προσοφείλω (prosopheilō)
prosopheilō
to owe besides
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb prosopheilō means to owe something in addition to what is already due. It combines a prefix indicating "beside" or "alongside" with the root for debt, creating a sense of an extra obligation that sits on top of an existing one. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Philemon 1:19.
Paul uses it here to remind Philemon that he owes Paul his very self, or his soul, because Paul brought him to faith. This is not a financial debt but a spiritual one. The term highlights a profound personal connection, suggesting that Philemon’s life belongs to Paul in a way that goes beyond ordinary social ties. It underscores the deep bond formed through ministry and conversion.
Because it appears only here, its meaning is shaped entirely by this context. Paul does not demand repayment but acknowledges a debt of gratitude and loyalty. The word captures a relationship where one person’s existence is intertwined with another’s in a lasting, significant way.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word προσοφείλω describes a debt that sits on top of another, an extra obligation added to what is already due. In Philemon 1:19, Paul uses this rare term to remind his friend that he owes him not just money, but his very self. This is a spiritual debt born from the gift of faith. It shows how ministry creates deep, lasting bonds between people.
For your life, this reminds us that relationships in Christ carry weight and responsibility. When someone helps you grow in faith, they hold a place of honor in your heart. We do not earn salvation by repaying such debts, but we show gratitude through loyalty and love. This word invites us to value the people God places in our path.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you owe also.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προσοφείλεις.1×
Key Verses
-
Philemon 1:19
I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it (not to mention to you that you owe to me even your own self besides).
Paul uses this unique verb to highlight that Philemon's conversion owes him a debt of his very life, surpassing any financial repayment.