Philemon 1:21

Modern

Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

Traditional

Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.

Literal

Being persuaded of your obedience, I wrote to you, knowing that you will do even above what I say.

Latin

Confidens in obedientia tua scripsi tibi: sciens quoniam et super id, quod dico, facies.

Greek

English

Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

Paul may be suggesting that he hopes Philemon will set Onesimus free (see 1:13–14). He may also be expressing his trust in Philemon’s kindness.

Theme notes and profiles

2 Thessalonians 3:4
And we have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do what we command.
2 Corinthians 2:3
I wrote as I did so that on my arrival I would not be grieved by those who ought to make me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would share my joy.
2 Corinthians 7:16
I rejoice that I can have complete confidence in you.
2 Corinthians 8:22
And we are sending along with them our brother who has proven his earnestness to us many times and in many ways, and now even more so by his great confidence in you.
Galatians 5:10
I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is troubling you will bear the judgment, whoever he may be.