Phile 13 | RWP | e4.org | I would fain have kept ( εβουλομην κατεχειν ). Imperfect middle and present infinitive, "I was wishing to hold back." Again from the standpoint of the arrival of Onesimus. In thy behalf ( υπερ σου ). So "in thy stead," "in place of thee." He might minister ( διακονη ). Present active subjunctive (retained after εβουλομην ) with ινα , purpose continued, "that he might keep on ministering."

‏ Philemon 13

I would fain have kept ( εβουλομην κατεχειν ). Imperfect middle and present infinitive, "I was wishing to hold back." Again from the standpoint of the arrival of Onesimus.

In thy behalf ( υπερ σου ). So "in thy stead," "in place of thee."

He might minister ( διακονη ). Present active subjunctive (retained after εβουλομην ) with ινα, purpose continued, "that he might keep on ministering."