Philippians 4 21

Philippians 4:21 kjv

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

Philippians 4:21 nkjv

Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you.

Philippians 4:21 niv

Greet all God's people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings.

Philippians 4:21 esv

Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you.

Philippians 4:21 nlt

Give my greetings to each of God's holy people ? all who belong to Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you their greetings.

Philippians 4 verses

Philippians 4 21 Meaning

Philippians 4:21 conveys a dual instruction for greetings and expresses the deep bond within the early Christian community. Paul instructs the Philippian believers to greet "every saint" among them, emphasizing inclusivity and the recognition of shared identity in Christ. Concurrently, he sends greetings from "the brethren" who are with him, highlighting a broader network of Christian solidarity and mutual affection. This verse underscores the interconnectedness of believers, the significance of their common spiritual standing, and the importance of active fellowship, all founded "in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4 21 Context

Philippians 4:21 concludes the main body of Paul's letter to the Philippian church, shortly before a final blessing and doxology. This verse appears within a section where Paul transitions from doctrinal and ethical exhortations to more personal closing remarks, including thanks for their financial support and a final round of greetings. The entire letter to the Philippians is characterized by deep affection, joy despite suffering (Paul's imprisonment), and an emphasis on unity and standing firm in the Lord. It is written from Paul's imprisonment (likely Rome), making the exchange of greetings even more significant as a bridge between separated believers. Greetings were not mere formalities in the ancient world, but crucial expressions of relationship, solidarity, and ongoing fellowship, especially vital for strengthening nascent Christian communities spread across vast geographical distances.

Philippians 4 21 Word analysis

• Salute (Greek: ἀσπάσασθε, aspasasthe):

  • Word Level: A strong imperative verb in the aorist middle voice, meaning "to greet, welcome, embrace affectionately." It's not a casual "hello" but a warm expression of fellowship, love, and recognition of shared identity.
  • Significance: It is a command to actively extend care and acknowledge another's presence and worth in Christ. It emphasizes personal interaction and community cohesion.

• every (Greek: πάντα, panta):

  • Word Level: A demonstrative adjective meaning "all, every, whole."
  • Significance: Stresses inclusivity. No individual saint in Philippi is to be overlooked. It counters any potential for factionalism or exclusive cliques within the community.

• saint (Greek: ἅγιον, hagion):

  • Word Level: Singular form of hagios, meaning "holy, set apart, consecrated." In the New Testament, "saints" is the standard term for all believers, not an exclusive designation for exceptional individuals.
  • Significance: This identifies all Christians as those whom God has called, justified, and sanctified. Their "sainthood" comes from their relationship in Christ, not from personal merit, making it a universal mark of their identity.

• in Christ Jesus (Greek: ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, en Christō Iēsou):

  • Word Level: "En" (in) signifies location, sphere, or union. "Christos" (Christ) means "Anointed One," the Messiah; "Iesous" (Jesus) is His human name.
  • Significance: This phrase defines the basis for the greeting and the identity of the "saints." It's not just a religious title but signifies a deep spiritual union with Christ, making all believers co-heirs and participants in His life and mission. This union is the ultimate foundation for their unity and shared fellowship.

• The brethren (Greek: οἱ ἀδελφοὶ, hoi adelphoi):

  • Word Level: "Adelphos" means "brother," but is commonly used in Christian contexts to refer to fellow believers, both male and female (siblings in faith).
  • Significance: Denotes those in Paul's immediate circle, his companions and co-laborers in ministry. It reflects the close, familial bond shared among early Christians.

• which are with me (Greek: οἱ σὺν ἐμοὶ, hoi syn emoi):

  • Word Level: "Syn" (with) expresses accompaniment or association. "Emoi" (me) is Paul himself.
  • Significance: Refers to the specific group of individuals who were physically present with Paul during his imprisonment and shared in his ministry. It extends the reach of the Christian community's greetings beyond just Paul.

• salute you (Greek: ἀσπάζονται ὑμᾶς, aspazontai hymas):

  • Word Level: Third person plural present indicative of aspazomai, meaning "they greet you." "Hymas" (you) refers to the Philippian church.
  • Significance: Conveys a reciprocal greeting, demonstrating solidarity from Paul's immediate team to the entire Philippian congregation. It confirms mutual care and an unbroken chain of spiritual fellowship despite distance.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "Salute every saint in Christ Jesus.": This phrase constitutes a direct command for active, universal Christian fellowship within the Philippian community. It underlines the importance of recognizing the divine calling and identity of all fellow believers, based on their shared union with Christ, regardless of social status or personal differences. The phrase succinctly captures the essence of communal love and unity.
  • "The brethren which are with me salute you.": This expands the scope of Christian communion beyond the Philippian church. It shows Paul's wider team actively participating in and extending Christian solidarity and affection, illustrating a broader, interconnected Christian fellowship across different locations, reaffirming the universal nature of the church.

Philippians 4 21 Bonus section

The emphasis on "every saint" is a quiet yet powerful theological statement against any form of elitism or exclusion within the Christian community. In a world with clear social strata, Paul consistently taught that in Christ, all barriers—whether Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female—are overcome, and all believers share the same status as "saints." This means that even the humblest, least visible member of the congregation is to be greeted and acknowledged as having equal spiritual standing and value in the eyes of God. This active, inclusive greeting practice reinforces the practical outworking of Christ's teaching on love and unity among His followers.

Philippians 4 21 Commentary

Philippians 4:21 serves as a concise, yet profound, expression of the essence of Christian fellowship and identity. Paul, even from his imprisonment, actively fosters community. His command to "Salute every saint in Christ Jesus" emphasizes that every believer, without exception, is consecrated and belongs to God, and thus worthy of affectionate recognition. Their common ground and defining identity are found solely "in Christ Jesus," highlighting that this spiritual union transcends any earthly distinctions and forms the foundation of their unity. The reciprocal greeting from "the brethren" with Paul further solidifies the picture of a vibrant, interconnected church, bound together by mutual love and shared faith across geographical divides. This verse calls believers to intentional, inclusive love and active recognition of their shared spiritual reality in Christ. It's a reminder that Christ's body is one, regardless of where its members are situated.