e no ta djis un simpel katibu:
16 Because now he is not just a simple slave:
mas ku un katibu e ta un ruman stimá.
More than a slave he is a beloved sibling.
Anto spesialmente pa mi, e ta mashá stimá!
And especially for me, he is very well loved.
Pero pa abo: mas stimá ainda, komo katibu i komo ruman den Señor.
And for you more: more loved, as a slave/servant and as sibling in (the) Lord.
17 Ke men si bo tin mi pa kompañero,
17 That is to say if you have me for (a) collaborator,
risibí Onésimo manera lo bo a risibí mi mes.
receive Onesimus as you would have received me.
Filemon, Filemon,
Philemon, Philemon
Skucha bon Filemon
Listen good, Philemon
Bo n’ tende anto Filemon
Have you not heard (then) Philemon
Skucha bon Filemon
Listen good, Philemon
Di Adam ku Eva nos ta bini.
From Adam and Eva we come
Boso Buki mes ta bisa.
Your Book itself says it
Si nos tur ta bin di tera,
If we all can come from the earth
T’un lokura abusá di esun
It is a madness to abuse
ku ta puluwé den tera.
the one who plows the earth.
18 Si el a perhudiká bo den ki forma ku ta
18 If he has damaged you in whatever manner
òf si e ta debe bo algu,
or if he owes you something
laga esei pa mi kuenta.
leave that for to my account.
19 Awor mi mes man ta skibi esaki:
19 Now my own hand writes this:
‘Ami, Pablo, ta paga bo bèk!’
“I, Paul, will pay you back!”
Mi n’ tin nodi’ kòrda bo ku bo debe serka mi ta bo mes!
There is no need for me to remind me that your debt with me is yourself!
20 Sí, mi ruman, hasi mi e fabor akí pa Señor;
20 Yes, my sibling, do this favor for me for (the) Lord;
animá mi kurason komo ruman den Kristu!
animate my heart as sibling in Christ!
Filemon, Filemon,
Philemon, Philemon
Skucha bon Filemon
Listen good, Philemon
Bo n’ tende anto Filemon
Have you not heard (then) Philemon
Skucha bon Filemon
Listen good, Philemon
Esta kurashi!
What (a) boldness!
Esta tribí!
What audacity!
Paga bèk, …..paga bèk??? paga bèk!!!
Pay back,……pay back???? Pay back!!!
Sinbèrguensa ta bo mester paga bèk.
(You-without-shame) you have to pay back.
Paga bèk, t’a bo mester duna bèk.
Pay back, you have to pay back.
Ladron di alma, ladron di bida, ezè chupadó di sanger!
Soul robber, life robber, blood sucking vampire!
21 Sigur mi ta skibi,
21 For sure I write,
Sigur mi ta ku bo ta skucha mi.
For sure I know that you hear me.
I mi sa ku lo bo bai mas leu ku loke mi ta pidibo.
And I know that you will go beyond what I ask you.
Filemon, Filemon,
Philemon, Philemon
Skucha bon Filemon
Listen good, Philemon
Bo n’ tende anto Filemon
Have you not heard (then) Philemon
Skucha bon Filemon
Listen good, Philemon
Changa el a changa bo Filemon
Cornered he has cornered you Philemon.
Komader Liberté na banda suit.
Kamader9 Freedom to the south.
Kompader Fraternité na banda nòrt.
Kompader Brotherhood to the north
I kompèr Egalité no ta bèk ni ost ni west.
And kompèr Equality does not retreat, neither to the east nor to the west.
22 Ahan, . . . prepará un lugá pa mi keda,
22 Aha, . . . prepare a place for me to stay,
pasobra mi ta spera ku Dios lo skucha
because I expect that God will hear,
skucha boso orashon
will hear your (pl.) prayer(s)
i entregá mi bèk na boso.
and give me back to you.
23 Kumindamentu di Epafras, prizonero huntu ku mi,
23 Greetings from Epaphras, prisoner together with me,
pa kousa di Kristu-Hesus.
for the cause of Christ-Jesus.
24 Kumindamentu di esnan ku ta traha huntu kumi:
24 Greetings from those who work together with me:
Marko,
Aristargo,
Demas
i Lukas.
25 Grasia di Señor Hesu-Kristu sea ku boso.
25 Grace of (the) Lord Jesus-Christ be with you (pl.).
Filemon, Filemon,
Philemon, Philemon
Skucha bon Filemon
Listen good, Philemon
Bo n’ tende anto Filemon
Have you not heard (then) Philemon
Skucha bon Filemon
Listen good, Philemon
Ta kua grasia por ta ku bo?
Which grace can be with you?
Hòmber kitadó di libertad,
Man-robber-of-freedom,
Ta kua Hesus a bendishoná
Which Jesus has blessed,
Bo kruel definishon di humanidat?
Your cruel definition of humanity?
Ta kua Dios, Spiritu puru,
Which God, pure Spirit,
B’a mira sklavisá niun hende.
Have you seen enslave anybody?
Mi n’ tin kunes ku ta kultura.
Don’t care that it is culture.
Mi n’ tin kunes ku ta di bo mes koló
Don’t care that it is people of your color.
Mi n’ tin kunes ku evolushon.
Don’t care for evolution(ary change)
P’esei m’a muri den revolushon!
That’s why I died in a revoluton!
Filemon, Filemon,
Philemon, Philemon
Skucha bon Filemon
Listen good, Philemon
Bo n’ tende anto Filemon
Have you not heard (then) Philemon
Skucha bon Filemon
Listen good, Philemon
Source: Marlon Winedt in The Bible Translator 2015, p 3ff.
Spirit (of God) (Japanese honorifics)
Click or tap here to see the rest of this insight.
Like a number of other East Asian languages, Japanese uses a complex system of honorifics, i.e. a system where a number of different levels of politeness are expressed in language via words, word forms or grammatical constructs. These can range from addressing someone or referring to someone with contempt (very informal) to expressing the highest level of reference (as used in addressing or referring to God) or any number of levels in-between.
One way to do this is through the usage (or a lack) of an honorific prefix as shown here in the widely-used Japanese Shinkaiyaku (新改訳) Bible of 2017. When the referent is God, the “divine” honorific prefix mi- (御 or み) can be used, as in mi-tama (御霊) or “Spirit (of God)” in the referenced verses.
(Source: S. E. Doi, see also S. E. Doi in Journal of Translation, 18/2022, p. 37ff. )
See also Holy Spirit
Translation commentary on Philemon 1:19
Here Paul takes the stylus and writes these words himself (see Col 4.18). The aorist tense of the verb “to write” is another instance of the epistolary aorist (see verse 12). Only here in the NT does the verb apotinō “to repay” occur.
I will write this with my own hand may be expressed as “I myself am writing the following words.” In some languages, with my own hand is expressed “with my own fingers” or even “with my own arm.” It is important to use the expression which is most in keeping with receptor-language usage.
I, Paul, will pay you back may be rendered as “I, Paul, will pay you.” A literal rendering of “pay back” might suggest that this was a debt which Paul himself had incurred and not on behalf of Onesimus. It may be necessary to refer to what is to be paid as, “I will pay you whatever is owed” or “I will pay you all that money.”
Then Paul adds, almost as an afterthought, a reminder to Philemon: “I am now indebted to you; but don’t forget that your debt to me is much greater—you owe me you very self.” Paul is referring to the fact that he had been instrumental in Philemon’s conversion, so that Philemon owes his spiritual life to Paul.
The phrase translated I should not have to remind you is used also in 2 Cor 9.4. It may be expressed as “surely it is not necessary for me to mention to you” or “… to tell you.”
The verb owe in this verse translates the compound prosopheilō which occurs only here in the NT; the simple opheilō is used in verse 18. It may be rather difficult to speak of “owing oneself.” The Good News Translation rendering that you owe your very self to me may, however, be restructured as “you are in debt to me for life.” But a literal rendering of “for your life” might suggest that Paul himself had at one time rescued Philemon from death. It may, therefore, be essential to indicate precisely what is involved, for example, “you are in debt to me for your new life through Christ” or “… for your life as a Christian.”
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 .
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