King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 16:24 Mean?

1 Corinthians 16:24 in the King James Version says “My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. The first epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi by Stephan...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

1 Corinthians 16:24 · KJV

Love

Context

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
My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen—Hē agapē mou meta pantōn hymōn en Christō Iēsou (ἡ ἀγάπη μου μετὰ πάντων ὑμῶν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ). After pronouncing anathema on Christ-rejecters (v. 22), invoking grace (v. 23), Paul declares his personal agapē (ἀγάπη) for all the Corinthians—even those in rival factions, even those tolerating immorality, even those denying resurrection. Agapē doesn't require agreement or approval; it's covenantal commitment regardless of others' failures.

In Christ Jesus—En Christō Iēsou (ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ) grounds Paul's love in union with Christ, not personal affection or mutual compatibility. Christian love flows from Christ, is modeled on Christ (chapter 13), and exists within the Christ-community. Paul can love the troublesome Corinthians because he loves them in Christ, not based on their merit. Amen—Amēn (Ἀμήν), from Hebrew amen (אָמֵן, "truly, certainly"), seals the letter as prayer and affirmation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's personal declaration of love counters the impression that his severe corrections indicated personal rejection. Ancient honor-shame culture made public criticism devastating, easily interpreted as personal enmity. Paul ensures the Corinthians understand: correction flows from love, not hostility. The letter's love inclusio—chapter 13 defines love, verse 24 declares it—shows that agape permeates everything, even painful correction.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's declaration of love 'for all' reconcile with his harsh corrections throughout the letter?
  2. What's the significance of Paul's love being 'in Christ Jesus' rather than based on personal affection?
  3. Why does Paul end with personal love (v. 24) after pronouncing grace (v. 23)—how do grace and love relate?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
ἡ1 of 10
G3588

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

ἀγάπη2 of 10

“love”

G26

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

μου3 of 10

“My”

G3450

of me

μετὰ4 of 10

“be with”

G3326

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

πάντων5 of 10

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὑμῶν6 of 10

“you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἐν7 of 10

“in”

G1722

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

Χριστῷ8 of 10

“Christ”

G5547

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

Ἰησοῦ9 of 10

“Jesus”

G2424

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

ἀμήν10 of 10

“Amen”

G281

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

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 16:24 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 16:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 3:191 Corinthians 14:16Matthew 6:132 Corinthians 12:15Matthew 28:202 Corinthians 11:11

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Corinthians 16 with CommentaryAll 1 Corinthians ChaptersComplete 1 Corinthians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes