Philemon 1:10

I am appealing ¹  to you concerning my child, whose spiritual father I have become ²  during my imprisonment, ³  that is, Onesimus,

2Sa 9:1-7; 2Sa 18:5; 2Sa 19:37,38; Mr 9:17; 1Co 4:15; Ga 4:19; Col 4:9; 1Ti 1:2; Tit 1:4

¹ tn Or “I am encouraging…”

² tn Grk “my child whom I have begotten.” The adjective “spiritual” has been supplied before “father” in the translation to clarify for the modern reader that Paul did not literally father a child during his imprisonment. Paul’s point is that he was instrumental in Onesimus’ conversion while in prison.

³ sn During my imprisonment. Apparently Onesimus became a believer under Paul’s shepherding while he [Paul] was a prisoner in Rome.