Boy New Testament Rare
Philemon
who kisses
Φιλήμων Philēmōn
Philemon (Greek: Φιλήμων, Philēmōn) means “who kisses”, by traditional interpretation. It appears in 2 verses across 1 book of the Bible. In 2025 it was given to 10 children in the United States. Use is falling away. Appears in the same passages as Apphia.
The bearer in scripture
One person in scripture bears this name.
-
Philemon
Scripture against society
The two measures, side by side
At a glance
- Verses
- 2 across 1 book
- Bearers
- 1 one person only
- Testament
- New
- Era
- Apostolic
Using it today
Based on 2025 births across the United States.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Given in 2025 | 10 | Falling |
| All-time total | 925 | Since records begin in 1880 |
| Peak | 24 in 2017 | Its highest year on record |
In scripture
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First appears | Philemon 1:1 |
| Last appears | Philemon 1:25 |
| Cross-references | 34 linked passages |
Names connected to this one
- Onesimus co-occurrence Appears with Onesimus in Philemon 1.
- Apphia co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Apphia.
- Timothy co-occurrence Appears with Timothy in Philemon 1.
- 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.
- Aristarchus co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Aristarchus.
- Epaphroditus co-occurrence Appears in the same passages as Epaphroditus.
Origin & meaning
φιλήμων, -ονος, ὁ
Philemon: Phm 1.†
(AS)
Philemon, a Christian from Colossae to whom Paul wrote a letter appealing for the reconciliation with his runaway slave, Onesimus.
The biblical story
Philemon was a Christian from the city of Colossae to whom the Apostle Paul wrote a personal letter. The letter, which is included in the New Testament canon, deals with the situation of Onesimus, Philemon's slave who had run away and had subsequently become a Christian under Paul's ministry.
In the letter, Paul appeals to Philemon to receive Onesimus back, not as a slave, but as a beloved brother in Christ. Paul emphasizes the transformation that has taken place in Onesimus' life and urges Philemon to demonstrate forgiveness and reconciliation.
Although the specific outcome of Paul's request is not recorded in the Bible, the letter provides valuable insights into the early Christian church's approach to social issues, such as slavery, and the transformative power of the gospel in personal relationships. The letter also demonstrates Paul's pastoral concern for both Onesimus and Philemon and his desire to see the principles of Christian love and unity applied in their situation.
Key verses
Philemon appears in 2 verses. Here are some of the most notable:
-
Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,
Philemon 1:1 -
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 2 references
Philemon (2)
- Philemon 1:1
- Philemon 1:25