King James Version

What Does Philippians 4:21 Mean?

Philippians 4:21 in the King James Version says “Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. — study this verse from Philippians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.

Philippians 4:21 · KJV


Context

19

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

20

Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

21

Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.

22

All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.

23

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. To the Philippians written from Rome, by Epaphroditus.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you (Ἀσπάσασθε πάντα ἅγιον ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ. ἀσπάζονται ὑμᾶς οἱ σὺν ἐμοὶ ἀδελφοί, Aspasasthe panta hagion en Christō Iēsou. aspazontai hymas hoi syn emoi adelphoi)—Aspasasthe ("greet, salute")—imperative for Philippians to greet panta hagion ("every saint"). En Christō Iēsou ("in Christ Jesus")—qualifier: those united to Christ. Hoi syn emoi adelphoi ("the brothers with me")—Paul's companions in Rome send greetings. Ancient letters closed with greetings maintaining relational networks. Paul's greetings emphasize Christian community: scattered geographically but united 'in Christ Jesus.' The command to greet 'every' saint stresses inclusion—no factions, no favorites, all are family.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Roman letters typically ended with greetings conveying social ties. Paul Christianizes this: greetings aren't mere courtesy but affirm spiritual kinship. 'Saints' (hagioi) are all believers, not special elite—positional holiness through union with Christ. Paul's Roman companions (possibly including Luke, Timothy, Aristarchus, others from Col 4:10-14) send greetings, demonstrating early Christian networks spanning cities and regions. Churches weren't isolated but interconnected through traveling ministers and letters.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Paul command greeting 'every saint'—what factionalism might this address?
  2. How do greetings 'in Christ Jesus' differ from mere social pleasantries?
  3. What Christian communities beyond your local church should you actively maintain greetings with?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
ἀσπάζονται1 of 12

Salute

G782

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

πάντα2 of 12

every

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἅγιον3 of 12

saint

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

ἐν4 of 12

in

G1722

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

Χριστῷ5 of 12

Christ

G5547

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

Ἰησοῦ6 of 12

Jesus

G2424

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

ἀσπάζονται7 of 12

Salute

G782

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

ὑμᾶς8 of 12

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

οἱ9 of 12
G3588

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

σὺν10 of 12

which are with

G4862

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

ἐμοὶ11 of 12

me

G1698

to me

ἀδελφοί12 of 12

The brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Philippians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Philippians 4:21 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 Philippians 4:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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