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 5 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.

5 Bible Verses About Onesimus (KJV)

“I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:”

Philemon 1:10 KJV Read Philemon chapter 1 →

“Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:”

Philemon 1:11 KJV Read Philemon chapter 1 →

“For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;”

Philemon 1:15 KJV Read Philemon chapter 1 →

“Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?”

Philemon 1:16 KJV Read Philemon chapter 1 →

“With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.”

Colossians 4:9 KJV — The Sun of Righteousness Shall Rise Read Colossians chapter 4 →

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 5 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.org.
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 5 passages on onesimus at thelivingsword.org — 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.