Philippians 4 23

Philippians 4:23 kjv

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Philippians 4:23 nkjv

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Philippians 4:23 niv

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Philippians 4:23 esv

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Philippians 4:23 nlt

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Philippians 4 verses

Philippians 4 23 Meaning

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. This verse concludes Paul's letter to the Philippians with a final benediction, invoking God's grace upon the believers. It signifies a profound wish for their continued spiritual well-being and empowerment through Christ's favor.

Philippians 4 23 Context

This verse is the final statement in Paul's Epistle to the Philippians. The letter, written from prison, reflects Paul's deep affection for the church at Philippi, whom he considered partners in the gospel. He has addressed various issues, including disunity within the church, and has expressed gratitude for their financial support and prayers. The preceding verses (Phil 4:10-18) discuss Paul's contentment in all circumstances and his appreciation for their generosity, particularly their recent gift which he received with joy. This verse serves as a concluding blessing, extending to them the favor and spiritual enablement of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 4 23 Word Analysis

• The grace (ἡ χάρις - hē charis):
  • "The" (ἡ - hē) is the definite article, specifying a particular grace.
  • "grace" (χάρις - charis) is a fundamental New Testament concept, referring to God's unmerited favor, His divine assistance, and His loving-kindness. It is not something earned but freely given. This grace is the divine power that enables believers to live the Christian life. It is the unmerited gift of God's favor in Christ Jesus. This concept is central to Paul's theology and the Christian faith as a whole, stemming from Christ's atoning work.
• of our Lord (τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν - tou kuriou hēmōn):
  • "of" (τοῦ - tou) is the genitive case, indicating possession or origin.
  • "Lord" (κυρίου - kuriou) is the genitive of κύριος (kyrios), meaning master, owner, or lord. When applied to Jesus, it signifies His divine sovereignty, authority, and rightful rule. This title elevates Jesus to the status of God, as seen in Old Testament usage where 'Lord' (YHWH) is used.
  • "our" (ἡμῶν - hēmōn) is the possessive pronoun, indicating that Jesus belongs to us, and we belong to Him, emphasizing a personal relationship.
• Jesus Christ (Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ - Iēsou Christou):
  • "Jesus" (Ἰησοῦ - Iēsou) is the personal name of the Son of God.
  • "Christ" (Χριστοῦ - Christou) is the Greek word for Messiah, meaning "anointed one." It signifies Jesus' unique appointment by God for His redemptive mission.
  • The combined name "Jesus Christ" signifies His divine identity and Messianic role, emphasizing that it is through this specific individual, Jesus, that God's saving work is accomplished and His grace is extended.
• be (ἔστω - estō):
  • This is the third-person singular, present imperative of εἰμί (eimi), meaning "to be." It conveys a strong wish or command that this grace should be with them. It’s a declarative statement of intent from Paul, a prayerful request and affirmation.
• with you all (μεθ’ ὑμῶν πάντων - meth' hymōn pantōn):
  • "with" (μεθ’ - meth') is a preposition indicating accompaniment.
  • "you" (ὑμῶν - hymōn) is the plural possessive pronoun, referring to the entire congregation at Philippi.
  • "all" (πάντων - pantōn) is the genitive plural of πᾶς (pas), meaning "all" or "every." It emphasizes the totality of the recipients – every single believer in the Philippian church. It’s inclusive, leaving no one out of this blessing.

Words Group Analysis

The entire phrase "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all" functions as a potent closing benediction. It is a Pauline hallmark found at the end of most of his epistles. It encapsulates the core of the Christian message: God's abundant, unmerited favor made accessible through the person and work of Jesus Christ, and it is this divine blessing that Paul wishes to be a constant reality for the believers, not just momentarily but continually and comprehensively ("with you all"). This final prayer underlines the dependency of the believers on God's power and favor for their spiritual life, maturity, and perseverance.

Philippians 4 23 Bonus Section

The repetitive use of such a closing benediction by Paul (found in almost all his letters) underscores its significance not merely as a formality, but as a core component of apostolic ministry. It’s a recognition that every aspect of the Christian life, from initiation to completion, is a work of God's grace mediated through Jesus Christ. The inclusion of "our Lord Jesus Christ" emphasizes His deity and sovereign claim over the believers, connecting His exalted status with the bestowal of grace. The consistent expression of this desire for grace across different churches and situations highlights its universality for all believers and its absolute necessity for the Church's existence and flourishing. It is the ultimate safeguard and empowerment Paul wishes for those to whom he writes.

Philippians 4 23 Commentary

This concluding verse is a profound benediction, a staple in Paul's letters, reflecting his deep care and theological understanding. Paul pronounces God's grace upon the Philippian believers. This isn't a passive wish but an active impartation of God’s divine favor, assistance, and enabling power, rooted in Jesus Christ. The "grace" here is the inexhaustible provision from God for every aspect of the believer's life – their salvation, sanctification, endurance, and unity. "Our Lord Jesus Christ" signifies both His sovereign authority and the intimate, relational aspect of His lordship over them. The "you all" assures that this blessing is for the entire community. This final word emphasizes that the entire Christian journey is sustained by God's gracious enablement.

Practical Usage Examples

• Personal Devotion: As a prayer, acknowledging dependence on God's grace for the day ahead.
• Intercession: Praying for fellow believers, invoking God's grace upon them, especially in times of trial or ministry.
• Community Greeting: As a customary Christian greeting or closing, bestowing a blessing upon others.
• Moments of Weakness: Recalling this promise when feeling insufficient, trusting Christ's grace to be sufficient.