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Philemon 1:21

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Philemon 1:21 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Having confidence in thine obedience I write unto thee, knowing that thou wilt do even beyond what I say.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Having confidence in thine obedience I write unto thee, knowing that thou wilt do even beyond what I say.
Philemon 1:21 — American Standard Version

Context — Philemon 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
18But if he hath wronged the at all, or oweth [thee] aught, put that to mine account;
19I Paul write it with mine own hand, I will repay it: that I say not unto thee that thou owest to me even thine own self besides.
20Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my heart in Christ.
21Having confidence in thine obedience I write unto thee, knowing that thou wilt do even beyond what I say.
22But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I hope that through your prayers I shall be granted unto you.
23Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus, saluteth thee;
24[and so do] Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow-workers.
← Philemon 1:20Philemon 1:22 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Having confidence in thy obedience, &c.] In his obedience of faith to Christ, and his Gospel; he having been made willing in the day of his power to serve him, as well as to be saved by him; and being constrained by his love, and the Spirit of Christ having wrought in him both to will and to do of his good pleasure: l wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say; the knowledge the apostle had of Philemon's cheerful obedience to Christ in all the parts of duty, encouraged him to write to him, on this head; believing that he would even do more than he had desired of him.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Having confidence in thy obedience--to my apostolic authority, if I were to "enjoin" it (Plm 1:8), which I do not, preferring to beseech thee for it as a favor (Plm 1:9). thou will also do more--towards Onesimus: hinting at his possible manumission by Philemon, besides, being kindly received.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Having confidence in thy obedience - That you would comply with all my expressed desires. I wrote unto thee - “I have written to you;” to wit, in this Epistle. Knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say - In all the respects which he had mentioned - in receiving Onesimus, and in his kind treatment of him. He had asked a great favor of him, but he knew that he would go even beyond what he had asked. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“1:21 and even more: Paul might be hinting that he would like to see Onesimus released (cp. 1:13-14), or he might simply be expressing confidence in Philemon’s kindness.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Co2 2:3, Co2 7:16, Co2 8:22; Gal 5:10; Th2 3:4 Philemon 1:22”
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Related study paths

Read Philemon 1 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification