King James Version

What Does Philippians 4:22 Mean?

Philippians 4:22 in the King James Version says “All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household. — study this verse from Philippians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Philippians 4:22 · KJV


Context

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
All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household (ἀσπάζονται ὑμᾶς πάντες οἱ ἅγιοι, μάλιστα δὲ οἱ ἐκ τῆς Καίσαρος οἰκίας, aspazontai hymas pantes hoi hagioi, malista de hoi ek tēs Kaisaros oikias)—Pantes hoi hagioi ("all the saints")—Roman church sends greetings. Malista de ("especially, chiefly")—highlighting particular group. Hoi ek tēs Kaisaros oikias ("those from Caesar's household")—oikia ("household") includes slaves, freedmen, and staff managing imperial affairs, not necessarily Caesar's family. This fulfills 1:13—Paul's bonds became known throughout Caesar's household, resulting in conversions. Gospel penetrated Rome's power center. This is stunning: Caesar's own staff confess Jesus as Lord, subverting imperial cult.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Caesar's household numbered thousands—slaves and freedmen administering empire from Rome. Inscriptions identify Christians among them (e.g., Claudia, Pudens in Rome). Paul's house arrest gave access to rotating guards and administrative staff, enabling evangelism (1:13). That Caesar's household Christians greet Philippian church shows gospel's social reversal: powerless prisoners evangelize empire's heart; slaves confess true King. This is political subversion: Rome's personnel acknowledge Jesus (not Caesar) as Lord.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does gospel penetration of 'Caesar's household' teach about God's sovereignty and mission strategy?
  2. How do you proclaim Jesus's lordship in contexts where Caesar (state, employer, culture) claims ultimate authority?
  3. What 'unlikely' contexts might God be calling you to bear witness within?

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

ὑμᾶς2 of 12

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

πάντες3 of 12

All

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

οἱ4 of 12
G3588

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

ἅγιοι5 of 12

the saints

G40

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

μάλιστα6 of 12

chiefly

G3122

(adverbially) most (in the greatest degree) or particularly

δὲ7 of 12
G1161

but, and, etc

οἱ8 of 12
G3588

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

ἐκ9 of 12

they that are of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῆς10 of 12
G3588

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

Καίσαρος11 of 12

Caesar's

G2541

caesar, a title of the roman emperor

οἰκίας12 of 12

household

G3614

properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)


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 4:22 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 4:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study