## But without your consent I did not want to do anything ## "But I did not want to keep him here without your approval" or "But I wanted to keep him with me only if you approved" ## your...you ## In verses 14-16 these pronouns are singular and refer to Philemon (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) ## so that your goodness should not be as forced ## This can be translated as "so that you will do what is right, not because I am forcing you." ## but as free will ## "but because you want to" or "but because you freely choose to do the right thing" ## perhaps he was separated from you ## This passive clause could be translated as an active clause: "perhaps God took Onesimus away from you." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ## perhaps ## "maybe" ## for a while ## "during this time" ## more than a slave ## "better than a slave" or "more valuable than a slave" ## a beloved brother ## "a dear brother" or "a precious brother" ## a brother ## "a brother in Christ" ## and yet how much even more so to you ## "and certainly even more to you" ## in the flesh ## This can be translated as "as a man" or "in your human relationship." This human relationship can be stated more explicitly: "because he is your slave." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ## and in the Lord ## This can be translated as "and as a brother in the Lord" or "and because he belongs to the Lord."