Onesimus in the Bible — The Runaway Slave Transformed by Grace
Onesimus was a slave belonging to Philemon, a church leader in Colossae. He ran away and somehow ended up in the company of Paul (under house arrest in Rome), where he became a Christian. Paul then wrote one of the most personal letters in the New Testament — to Philemon — asking him to receive Onesimus back 'not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved.' Paul offered to pay any debt Onesimus owed. From runaway slave to beloved brother — one of the most powerful illustrations in Scripture of the social transformation the gospel produces. Below are 4 key passages from the King James Version (KJV) on this theme.
What does the Bible say about onesimus?
Who is Onesimus in the Bible? A runaway slave belonging to Philemon who encountered Paul in prison, became a Christian, and was sent back to his master with a letter asking him to receive him 'no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.' His story is the gospel in miniature.
4 Bible Verses About Onesimus (KJV)
“But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.”
Philemon 1:10 KJV Read Philemon chapter 1 →
“For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.”
Philemon 1:11 KJV Read Philemon chapter 1 →
“Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
Philemon 1:15 KJV Read Philemon chapter 1 →
“Do not err, my beloved brethren.”
Philemon 1:16 KJV Read Philemon chapter 1 →
Read These Passages in Full Context
Frequently Asked Questions About Onesimus in the Bible
- What does the Bible say about onesimus?
- Onesimus was a slave belonging to Philemon, a church leader in Colossae. He ran away and somehow ended up in the company of Paul (under house arrest in Rome), where he became a Christian. Paul then wrote one of the most personal letters in the New Testament — to Philemon — asking him to receive Onesimus back 'not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved.' Paul offered to pay any debt Onesimus owed. From runaway slave to beloved brother — one of the most powerful illustrations in Scripture of the social transformation the gospel produces. Key KJV passages: Philemon 1:10, Philemon 1:11, Philemon 1:15, Philemon 1:16, Colossians 4:9.
- What are the best Bible verses about onesimus?
- The most important KJV passages on onesimus include: Philemon 1:10, Philemon 1:11, Philemon 1:15, Philemon 1:16, Colossians 4:9. Read all 4 passages free at The Living Sword Bible — no account, no ads.
- Where in the Bible does it talk about onesimus?
- The Bible addresses onesimus throughout both Testaments. Key references include Philemon 1:10, Philemon 1:11, Philemon 1:15, Philemon 1:16, Colossians 4:9. Explore every passage in context at thelivingsword.replit.app.
- What does the New Testament say about onesimus?
- New Testament scriptures on onesimus: Philemon 1:10, Philemon 1:11, Philemon 1:15, Philemon 1:16. Read them free at The Living Sword Bible.
- How do I study Bible verses about onesimus?
- The Living Sword Bible app offers word-by-word study with original Hebrew and Greek, multiple translations (KJV, World English Bible, Geneva Bible, Young's Literal, ASV, Darby), cross-references, and an AI companion that answers only from Scripture. Read all 4 passages on onesimus at thelivingsword.replit.app — free, no account, no download required.
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Available translations: King James Version (KJV), World English Bible (WEB), Geneva Bible 1599, Darby Translation, Young's Literal Translation (YLT), American Standard Version (ASV), and the Living Sword Translation.