King James Version

What Does Philemon 1:3 Mean?

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

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

Philemon 1:3 · KJV

GracePeace

Context

1

Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,

2

And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:

3

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

4

I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,

5

Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ—χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη (charis hymin kai eirēnē, grace to you and peace). Paul's standard greeting Christianizes Jewish שָׁלוֹם (shalom, peace) and Greek χαίρω (chairō, greetings) into theological reality. χάρις (charis, grace) is unmerited divine favor, the letter's operating principle: as God granted Paul grace (v. 7), Philemon should grant Onesimus grace. εἰρήνη (eirēnē, peace) is restored relationship—what Paul seeks between Philemon and Onesimus.

ἀπὸ θεοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν καὶ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (apo theou patros hēmōn kai kyriou Iēsou Christou, from God our Father and Lord Jesus Christ)—grace flows from divine source, not human goodwill. Philemon's gracious response to Onesimus must mirror God's gracious response to sinners. The Father-Son unity in dispensing grace affirms Christ's deity (John 1:17).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient letters began with sender, recipient, greeting (χαίρειν, chairein, "greetings"). Paul transforms convention into theology: grace replaces generic greeting, peace replaces empty wish. This wasn't merely stylistic but substantive: every Pauline letter roots ethics in God's prior gracious action. The Philemon situation requires grace because neither party merits reconciliation—both are sinners saved by grace.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you experience grace and peace as divine gifts "from God the Father and Lord Jesus Christ," or do you functionally earn them?
  2. How should receiving grace from God shape your extending grace to others who've wronged you?
  3. In what relationships do you need to move from demanding justice to offering grace and pursuing peace?

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

“to 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

“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 Philemon. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Philemon 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 Philemon 1:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 1:7Ephesians 1:22 Corinthians 13:14

Test Your Knowledge

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