American Standard Version
"For perhaps he was therefore parted from thee for a season, that thou shouldest have him for ever; "
— Philemon 1:15, American Standard Version
“For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;”
“For perhaps he was therefore separated from you for a while, that you would have him forever,”
“For perhaps it was for this reason that he was separated from you for a little while, so that you would have him back eternally,”
“For perhaps he therefore departed for a season from thee that thou mightest receive him again for ever:”
“For it is possible that for this reason he was parted from you for a time, so that you might have him for ever;”
“For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;”
whom I have sent back to thee in his own person, that is, my very heart:
whom I would fain have kept with me, that in thy behalf he might minister unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
but without thy mind I would do nothing; that thy goodness should not be as of necessity, but of free will.
For perhaps he was therefore parted from thee for a season, that thou shouldest have him for ever;
no longer as a servant, but more than a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much rather to thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
If then thou countest me a partner, receive him as myself.
But if he hath wronged thee at all, or oweth thee aught, put that to mine account;