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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadCambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - Philemon 1:18 - 1:18
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18. εἰ δέ τι. The δέ states an objection which Philemon might raise against the reception of Onesimus. The hypothetical term is probably due to a desire to avoid all irritation, “Attic politeness” (Mey.), St Paul knowing from Onesimus’ confession that such was really the case. Possibly however St Paul was in some doubt as to the fact, owing to the matter presenting itself to Philemon and to Onesimus in different aspects.
ἠδίκησέν σε, “did thee an injury.”
See Col 3:25 for the use of ἀδικεῖν in reference (probably) to a slave. Though a general word in itself it must here refer to money, for otherwise St Paul could not pay it back (Phm 1:19). For a similar connotation see (probably) 1Co 6:8. The aor. marks only the time when Onesimus committed the act, and does not say whether this was when he was still with Philemon or when he went away.
ἢ ὀφείλει. Not merely epexegetic of ἡδίκησέν σε and indicating the present result of that act, but wider. He may have “injured” Philemon by directly robbing him, he may be “owing” him something partly by that and partly by not having repaid moneys expended on him. Hence ἤ rather than καί.
τοῦτο ἐμοὶ ἐλλόγα, “reckon this to me.” “Hesychius ἐλλόγει, καταλόγησαι” (Beng.); almost “ledger it.” Onesimus would have long since spent anything he took. For the form see Rom 5:13†. Exx. of ἐλλογεῖν (text Rec. here and Rom.) on monuments are given in Lightfoot. See also Blass Gram. § 22, 2, for other cases of confusion between verbs in -έω and in -άω.