en_tn/phm/01/14.md

1.4 KiB

"But I did not want to keep him here without your approval" or "But I wanted to keep him with me only if you approved"

your...you

In verses 14-16 these pronouns are singular and refer to Philemon (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you)

so that your goodness should not be as forced

This can be translated as "so that you will do what is right, not because I am forcing you."

but as free will

"but because you want to" or "but because you freely choose to do the right thing"

perhaps he was separated from you

This passive clause could be translated as an active clause: "perhaps God took Onesimus away from you." (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive)

perhaps

"maybe"

for a while

"during this time"

more than a slave

"better than a slave" or "more valuable than a slave"

a beloved brother

"a dear brother" or "a precious brother"

a brother

"a brother in Christ"

and yet how much even more so to you

"and certainly even more to you"

in the flesh

This can be translated as "as a man" or "in your human relationship." This human relationship can be stated more explicitly: "because he is your slave." (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit)

and in the Lord

This can be translated as "and as a brother in the Lord" or "and because he belongs to the Lord."