King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 16:19 Mean?

1 Corinthians 16:19 in the King James Version says “The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their hous... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

1 Corinthians 16:19 · KJV


Context

17

I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.

18

For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.

19

The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

20

All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.

21

The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The churches of Asia salute youAspazomai (ἀσπάζομαι, "greet, salute") conveys warm Christian fellowship. Asia refers to the Roman province in western Asia Minor, including Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea—the seven churches of Revelation 2-3. This greeting emphasizes the unity of geographically separated churches, countering Corinthian factionalism.

Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house—This remarkable couple, tentmakers like Paul (Acts 18:2-3), hosted churches wherever they lived—Rome (Romans 16:3-5), Corinth (Acts 18:2), Ephesus (1 Corinthians 16:19), and again Rome (2 Timothy 4:19). En kyriō (ἐν κυρίῳ, "in the Lord") distinguishes Christian greeting from mere social courtesy. The kat' oikon ekklēsia (κατ᾽ οἶκον ἐκκλησία, "house church") was the standard New Testament church structure before dedicated buildings existed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Aquila and Priscilla (also called Prisca) were expelled from Rome by Claudius's edict (AD 49) banning Jews. They met Paul in Corinth, worked alongside him, then traveled to Ephesus where they instructed Apollos (Acts 18:26). Priscilla's name appearing first in Acts 18:26 and Romans 16:3 suggests prominence unusual for women in antiquity, possibly indicating she was the primary teacher or of higher social status than Aquila.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the practice of greetings between geographically distant churches teach about Christian unity?
  2. How does the house church model embodied by Aquila and Priscilla differ from modern church structures?
  3. What made Aquila and Priscilla such effective ministry partners—for each other, for Paul, for churches?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
Ἀσπάζονται1 of 20

salute

G782

to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome

ὑμᾶς2 of 20

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

αἱ3 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐκκλησίᾳ4 of 20

The churches

G1577

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

τῆς5 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἀσίας6 of 20

of Asia

G773

asia, i.e., asia minor, or (usually) only its western shore

Ἀσπάζονται7 of 20

salute

G782

to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome

ὑμᾶς8 of 20

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἐν9 of 20

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

κυρίῳ10 of 20

the Lord

G2962

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

πολλὰ11 of 20

much

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

Ἀκύλας12 of 20

Aquila

G207

akulas, an israelite

καὶ13 of 20

and

G2532

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

Πρίσκιλλα,14 of 20

Priscilla

G4252

priscilla (i.e., little prisca), a christian woman

σὺν15 of 20

with

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

τῇ16 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κατ'17 of 20

that is in

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

οἶκον18 of 20

house

G3624

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

αὐτῶν19 of 20

their

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐκκλησίᾳ20 of 20

The churches

G1577

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth


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 16:19 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 16:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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