King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 16:21 Mean?

1 Corinthians 16:21 in the King James Version says “The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.”

1 Corinthians 16:21 · KJV

Context

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.

22

If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.

23

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Read 1 Corinthians 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand—Ho aspasmos tē emē cheiri Paulou (ὁ ἀσπασμὸς τῇ ἐμῇ χειρὶ Παύλου, "the greeting with my own hand, Paul's"). Ancient authors typically dictated letters to scribes (amanuenses), but added personal greetings or authentication in their own handwriting (Galatians 6:11, Colossians 4:18, 2 Thessalonians 3:17, Philemon 1:19). This handwritten note proved authenticity and added personal warmth, like signing a typed letter today.

Paul's practice of including autograph greetings countered forgery (2 Thessalonians 2:2 warns of forged Pauline letters) and added personal touch to doctrinally dense or corrective letters. Despite correcting Corinthian errors through 16 chapters, Paul ends personally, affirming relationship. The personal signature transformed a formal epistle into intimate pastoral communication.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient scribes (Roman librarii, Greek grammateis) were professional letter writers. Romans 16:22 identifies Tertius as the scribe for Romans. Educated people dictated letters for speed and scribal expertise, but personal signatures authenticated documents. Paul's handwritten greetings may also reflect his eye problems (Galatians 4:13-15, 6:11 mentions "large letters"), making writing difficult but personally significant.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Paul emphasize that his greeting is in his own handwriting—what does this add to the letter?
  2. How does the personal signature transform the pastoral tone from corrective to affectionate?
  3. What modern equivalents exist for Paul's handwritten authentication in an age of digital communication?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 6 words
Ὁ1 of 6
G3588

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

ἀσπασμὸς2 of 6

“The salutation”

G783

a greeting (in person or by letter)

τῇ3 of 6
G3588

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

ἐμῇ4 of 6

“with mine own”

G1699

my

χειρὶ5 of 6

“hand”

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

Παύλου6 of 6

“of me Paul”

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

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 16:21 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 16:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Colossians 4:18Galatians 6:112 Thessalonians 3:17Romans 16:22Philemon 1:19

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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