King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 1:3 Mean?

1 Corinthians 1:3 in the King James Version says “Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.”

1 Corinthians 1:3 · KJV

GracePeace

Context

1

Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,

2

Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

3

Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

4

I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;

5

That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;

Read 1 Corinthians 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Grace be unto you, and peace (charis hymin kai eirene, χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη)—Paul's standard greeting merges Greek (charis, grace) and Hebrew (shalom, peace) cultural forms into a distinctly Christian benediction. Charis (χάρις) is God's unmerited favor—the foundation of all Christian life and the antidote to the pride and factionalism plaguing Corinth. Eirene (εἰρήνη, peace) is not mere absence of conflict but wholeness, reconciliation, and right relationship—precisely what the divided Corinthians lack.

From God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ—Both grace and peace originate in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, whom Paul names in the same breath, implying equal divine status. This is no trivial greeting but a theological statement: all spiritual blessings flow from the Godhead, not from human wisdom or charismatic leaders.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This greeting formula appears in all Paul's letters and reflects early Christian liturgical language. In a city obsessed with status, patron-client relationships, and honor competitions, Paul redefines blessing as coming exclusively from God, not from human benefactors or philosophical schools. The coupling of Father and Son in one phrase was already Christian shorthand for Trinitarian theology.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing grace as "unmerited favor" undercut the pride and competitiveness that fueled Corinthian factions?
  2. In what ways do we seek peace through human means rather than receiving it from God?
  3. What does Paul's equal naming of Father and Son teach us about the deity of Christ and the nature of the Godhead?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
χάρις1 of 12

“Grace”

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

ὑμῖν2 of 12

“be unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

καὶ3 of 12

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἰρήνη4 of 12

“peace”

G1515

peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity

ἀπὸ5 of 12

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

θεοῦ6 of 12

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

πατρὸς7 of 12

“Father”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ἡμῶν8 of 12

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

καὶ9 of 12

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

κυρίου10 of 12

“from the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Ἰησοῦ11 of 12

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ12 of 12

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 1:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 1:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 1:72 Corinthians 1:21 Peter 1:2Ephesians 1:2

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Corinthians 1 with CommentaryAll 1 Corinthians ChaptersComplete 1 Corinthians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes