34 So that you would have him back eternally. The notion here is not that Onesimus was to be the slave of Philemon eternally, but that their new relationship as brothers in Christ would transcend the societal structures of this age. The occasion of Onesimus’ flight to Rome would ultimately be a catalyst in the formation of a new and stronger bond between these two men.

In other versions

For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever,

Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever—

For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a brief time, so that you might get him back permanently,

It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever.

For perhaps because of this, he was separated from you for a time, in order that you might have him back forever,

For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;

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