World English Bible
"For perhaps he was therefore separated from you for a while, that you would have him forever,"
— Philemon 1:15, World English Bible
“For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;”
“For perhaps he was therefore parted from thee for a season, that thou shouldest have him for ever; ”
“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;”
I am sending him back. Therefore receive him, that is, my own heart,
whom I desired to keep with me, that on your behalf he might serve me in my chains for the Good News.
But I was willing to do nothing without your consent, that your goodness would not be as of necessity, but of free will.
For perhaps he was therefore separated from you for a while, that you would have him forever,
no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much rather to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
If then you count me a partner, receive him as you would receive me.
But if he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, put that to my account.