Lost in Translation

Yes, brother, let me benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. Philemon 1:20  NASB

Benefit – We’re reaching the end.  Just one more remark and Paul will wrap up his appeal.  And since we’re reaching the end, it’s time to back off a bit from the aggressive exhortation.  Now Paul lightens up.  “If you do what I suggest, well, I’ll appreciate it so much.  It will be a real benefit to me, just as if you were doing something good for the Messiah.”  How could anyone refuse?

Paul uses the Greek term ŏninēmi.  It really means “to derive pleasure or advantage from someone.”  Sound it out.  Does it remind you of another word—Onesimus.  Yes, they are both from the same root.  Onesimus is a name that means “to be of benefit.”  Paul uses a Greek term that has a direct connection to the name of Philemon’s slave.  How could the reader miss such a deliberate linguistic manipulation?  Onesimus is ŏninēmi, the manifestation of benefit.  Once Philemon recognizes the destiny in the name, he will have to submit to Paul’s request.  Hebraic thinking rears its head in the words themselves.  A man’s name is his purpose, and Onesimus proves it.  It is impossible for Philemon to avoid the obligation now.  To do so would be to deny the divine destiny of God’s name choice.

It’s such a shame that we miss these kinds of details in the translation.  Of course, the impact of Paul’s word choice in Greek wasn’t lost to Philemon.  That’s why it’s so important for us to think in terms of the original language.  Anyone who reads this passage and wants to know what is really happening can find out, especially today when all the resources are so readily available online.  What this means is that we can no longer just “read” the Bible.  We have to investigate.  Yes, of course, we can simply read if all we want is devotional comfort.  But that’s not the sole purpose of the text.  The text communicates valuable information to the original audience in the original language.  Subtleties like the relationship between the name and this particular verb are crucial to this communication.  As you probably know, these sorts of things happen over and over, in Hebrew and Greek.  It is our responsibility to look deeper than the convenient English printed text.  Knowing what inspired authors said demands diligent pursuit of their thinking and their audience.  Every translation leaves something on the table.  Sometimes what’s left behind is the real gold.

Topical Index:  Onesimus, ŏninēmi, benefit, translation, Philemon 1:20