NET Bible
"no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, as a dear brother. He is especially so to me, and even more so to you now, both humanly speaking and in the Lord."
— Philemon 1:16, NET Bible
“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?”
“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. ”
“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.”
“Not now as a servant, but instead of a servant, a most dear brother, especially to me. But how much more to thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord?”
“No longer as a servant, but more than a servant, a brother, very dear to me specially, but much more to you, in the flesh as well as in the Lord.”
“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?”
I wanted to keep him with me so that he could serve me in your place during my imprisonment for the sake of the gospel.
However, without your consent I did not want to do anything, so that your good deed would not be out of compulsion, but from your own willingness.
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,
no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, as a dear brother. He is especially so to me, and even more so to you now, both humanly speaking and in the Lord.
Therefore if you regard me as a partner, accept him as you would me.
Now if he has defrauded you of anything or owes you anything, charge what he owes to me.
I, Paul, have written this letter with my own hand: I will repay it. I could also mention that you owe me your very self.