May the Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain,
Parallel translations
- KJV The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
- BSB May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he has often refreshed me and was unashamed of my chains.
- NKJV The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain;
- NASB The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains;
- NLT May the Lord show special kindness to Onesiphorus and all his family because he often visited and encouraged me. He was never ashamed of me because I was in chains.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Paul prays the Lord's mercy on Onesiphorus's household because he often refreshed Paul and was not ashamed of his chains. Loyal kindness to a suffering servant of God is honored.
Overview
In contrast to those who deserted him, Onesiphorus repeatedly encouraged Paul and was unashamed of his imprisonment. Paul's prayer for mercy on his 'house' reflects deep gratitude for this rare faithfulness. The verse commends practical love that stands by the persecuted rather than fleeing from association with them.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 20
- 2 Tim 4:19Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus.
- Phlm 1:20Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in the Lord.
- Acts 28:20For this cause therefore I asked to see you and to speak with you. For because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”
- Heb 10:34For you both had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and an enduring one in the heavens.
- Phlm 1:7For we have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.
- Eph 6:20for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
- 2 Tim 1:8Therefore don’t be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but endure hardship for the Good News according to the power of God,
- Neh 5:19Remember to me, my God, for good, all that I have done for this people.
- Matt 25:35–40for I was hungry, and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me drink. I was a stranger, and you took me in.
- 2 Tim 1:18(the Lord grant to him to find the Lord’s mercy in that day); and in how many things he served at Ephesus, you know very well.
- Neh 13:22I commanded the Levites that they should purify themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the Sabbath day. Remember to me, my God, this also, and spare me according to the greatness of your loving kindness.
- Ps 18:25With the merciful you will show yourself merciful. With the perfect man, you will show yourself perfect.
- Heb 6:10For God is not unrighteous, so as to forget your work and the labor of love which you showed toward his name, in that you served the saints, and still do serve them.
- 1 Cor 16:18For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge those who are like that.
- Neh 13:31and for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the first fruits. Remember me, my God, for good.
- Ps 37:26All day long he deals graciously, and lends. His offspring is blessed.
- 2 Cor 9:12–14For this service of giving that you perform not only makes up for lack among the saints, but abounds also through many givings of thanks to God;
- Matt 5:7Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
- Neh 13:14Remember me, my God, concerning this, and don’t wipe out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for its observances.
- Matt 10:41–42He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward. He who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward.
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