Definition: I Paul have written [it] with mine own hand, I will repay [it]: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Philo’s Letter to Philemon. It’s a really interesting and somewhat mysterious part of the letter! Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, Paul is promising to repay a debt he owes to Philemon. Let's unpack that: “I Paul have written [it]”: This tells us that this is a specific promise made by Paul. It’s not just any old statement; it’s a deliberate commitment. “I will repay [it]”: He’s promising to fulfill his obligation. It's about making something right. “albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.” This is the tricky part. "Thou owest" means “you owe.” The phrase “even thine own self besides” is a really poetic way of saying “even you .” It’s like he's acknowledging that he's aware of how he’s treated Philemon and is taking responsibility for his actions. So, the whole statement means: "I have made this promise to you, and I will fulfill it, even though I don't know exactly how you are treating me." What does this suggest? It’s a bit of a philosophical statement about forgiveness and responsibility. Paul is emphasizing that he has a commitment to Philemon, and he acknowledges that he’s aware of his role in the situation – that he's responsible for his actions. It suggests a level of understanding and perhaps even a little regret. Important Note: This passage has been debated for centuries! There isn’t a definitive "translation" or explanation of what Paul meant. It’s a beautiful and evocative expression of human responsibility and the potential for reconciliation. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail?