Philemon 1:7
New International Version
Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.

New Living Translation
Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people.

English Standard Version
For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.

Berean Standard Bible
I take great joy and encouragement in your love, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.

Berean Literal Bible
For I have great joy and encouragement by occasion of your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.

King James Bible
For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

New King James Version
For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.

New American Standard Bible
For I have had great joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.

NASB 1995
For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.

NASB 1977
For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.

Legacy Standard Bible
For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.

Amplified Bible
For I have had great joy and comfort and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints (God’s people) have been refreshed through you, my brother.

Christian Standard Bible
For I have great joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For I have great joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.

American Standard Version
For I had much joy and comfort in thy love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through thee, brother.

Contemporary English Version
My friend, your love has made me happy and has greatly encouraged me. It has also cheered the hearts of God's people.

English Revised Version
For I had much joy and comfort in thy love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through thee, brother.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Your love [for God's people] gives me a lot of joy and encouragement. You, brother, have comforted God's people.

Good News Translation
Your love, dear brother, has brought me great joy and much encouragement! You have cheered the hearts of all of God's people.

International Standard Version
For I have received considerable joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed, brother, through you.

Majority Standard Bible
I take great joy and encouragement in your love, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.

NET Bible
I have had great joy and encouragement because of your love, for the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.

New Heart English Bible
For I have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.

Webster's Bible Translation
For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

Weymouth New Testament
For I have found great joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of God's people have been, and are, refreshed through you, my brother.

World English Bible
For we have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for we have much joy and comfort in your love, because the yearnings of the holy ones have been refreshed through you, brother.

Berean Literal Bible
For I have great joy and encouragement by occasion of your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.

Young's Literal Translation
for we have much joy and comfort in thy love, because the bowels of the saints have been refreshed through thee, brother.

Smith's Literal Translation
For we have much grace and consolation upon thy love, for the bowels of the holy are refreshed by thee, brother.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For I have had great joy and consolation in thy charity, because the bowels of the saints have been refreshed by thee, brother.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For I have found great joy and consolation in your charity, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.

New American Bible
For I have experienced much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the holy ones have been refreshed by you, brother.

New Revised Standard Version
I have indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For we have great joy and consolation in your love, and the hearts of the saints are refreshed.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For we have great joy and comfort, for by your love the affections of the Saints have been refreshed.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For we have great joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.

Godbey New Testament
For I had much joy and consolation over your divine love, because the affections of the saints have been refreshed by you, O brother.

Haweis New Testament
For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints have been refreshed by thee, brother.

Mace New Testament
for your liberality, my brother, affected us with great joy and comfort, by your having refresh'd the bowels of the saints.

Weymouth New Testament
For I have found great joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of God's people have been, and are, refreshed through you, my brother.

Worrell New Testament
For I had much joy and consolation on account of your love, because the tender affections of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.

Worsley New Testament
for we have much joy and comfort in thy love, because by thee, dear brother, the bowels of the saints are refreshed.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Philemon's Faith and Love
6I pray that your partnership in the faith may become effective as you fully acknowledge every good thing that is ours in Christ. 7 I take great joy and encouragement in your love, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints. 8So although in Christ I am bold enough to order you to do what is proper,…

Cross References
2 Corinthians 7:4
Great is my confidence in you; great is my pride in you; I am filled with encouragement; in all our troubles my joy overflows.

2 Corinthians 7:13
On account of this, we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were even more delighted by the joy of Titus. For his spirit has been refreshed by all of you.

2 Corinthians 1:4
who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

2 Corinthians 1:7
And our hope for you is sure, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you will share in our comfort.

1 Thessalonians 3:7
For this reason, brothers, in all our distress and persecution, we have been reassured about you, because of your faith.

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who by grace has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope, / encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good word and deed.

Romans 15:32
so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed.

Philippians 1:7
It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart. For in my chains and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partners in grace with me.

Philippians 2:1-2
Therefore if you have any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, / then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose.

Colossians 4:8
I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about us, and that he may encourage your hearts.

Hebrews 13:3
Remember those in prison as if you were bound with them, and those who are mistreated as if you were suffering with them.

1 Peter 5:9
Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.

Isaiah 57:15
For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble in spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite.

Isaiah 66:13
As a mother comforts her son, so will I comfort you, and you will be consoled over Jerusalem.”

Proverbs 12:25
Anxiety weighs down the heart of a man, but a good word cheers it up.


Treasury of Scripture

For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by you, brother.

great joy.

1 Thessalonians 1:3
Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

1 Thessalonians 2:13,19
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe…

1 Thessalonians 3:9
For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;

the bowels.

Philemon 1:20
Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.

2 Corinthians 7:13
Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.

2 Timothy 1:16
The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

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Bowels Comfort Consolation Derived Encouragement Found God's Great Hearts Joy Love Refreshed Saints Strong Thankfulness
Philemon 1
1. Paul rejoices to hear of the faith and love of Philemon,
8. whom he desires to forgive his servant Onesimus, and lovingly to receive him again.














I take great joy and encouragement
The Apostle Paul begins this verse by expressing his deep personal feelings. The Greek word for "joy" is "chara," which signifies a profound sense of gladness and delight. This joy is not superficial but deeply rooted in spiritual realities. "Encouragement" comes from the Greek "paraklesis," which means comfort or exhortation. Paul is uplifted and strengthened by the actions of Philemon, showing how Christian fellowship can provide emotional and spiritual support. This reflects the communal nature of the early Church, where believers were interconnected and supportive of one another.

in your love
The word "love" here is translated from the Greek "agape," which is the highest form of love, characterized by selflessness and sacrifice. Philemon's love is not merely an emotion but an active, living expression of his faith. This love is the hallmark of Christian discipleship, as Jesus commanded His followers to love one another (John 13:34-35). Philemon's love is a testament to his genuine faith and commitment to the teachings of Christ, serving as a model for others in the community.

because you, brother
Paul addresses Philemon as "brother," a term of endearment and equality within the Christian community. The Greek word "adelphos" signifies a familial bond, transcending biological ties and emphasizing spiritual kinship. This reflects the early Church's understanding of believers as members of one family in Christ, united by faith and love. Paul's use of "brother" underscores the personal relationship and mutual respect between him and Philemon, highlighting the unity and fellowship that should exist among Christians.

have refreshed the hearts
The phrase "have refreshed" comes from the Greek "anapauo," meaning to give rest or relief. Philemon's actions have provided comfort and rejuvenation to the believers, akin to a cool breeze on a hot day. The "hearts" (Greek "splagchna") refer to the innermost being or affections, indicating that Philemon's kindness has deeply touched and revitalized the spirits of the saints. This reflects the transformative power of Christian love and service, which can uplift and renew the community.

of the saints
The term "saints" (Greek "hagios") refers to those set apart for God, the holy ones who are part of the Christian community. In the early Church, all believers were considered saints, called to live lives of holiness and devotion. Philemon's impact on the saints demonstrates the importance of mutual edification within the body of Christ. His actions serve as a reminder that every believer has a role in supporting and strengthening the faith of others, contributing to the overall health and vitality of the Church.

(7) The bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee.--The same idea is here carried on. St. Paul declares his special joy to have been that "the bowels (i.e., the hearts) of the saints, have been refreshed through thee." The word "refresh" is the very word used by our Lord in His gracious promise: "Come unto me all ye that travail and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you" (Matthew 11:28). It is ultimately in Him that the hearts of the saints are refreshed. But in this case it was through the instrumentality of Philemon, by "the communion of faith," to which his active love was the means of welcoming them, and in which they had fellowship in Christ, both with the Father and with His children. (Comp. 1John 1:3.) St. Paul uses the word "refresh" not unfrequently to express the relief and rest given by Christian fellowship on earth. (See below, Philemon 1:20; and comp. 1Corinthians 16:18; 2Corinthians 7:13.) We find it in the Apocalypse applied to the rest with Christ in heaven (Revelation 6:11; Revelation 14:13). . . . Verse 7. - We have great joy and consolation. The preferable reading is, as in A, C, F, G, N, and Revised Version, I had much joy and comfort (see Ver. 5). "Plenius inculcat et edocet, quare dixerit, gratias ago," etc. (Jerome). The bowels of the saints; hearts (Revised Version). Either

(1) their bodily wants, the cravings of their hunger; or

(2) their hearts and affections, supplied and satisfied by the good deeds of Philemon.

This is another peculiarly Pauline expression (see 2 Corinthians 6:12; 2 Corinthians 7:15-these two are very similarly used in Vers. 7, 12, 20 - and three other places). "To refresh the bowels is (in Paul) to be taken as meaning a lightening of troubles, so that they may rest with minds free from all sorrow and annoyance" (Calvin). Brother. How persuasively the sentence is turned! An old commentator remarks, "Paul does not yet come to his request, but prepares and softens beforehand the mind of Philemon" (Scipio Gentilis). This course of proceeding is exactly what Quintilian prescribes to an advocate, "His velut fomentis, si quid erit asperum, praemolliemus, quo facilius aures judicum admittant" ('De Institut. Orat.,' 4:3).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
I take
ἔσχον (eschon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

great
πολλὴν (pollēn)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4183: Much, many; often.

joy
χαρὰν (charan)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5479: Joy, gladness, a source of joy. From chairo; cheerfulness, i.e. Calm delight.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

encouragement
παράκλησιν (paraklēsin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3874: From parakaleo; imploration, hortation, solace.

in
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

your
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

love,
ἀγάπῃ (agapē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 26: From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.

because
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

you,
σοῦ (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

brother,
ἀδελφέ (adelphe)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.

have refreshed
ἀναπέπαυται (anapepautai)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 373: From ana and pauo; to repose (be exempt), remain); by implication, to refresh.

the
τὰ (ta)
Article - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

hearts
σπλάγχνα (splanchna)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4698: Probably strengthened from splen; an intestine; figuratively, pity or sympathy.

of the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

saints.
ἁγίων (hagiōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 40: Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.


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NT Letters: Philemon 1:7 For we have much joy and comfort (Phm Phl)
Philemon 1:6
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