Boy New Testament Rare
Onesimus
profitable; useful
Ὀνήσιμος Onēsimos
Onesimus (Greek: Ὀνήσιμος, Onēsimos) means “profitable; useful”, by traditional interpretation. It appears in 4 verses across 2 books of the Bible. In 2020 it was given to 7 children in the United States. Use is rising. Appears in the same passages as Apphia.
The bearer in scripture
One person in scripture bears this name.
-
Onesimus
Scripture against society
The two measures, side by side
At a glance
- Verses
- 4 across 2 books
- Bearers
- 1 one person only
- Testament
- New
- Era
- Apostolic
Using it today
Based on 2020 births across the United States.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Given in 2020 | 7 | Rising |
| All-time total | 50 | Since records begin in 1880 |
| Peak | 9 in 1982 | Its highest year on record |
In scripture
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First appears | Colossians 4:9 |
| Last appears | Philemon 1:25 |
| Cross-references | 64 linked passages |
Names connected to this one
- Philemon co-occurrence Appears with Philemon in Philemon 1.
- Tychicus co-occurrence Appears with Tychicus in Colossians 4.
- Archippus co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Archippus.
- Epaphras co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Epaphras.
- Demas co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Demas.
- Apphia co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Apphia.
- Jesus co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Jesus.
- Justus co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Justus.
Origin & meaning
Ὀνήσιμος, -ου, ὁ
(i.e. profitable, ὄνησις, profit),
Onesimus: Col.4:9, Phm 10 (a common name among slaves; see MM, iii, xviii).†
(AS)
Onesimus was a runaway slave who became a Christian through Paul's ministry and was the subject of Paul's letter to Philemon.
The biblical story
Onesimus was a slave who belonged to Philemon, a Christian from Colossae (Col.4.9). He ran away from his master and, in some way, came into contact with the apostle Paul while Paul was in prison (Phm.1.10). Through Paul's ministry, Onesimus became a Christian and proved to be a valuable companion and helper to Paul (Phm.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 (Phm.1.16-17). Paul also offered to pay any debt that Onesimus might owe to Philemon (Phm.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 (Col.4.9).
Key verses
Onesimus appears in 4 verses. Here are some of the most notable:
-
With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.
Colossians 4:9 -
The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. Written from Rome to the Colossians by Tychicus and Onesimus.
Colossians 4:18 -
I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
Philemon 1:10 -
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. Written from Rome to Philemon, by Onesimus a servant.
Philemon 1:25
Show all 4 references
Colossians (2)
- Colossians 4:9
- Colossians 4:18
Philemon (2)
- Philemon 1:10
- Philemon 1:25