Philemon 1:13
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
Whom I would have retained with me, that in your stead he might have ministered to me in the bonds of the gospel:
American King James Version (AKJV)
Whom I would have retained with me, that in your stead he might have ministered to me in the bonds of the gospel:
American Standard Version (ASV)
whom I would fain have kept with me, that in thy behalf he might minister unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
Basic English Translation (BBE)
Though my desire was to keep him with me, to be my servant in the chains of the good news, in your place:
Webster's Revision
Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered to me in the bonds of the gospel:
World English Bible
whom I desired to keep with me, that on your behalf he might serve me in my chains for the Good News.
English Revised Version (ERV)
whom I would fain have kept with me, that in thy behalf he might minister unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
Definitions for Philemon 1:13
Clarke's Philemon 1:13 Bible Commentary
That in thy stead he might have ministered unto me - As Philemon was one of Paul's converts, he became thereby his spiritual father, and had a right to his services when in need. This was a strong argument, not only to induce Philemon to forgive his servant, but to send him back to the apostle, that he might minister to him in his master's stead.
Barnes's Philemon 1:13 Bible Commentary
Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead - "That he might render me the service which I know you would if you were here." The Greek is: "for thee" ὑπὲρ σοῦ huper sou; that is, what he should do for Paul might be regarded as done by Philemon himself.
He might have ministered unto me - He might have rendered me assistance (διακονῇ diakonē); to wit, in such a way as one who was in bonds would need.
Wesley's Philemon 1:13 Bible Commentary
1:13 To serve me in thy stead - To do those services for me which thou, if present, wouldest gladly have done thyself.