Difference between revisions of "Talk:Epistle to Philemon (Translated)"

Revision as of 13:28, November 12, 2009

Andy, I changed your translation of verse 8 slightly to better synch with verse 9. JacobB 20:01, 28 September 2009 (EDT)

Peace to fellowlaborers

I think its a safe bet that Paul wasn't campaigning for the nationalization of the means of production in the Roman Empire. So concerns that "fellowlaborers" connotes socialism are unfounded. The Greek word sunergos means coworker or "companion in labor", according to Strong's. "Fellowlaborers" actually seems to be a fairly accurate English translation. Instead of worrying about "today's connotations", we might want to delve into what Paul meant by sunergos. In II Timothy 2:15, Paul tells us "Do your best to win full approval in God's sight, as a worker [ergates] who is not ashamed of his work, one who correctly teaches the message of God's truth". (Good News Bible) Strong's defines ergates as a toiler and, figuratively, a teacher. So, I would say, when Paul refers to his "fellowlaborers", he's referring to those, like himself, who toil for and teach God's message. Translating this as "volunteers" hardly conveys the same meaning. Nor does "fellowteachers" render sunergos sufficiently. "Fellowlaborers" seems to be the best.

With the comment that "'peace' today means anti-war", one almost gets the impression that peace is an odious, noxious thing. I never thought I'd have to delve into the meaning of "peace" - eirene - but this comment, along with the one that "'peace of mind' is what is meant" prompted me to look into the matter. According to my dictionary, peace is defined as 1. freedom from war or civil strife; 2. a treaty or agreement to end war; 3. freedom from public disorder; public security. Strong's defines eirene as peace; prosperity; quietness; rest. Its derived from eiro, to join. The Hebrew word shalom - peace, health, prosperity - is derived from shalam, which Strong's defines as: to be safe; to be friendly; to reciprocate. From all this, we see that peace is very much a social issue. One person may have "peace of mind". But such quietness arises from social harmony. Luke, at verse 10:6, quotes Jesus saying that "If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him", connoting the social nature of peace. So when Paul talks about peace in Philemon 3, he's doing more than wishing someone "peace of mind".

I think this can be discerned more fully when we look at the whole verse: "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ". Grace or charis implies graciousness of manner or act, according to Strong's. One can be gracious to oneself. But like shalam, friendliness and reciprocity to others is what is meant. Together, charis and eirene, friendliness, reciprocity and social harmony is Paul's message to his fellowlaborers. - Danielitld