King James Version

What Does Philippians 4:23 Mean?

Philippians 4:23 in the King James Version says “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. To the Philippians written from Rome, by Epaphroditus.” — study this verse from Philippians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Philippians 4:23 · KJV

Grace

Context

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.

Read Philippians 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen (Ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματος ὑμῶν, Hē charis tou kyriou Iēsou Christou meta tou pneumatos hymōn)—Hē charis ("the grace")—unmerited favor, gospel's essence. Tou kyriou Iēsou Christou ("of the Lord Jesus Christ")—full title emphasizes deity and messiahship. Meta tou pneumatos hymōn ("with your spirit")—meta ("with") conveys presence and fellowship. Pneuma ("spirit") is human spirit, innermost self. Paul's benediction wishes grace's abiding presence in their inner lives. This is standard Pauline closing (Gal 6:18; Philem 25; cf. Rom 16:20), but here particularly fitting: Philippians is Paul's most joyful, affectionate letter, begun with grace (1:2) and ended with grace (4:23). Grace brackets the epistle—beginning, sustaining, concluding Christian life.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient letters closed with health-wishes to gods. Paul Christianizes this: final word is grace from Jesus Christ. 'With your spirit' echoes early Christian benedictions (Gal 6:18; 2 Tim 4:22; Philem 25). Grace is both gift and Person—Christ Himself dwelling with believers' spirits. Philippians opened with grace and peace (1:2) and closes with grace—framing epistle in gospel's heart. Paul's prison epistle, paradoxically joyful despite chains, testifies that grace sustains in all circumstances. The epistle's message: joy rooted in Christ transcends circumstances through grace.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does closing with 'grace' (charis) summarize Philippians' message?
  2. What does it mean for Christ's grace to be 'with your spirit' (meta tou pneumatos)—internal presence?
  3. How has Philippians' teaching on joy, Christ, humility, and contentment revealed grace in your life?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
ἡ1 of 11
G3588

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

χάρις2 of 11

“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 11
G3588

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

κυρίου4 of 11

“Lord”

G2962

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

ἡμῶν5 of 11

“of our”

G2257

of (or from) us

Ἰησοῦ6 of 11

“Jesus”

G2424

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

Χριστοῦ7 of 11

“Christ”

G5547

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

μετὰ8 of 11

“be with”

G3326

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

πάντων9 of 11

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὑμῶν10 of 11

“you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἀμην11 of 11

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

Theological Significance

Philippians 4:23 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 Philippians 4:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 13:14Romans 16:20Romans 16:23

Test Your Knowledge

Philippians 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPhilippians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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