1 Corinthians 16:21

KJV

The salutation of [me] Paul with mine own hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

The salutation {G783} of me Paul {G3972} with mine own {G1699} hand {G5495}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now, I Sha’ul, greet you in my own handwriting.

Berean Standard Bible

This greeting is in my own hand—Paul.

American Standard Version

The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 16:21 concludes Paul's first epistle to the Corinthian church with a personal, handwritten greeting. This brief but significant verse serves as an authenticating signature, confirming the letter's legitimacy and conveying the apostle's direct pastoral care and apostolic authority. In an era where letters were typically dictated to a scribe, Paul's personal inscription underscored the genuine origin and divine inspiration of his message, reinforcing his deep connection with the recipients despite the challenging issues addressed throughout the letter.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears at the very end of 1 Corinthians, following Paul's final instructions regarding the collection for the saints, his travel plans, and various exhortations for steadfastness, love, and vigilance. The preceding verses (1 Corinthians 16:19-20) include greetings from Aquila and Priscilla, and "all the brethren." The personal salutation in 1 Corinthians 16:21, written in Paul's own hand, immediately precedes the final benediction (1 Corinthians 16:23-24) and the anathema maranatha (1 Corinthians 16:22). This placement ensures that the final, most personal, and authoritative words are directly from Paul, serving as a seal on the entire epistle's content and authority.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Greco-Roman world, it was common practice for authors, especially those who were prolific or had physical limitations (like poor eyesight, which some scholars suggest Paul may have had), to dictate their letters to an amanuensis or scribe. This allowed for efficiency and often resulted in a more polished literary style. However, to prevent forgery and to add a personal touch, the author would frequently write the concluding greetings or a postscript in their own hand. This served as a verifiable signature, establishing the letter's authenticity. Forgers were a real concern in the early church, attempting to circulate letters under apostolic names, making such authenticating marks crucial. Paul explicitly refers to this practice as his "token in every epistle" in [2 Thessalonians 3:17](/2_thessalonians/3-17 "2 Thessalonians 3:17 - Paul's Authenticating Signature").
* **Key Themes:** 1 Corinthians 16:21 contributes to several overarching themes within the epistle and Paul's broader ministry. Firstly, it strongly reinforces the theme of **Apostolic Authority**. Throughout 1 Corinthians, Paul asserts his apostleship to correct doctrinal errors and moral failings (e.g., [1 Corinthians 1:1-3](/1_corinthians/1-1-3 "1 Corinthians 1:1-3 - Paul's Apostolic Greeting") and [1 Corinthians 9](/1_corinthians/9 "1 Corinthians 9 - Paul's Defense of His Apostleship")). His personal signature validates the divine origin and binding nature of his instructions. Secondly, it highlights **Authenticity and Trust**. In a community riddled with factions and questions about leadership, Paul's personal authentication builds trust in the message's genuine source. Finally, it underscores **Pastoral Care and Personal Connection**. Despite the stern rebukes and theological corrections, this personal greeting conveys Paul's deep affection and genuine concern for the Corinthian believers, reminding them that his challenging words come from a heart of love, a theme woven throughout the epistle, particularly in [1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Superiority of Love").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Salutation (Greek, _aspasmós'_):** This word, derived from a verb meaning "to greet" or "to embrace," refers to a greeting, either in person or by letter. In the context of ancient letters, it specifically denotes the formal or personal greeting at the beginning or end of a letter. Here, it emphasizes the personal, handwritten nature of the closing remarks, distinguishing it from the body of the letter which was likely dictated. It signifies a warm, personal address rather than a mere formal sign-off.
* **Paul (Greek, _Paûlos'_):** This is the name of the apostle, a Roman citizen whose original Hebrew name was Saul. The name "Paul" means "little" or "small." By identifying himself, Paul reinforces the personal nature of the greeting and the authoritative source of the entire letter. His consistent use of this name in his epistles underscores his identity as the apostle to the Gentiles, commissioned by Christ.
* **Hand (Greek, _cheír'_):** This term literally refers to the human hand. In this context, it specifically indicates that the writing was done by Paul's own physical hand, not by a scribe. Figuratively, "hand" can also denote power or means, but here its literal sense is paramount for authentication. It highlights the direct, personal involvement of the author in the final act of communication, a tangible link between the apostle and the recipients.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The salutation of [me] Paul":** This phrase identifies the specific part of the letter that is being highlighted – the concluding greeting. By adding "of [me] Paul," the apostle explicitly states that he, Paul, is the author of this particular section. This is not merely a general greeting but one personally penned by the apostle himself, setting it apart from the rest of the letter, which was likely dictated. It serves as a personal stamp of approval and ownership.
* **"with mine own hand":** This clause clarifies the method of writing. It emphasizes that the words were physically inscribed by Paul's own hand, contrasting with the common practice of using an amanuensis. This detail was crucial for authenticating the letter in the ancient world, serving as a personal signature or seal. It underscored the genuineness of the epistle and the direct involvement of Paul in its final form, assuring the recipients of its apostolic origin and authority.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Emphasis** through explicit declaration. Paul does not merely sign his name; he draws attention to the act of writing "with mine own hand," making a deliberate statement about the authenticity of the greeting and, by extension, the entire letter. This serves as a form of **Authentication**, a practical literary device used to verify the document's origin in an era prone to forgeries. Furthermore, this personal touch functions as a form of **Intimacy**, transforming a formal closing into a warm, personal farewell, reinforcing the apostle's genuine pastoral relationship with the Corinthian church. The very act described is a **Metonymy**, where "hand" stands for the act of writing and the personal involvement of the author.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 16:21, though brief, speaks volumes about the nature of divine communication and apostolic authority. Paul's personal authentication of his letter underscores the importance of the message's origin and its reliability. Just as Paul took pains to ensure his words were recognized as genuinely his, God has providentially preserved and authenticated His inspired Word for all generations. This verse reminds us that the Scriptures are not merely human writings but divinely breathed, delivered through human agents who often personally vouched for their message. It highlights the blend of divine inspiration and human instrumentality in the transmission of truth.

* [Galatians 6:11](/galatians/6-11 "Galatians 6:11 - Paul's Large Letters")
* [Colossians 4:18](/colossians/4-18 "Colossians 4:18 - Paul's Personal Greeting")
* [2 Thessalonians 3:17](/2_thessalonians/3-17 "2 Thessalonians 3:17 - Paul's Authenticating Token")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world saturated with information, much of it unverified or even intentionally misleading, the need for authenticity and genuine communication remains paramount. Paul's handwritten salutation reminds us of the value of personal integrity and the power of a direct, heartfelt connection. For believers today, this verse encourages us to be people of our word, to communicate with sincerity, and to ensure that our messages, whether spoken or written, reflect our true intentions and character. It also prompts us to value the authenticity of God's Word, recognizing the divine care taken to preserve its truth for us. In our relationships, a "personal touch" often transcends mere formality, building deeper trust and understanding, much like Paul's final, handwritten greeting to the Corinthians, which sealed his pastoral care and apostolic authority.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's emphasis on his "own hand" challenge or affirm my understanding of the authenticity of Scripture?**
* **In what ways can I, like Paul, ensure that my communication, especially in leadership or mentoring roles, is both authoritative and genuinely personal?**
* **What significance does it hold for me that the Apostle Paul personally authenticated his letters, and how does this impact my trust in his teachings?**

### FAQ
**Why did Paul explicitly state he wrote this part "with mine own hand"?**

Answer: Paul explicitly stated he wrote this part "with mine own hand" primarily for **authentication**. In the ancient world, letters were often dictated to a scribe (amanuensis). To prevent forgeries and to confirm the letter's genuine origin, authors would add a personal, handwritten postscript or greeting. This served as a verifiable signature, a "token in every epistle" as Paul himself noted in [2 Thessalonians 3:17](/2_thessalonians/3-17 "2 Thessalonians 3:17 - Paul's Authenticating Mark"). It also added a personal touch, reinforcing his direct connection and pastoral care for the recipients, despite the formal nature of dictated correspondence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 16:21 focuses on Paul's authentication of his letter, it subtly points to the ultimate authentication of God's message in Jesus Christ. Just as Paul's personal hand sealed his words, God's ultimate revelation is not merely a dictated message but an incarnate Word, personally "signed" by the very presence of Christ. Jesus, the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Incarnation of the Word"), is God's most personal and undeniable communication to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God's Final Word in His Son")). His life, death, and resurrection serve as the divine "signature" of God's redemptive plan, authenticating His promises and revealing His character more fully than any written word alone could. The apostles, including Paul, were witnesses to this living Word ([1 John 1:1-3](/1_john/1-1-3 "1 John 1:1-3 - The Word of Life")), and their written testimonies, authenticated by their personal sacrifice and the Spirit's power, point us to the ultimate, Christ-centered fulfillment of God's saving truth.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Galatians 6:11

¶ Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.

Colossians 4:18

The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace [be] with you. Amen.

2 Thessalonians 3:17

The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.

Romans 16:22

I Tertius, who wrote [this] epistle, salute you in the Lord.

Philemon 1:19

I Paul have written [it] with mine own hand, I will repay [it]: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.