Philemon 1:15 kjv — For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;

King James Version

"For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;"

— Philemon 1:15, King James Version

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Philemon 1:15 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Philemon 1 — Context

12

Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:

13

Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:

14

But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.

15

For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;

16

Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?

17

If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.

18

If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;

Philemon 1:15 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Philemon 1:15 say?
Philemon 1:15 in the King James Version reads: “For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;”
Where is Philemon 1:15 in the Bible?
Philemon 1:15 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Philemon, chapter 1, verse 15.
Who wrote Philemon?
Philemon is traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle (from prison). It was written c. AD 60–62.
What is the book of Philemon about?
A single-chapter masterpiece of pastoral diplomacy. Paul sends the runaway slave Onesimus — now a Christian brother — back to his master Philemon, appealing not by command but by love that he be received "above a servant, a brother beloved."
What are the major themes of Philemon?
Philemon explores themes including Reconciliation, Brotherhood in Christ, Forgiveness, Gospel Equality. These themes shape the meaning and context of Philemon 1:15.
What translation should I read Philemon 1:15 in?
Philemon 1:15 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Philemon 1:15?
Philemon 1:15 reads (KJV): “For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2