The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
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,
- 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 4:19Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
- Phlm 1:20Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.
- Acts 28:20For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.
- Heb 10:34For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
- Phlm 1:7For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
- Eph 6:20For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
- 2 Tim 1:8Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
- Neh 5:19Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.
- Matt 25:35–40For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
- 2 Tim 1:18The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.
- Neh 13:22And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.
- Ps 18:25With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright;
- Heb 6:10For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
- 1 Cor 16:18For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.
- Neh 13:31And for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, for good.
- Ps 37:26He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.
- 2 Cor 9:12–14For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
- Matt 5:7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
- Neh 13:14Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof.
- Matt 10:41–42He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.
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