Menu

1 Corinthians 16:21

1 Corinthians 16:21 in Multiple Translations

This greeting is in my own hand—Paul.

The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.

The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.

I, Paul, send you these words of love in my writing.

I Paul write this greeting with my own hand.

The salutation of me Paul with mine owne hand.

The salutation of [me] Paul with my hand;

This greeting is by me, Paul, with my own hand.

The salutation of me Paul with my own hand.

The salutation of me Paul, with my own hand.

Now I, Paul, having taken the pen from the hand of my secretary, write with my own hand to say that I am thinking fondly of you/to give you my greetings. I do this to show you that this letter really comes from me.

Look, I’m now writing this part of this letter with my own hand, so that you can know for sure that it is me, Paul, sending this letter to you.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 16:21

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Corinthians 16:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK ο ασπασμος τη εμη χειρι παυλου
ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM
ασπασμος aspasmos G783 salutation Noun-NSM
τη ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DSF
εμη emos G1699 mine S-1SDSF
χειρι cheir G5495 hand Noun-DSF
παυλου Paulos G3972 Paul Noun-GSM
Greek Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 16:21

ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
ασπασμος aspasmos G783 "salutation" Noun-NSM
A salutation is a greeting, either in person or in a letter, like in Matthew 23:7 or 1 Corinthians 16:21. It is a way of acknowledging someone. This word is about greetings or salutations.
Definition: ἀσπασμός, -οῦ, ὁ (ἀσπάζομαι), a salutation (so always in RV), greeting: oral, Mat.23:7, Mrk.12:38, Luk.1:29, 41 1:44 11:43 20:46; written, 1Co.16:21, Col.4:18, 2Th.3:17.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 10 NT verses. KJV: greeting, salutation See also: 1 Corinthians 16:21; Luke 1:44; Matthew 23:7.
τη ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DSF
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
εμη emos G1699 "mine" S-1SDSF
This word means 'mine' or 'my', showing something belongs to the speaker, as in Matthew 18:20 and John 3:29. It is often used to describe something as one's own.
Definition: ἐμός, -ή, -όν poss. prop. of first of person(s), representing the em­phasized genitive ἐμοῦ, mine, subjectively and objectively, i.e. belonging to, proceeding from or related to me: Mat.18:20, Mrk.8:38, Jhn.3:29 (most frequently in this gospel), al.; absol., τὸ ἐμόν, τὰ ἐμά, Mat.20:15 25:27, Luk.15:31, Jhn.10:14 16:14-15 17:10; = genitive obj. (cl.), εἰς τ. ἐμὴν ἀvάμνησιν, Luk.22:19, 1Co.11:24-25; with genitive expl., τ. ἐμῇ χειρὶ Παύλου, 1Co.16:21, Col.4:18, 2Th.3:17 (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 69 NT verses. KJV: of me, mine (own), my See also: 1 Corinthians 1:15; John 10:26; Revelation 2:20.
χειρι cheir G5495 "hand" Noun-DSF
The word for hand in Greek can be literal or figurative, referring to power or instrument, as seen in Matthew 3:12 and 1 Corinthians 16:21. It is often used to describe a means of action or a symbol of authority, and is sometimes used in phrases that are similar to Hebrew constructions.
Definition: χείρ, genitive, χειρος (accusative, χεῖραν, 1Pe.5:6 T), ἡ, [in LXX chiefly for יָד ;] the hand: Mat.3:12, Mrk.3:1, Luk.6:6, al. mult.; ἡ χ., acting subject, Luk.22:21; pl., Act.17:25 20:34, 1Jn.1:1; τ. ἔργα τῶν χ., Act.7:41, Rev.9:20; ὁ ἀσπασμὸς τ. ἐμῇ χ., 1Co.16:21, Col.4:18, 2Th.3:17; prepositional phrases, esp. those without art., similar to Heb. constructions (Bl., §32, 4; 40, 9; 46, 9), ἐν χ.; with genitive (Lft., in l.), Gal.3:19; σὺν χ. ἀγγέλου, Act.7:35; διὰ (τῶν) χειρῶν (διὰ χειρός), Mrk.6:2, Act.5:12 7:25, al.; ἐπὶ χειρῶν, Mat.4:6, Luk.4:11; ellipse of χ. (ἡ δεξία, ἀριστερα; Bl., §44, 1), Mat.6:3, al. By meton., for the power or activity of an individual, Mat.17:22, Mrk.9:31, Luk.9:31, Jhn.10:39, Act.12:11, al.; metaphorically, of the activity or power of God: Luk.1:66 23:46, Jhn.10:29, Act.11:21 13:11, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 168 NT verses. KJV: hand See also: 1 Corinthians 4:12; Luke 4:11; 1 Peter 5:6.
παυλου Paulos G3972 "Paul" Noun-GSM
Paul, originally named Saul, was a Roman apostle who wrote many letters in the New Testament, including Romans and 1 Corinthians. He is a key figure in the early Christian church.
Definition: Παῦλος, -ου, ὁ (Lat. Paulus), __1. Sergius Paulus: Act.13:7. __2. the Apostle Paul (cf. Σαῦλος): Act.13:9, and frequently throughout Ac., Rom.1:1, 1Co.1:1, al., 2Pe.3:15. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 159 NT verses. KJV: Paul, Paulus See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; Acts 20:37; Romans 1:1.

Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 16:21

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Colossians 4:18 This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
2 Galatians 6:11 See what large letters I am using to write to you with my own hand!
3 2 Thessalonians 3:17 This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. This is my mark in every letter; it is the way I write.
4 Philemon 1:19 I, Paul, write this with my own hand. I will repay it—not to mention that you owe me your very self.
5 Romans 16:22 I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 16:21 Summary

This verse is a personal greeting from Paul to the Corinthian church, written in his own hand. It shows that Paul cared deeply about the church and wanted to add a personal touch to the letter, as seen in other letters like Philemon 1:19. By writing this greeting himself, Paul was able to express his love and authenticity, demonstrating the importance of personal relationships in ministry, as encouraged in 1 Thessalonians 2:8. This verse reminds us that even in our busy lives, taking the time to add a personal touch and show love and care to others is important, just like Jesus showed love and care to his disciples in John 13:1-17.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Paul write this greeting in his own hand?

Paul wrote this greeting in his own hand to authenticate the letter, as seen in other letters like 2 Thessalonians 3:17, and to add a personal touch to the letter, showing his love and care for the Corinthian church, as expressed in 1 Corinthians 16:24.

What is the significance of Paul's greeting in the context of the letter?

Paul's greeting serves as a conclusion to the letter, emphasizing his personal involvement and authority, as seen in 1 Corinthians 16:21, and preparing the readers for the final blessings and warnings in 1 Corinthians 16:22-24.

How does this verse relate to the theme of authenticity in the Bible?

This verse highlights the importance of authenticity in ministry, as Paul takes the time to write a personal greeting, similar to the personal touch seen in Philemon 1:19, demonstrating his commitment to the church and his message, and serving as an example for modern-day ministers to prioritize personal relationships and authenticity in their ministry, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 2:17.

What can we learn from Paul's example in this verse about communication and relationships?

We can learn the importance of personal touch and authenticity in our relationships, as seen in 1 Corinthians 16:21, and the value of taking the time to express our love and care for others, as expressed in 1 Thessalonians 2:8, and to prioritize building strong, personal relationships in our ministry and personal lives, as modeled by Jesus in John 13:1-17.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse reveal about Paul's relationship with the Corinthian church, and how can we apply this to our own relationships with others in the body of Christ?
  2. How does Paul's personal greeting in this verse demonstrate his love and care for the church, and what can we learn from his example about showing love and care to others?
  3. In what ways can we, like Paul, add a personal touch to our interactions with others, and how can this impact our relationships and ministry?
  4. What role does authenticity play in our relationships and ministry, and how can we prioritize authenticity in our own lives, as seen in 1 Corinthians 16:21 and 2 Corinthians 2:17?
  5. How does this verse encourage us to think about the importance of personal relationships and communication in our lives, and what steps can we take to prioritize these things, as encouraged in 1 Thessalonians 2:8?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 16:21

The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. The apostle had an "amanuensis", that wrote the epistle for him; but to prevent counterfeits, and that the church to whom he wrote might be assured of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 16:21

The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. Salutation ... with mine own hand. He therefore dictated the rest of the letter. Even already spurious letters were circulated (2 Thessalonians 2:2).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 16:21

These words are judged to signify to us, that though the former part of the Epistle was written out of Paul’ s copy by some others, yet the three last verses were written by him with his own hand.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 16:21

21 The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. Ver. 21. With mine own hand] Well known to the Corinthians, to prevent imposture.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 16:21

(21) The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.—It was the Apostle’s habit to dictate his Epistles, but to add a few words at the end in his own handwriting. (See 2 Thessalonians 3:17.) The concluding verses here are accordingly St. Paul’s autograph. The earlier portions had been written by Sosthenes. (See 1 Corinthians 1:1.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 16:21

Verse 21. The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.] This should be rendered: "The salutation is written by the hand of me Paul;" γεγραπται, is written, being understood. It is very likely that the apostle wrote this and the following verses with his own hand. The rest, though dictated by him, was written by an amanuensis.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 16:21

21. The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand] It was the custom of St Paul to employ an amanuensis. See Romans 16:22. But in order that the Epistle should be recognized as his, it was his custom to add a salutation in his own handwriting, which he wished to be regarded as a token of genuineness. 2 Thessalonians 3:17. See also Colossians 4:18 and Galatians 6:11 (where it seems to be implied that St Paul wrote the whole of that particular Epistle himself).

Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 16:21

The salutation of me, Paul, with mine own hand - It is evident that Paul was accustomed to employ an amanuensis (copyist) in penning his epistles (see the note on Romans 16:22), though he signed his

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 16:21

21. Mine own hand—In 2 Thessalonians 3:17, Paul adds, “which is the token in every epistle: so I write.” His autograph was security against forgery. See Romans 16:22; Galatians 6:11; Philippians 19.

Sermons on 1 Corinthians 16:21

SermonDescription
Thomas Watson Kiss the Son by Thomas Watson Thomas Watson preaches on the importance of kissing the Son, Jesus Christ, as a sign of adoration, subjection, and love. He emphasizes the futility of opposing Christ, highlighting
James Booker Bible Portraits of Christ 07 Bearing His Brand Mark by James Booker In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Galatians and its three main parts. The first two chapters address the personal aspect of the gospel and Paul's concern for prese
James K. Boswell What Is a Christian 20 Christian an Ambassador by James K. Boswell In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of keeping one's word and being trustworthy. He urges the audience to remember that their word should be their bond, whether

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate