King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 16:23 Mean?

1 Corinthians 16:23 in the King James Version says “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”

1 Corinthians 16:23 · KJV

Grace

Context

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.

24

My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. The first epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi by Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus and Timotheus.

Read 1 Corinthians 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you—Hē charis tou kyriou Iēsou (ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ). Paul's typical closing benediction invokes charis (χάρις, "grace")—God's unmerited favor, the foundation of all Christian existence. After correcting Corinthian pride, factionalism, immorality, and doctrinal error, Paul ends with grace, not condemnation. The letter that exposed sin and demanded repentance concludes by pointing to God's gracious provision in Christ.

Every Pauline letter begins and ends with grace (Romans 1:7, 16:20; 1 Corinthians 1:3, 16:23; 2 Corinthians 1:2, 13:14; etc.). This inclusio frames all theology and ethics within grace. Correcting Corinthian errors wasn't legalistic moralism but calling them back to grace-empowered transformation. The grace of Jesus Christ, not human effort, produces holy living, spiritual maturity, and church unity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient letters typically ended with "farewell" (errōso). Paul Christianizes the epistolary form, replacing conventional farewell with theological benediction. This benediction became standard in Christian worship liturgy. The consistent grace-emphasis distinguishes Christianity from works-based religion: transformation comes through grace, not human achievement. Even corrective letters drip with grace.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Paul end a heavily corrective letter with a grace benediction rather than a warning or threat?
  2. How does framing everything—theology, ethics, correction—within grace change Christianity's character?
  3. What's the relationship between Paul's corrections (chapters 1-15) and his final grace benediction?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
ἡ1 of 8
G3588

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

χάρις2 of 8

“The grace”

G5485

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

τοῦ3 of 8
G3588

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

κυρίου4 of 8

“of our Lord”

G2962

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

Ἰησοῦ5 of 8

“Jesus”

G2424

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

Χριστοῦ6 of 8

“Christ”

G5547

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

μεθ'7 of 8

“be with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ὑμῶν8 of 8

“you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

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 16:23 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 16:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 16:20Romans 16:23

Test Your Knowledge

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