Lexical Definition

‎Ὀνήσιμος‎ Onḗsimos (on-ay'-sim-os) Onesimus ^N:N-M-P
from ‎ὀνίνημι‎

Onesimus.

• profitable
• Onesimus, a Christian

Abbott-Smith

Ὀνήσιμος, -ου, ὁ (i.e. profitable, < ὄνησις, profit),
Onesimus: Col 4:9, Phm 10 (a common name among slaves; v. MM, iii, xviii).†

Abbott-Smith References

Liddell-Scott-Jones

Ὀνήσιμος-μος, ον,

useful, profitable, beneficial, [Refs 5th c.BC+]; aiding, succouring, ἔγχος [Refs]. adverb -μως[Refs 5th c.BC+]

Profile

Male • Runaway slave, convert of Paul

Man living at the time of the New Testament

Onesimus was a runaway slave who became a Christian through Paul's ministry and was the subject of Paul's letter to Philemon.

• A man living at the time of the New Testament, first mentioned at Col.4.9;
• referred to as Onesimus or [ ] (KJV= Onesimus) Ὀνήσιμος.

Onesimus was a slave who belonged to Philemon, a Christian from Colossae (Colossians 4:9). He ran away from his master and, in some way, came into contact with the apostle Paul while Paul was in prison (Philemon 1:10). Through Paul's ministry, Onesimus became a Christian and proved to be a valuable companion and helper to Paul (Philemon 1:11-13). Paul sent Onesimus back to Philemon with a personal letter, urging Philemon to receive Onesimus back, not as a slave, but as a beloved brother in Christ (Philemon 1:16-17). Paul also offered to pay any debt that Onesimus might owe to Philemon (Philemon 1:18-19). The letter to Philemon is a powerful example of Christian love, forgiveness, and the transforming power of the gospel in human relationships. Onesimus is also mentioned as a faithful and beloved brother in Paul's letter to the Colossians (Colossians 4:9).

All entries for Onesimus: Ὀνήσιμος