May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he has often refreshed me and was unashamed of my chains.
Parallel translations
- WEB May the Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain,
- KJV The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
- 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, as well as the household of Onesiphorus.
- Phlm 1:20Yes, brother, let me have some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.
- Acts 28:20So for this reason I have called to see you and speak with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.”
- Heb 10:34You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you yourselves had a better and permanent possession.
- Phlm 1:7I take great joy and encouragement in your love, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
- Eph 6:20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should.
- 2 Tim 1:8So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me, His prisoner. Instead, join me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.
- Neh 5:19Remember me favorably, O my God, for all that I have done for this people.
- Matt 25:35–40For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in,
- 2 Tim 1:18May the Lord grant Onesiphorus His mercy on that day. You know very well how much he ministered to me in Ephesus.
- Neh 13:22Then I instructed the Levites to purify themselves and guard the gates in order to keep the Sabbath day holy. Remember me for this as well, O my God, and show me mercy according to Your abundant loving devotion.
- Ps 18:25To the faithful You show Yourself faithful, to the blameless You show Yourself blameless;
- Heb 6:10For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.
- 1 Cor 16:18For they refreshed my spirit and yours as well. Show your appreciation, therefore, to such men.
- Neh 13:31I also arranged for contributions of wood at the appointed times, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, with favor.
- Ps 37:26They are ever generous and quick to lend, and their children are a blessing.
- 2 Cor 9:12–14For this ministry of service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanksgiving to God.
- Matt 5:7Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
- Neh 13:14Remember me for this, O my God, and do not blot out my deeds of loving devotion for the house of my God and for its services.
- Matt 10:41–42Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward.
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