Φιλήμων (Philēmōn)
Philēmōn
Philemon
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Philēmon means "one who kisses," derived from the verb for kissing. It identifies a Christian resident of Colossae who received the brief letter bearing his name from the Apostle Paul.
Paul describes him as a beloved fellow worker and notes that he converted to the faith through Paul’s ministry. The text highlights Philēmon’s active role in supporting the early church, specifically mentioning how his hospitality provided a meeting place for believers in his home.
This single name appears only twice in the New Testament, both within the opening greeting of the Epistle to Philemon. It serves as a personal anchor for a letter that addresses complex issues of slavery, forgiveness, and Christian brotherhood.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Philemon means "one who kisses," a gentle image that reflects the warmth of his character in the early church. He was not just a passive recipient of Paul’s letter but an active fellow worker whose home became a gathering place for believers. This detail reminds us that faith is lived out in everyday spaces, where hospitality and openness create room for community to grow.
Paul’s greeting highlights Philemon as someone beloved and trusted, showing how personal relationships anchor the spread of the gospel. In a world that often values status or power, the early church celebrated those who opened their homes and hearts. His story invites us to consider how we might use our own resources and connections to support others in faith.
Though the letter addresses serious issues like slavery and forgiveness, it does so through the lens of brotherhood and grace. Philemon’s example shows that Christian love is not abstract but practical, demanding action and reconciliation. May his name inspire us to be people who "kiss"—offering peace and unity in our own circles.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- To Philemon2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Φιλήμονι1×
- Φιλήμονα1×
Key Verses
-
Philemon 1:1
Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon, our beloved fellow worker,
This verse introduces Philemon as a beloved fellow worker, establishing his close relationship with Paul and his active role in the ministry.
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Philemon 1:25
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
The closing blessing reinforces that Philemon’s life and work are sustained by the grace of Jesus Christ, tying his personal faith to divine empowerment.