2 Corinthians 13:13

KJV

All the saints salute you.

KJV (with Strong's)

All {G3956} the saints {G40} salute {G782} you {G5209}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All God’s people send greetings to you.

Berean Standard Bible

All the saints send you greetings.

American Standard Version

All the saints salute you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This concluding verse of Paul's Second Epistle to the Corinthians serves as a warm, personal greeting from the collective body of believers accompanying Paul to the church in Corinth. Following Paul's final exhortations and a profound Trinitarian benediction, this salutation underscores the deep interconnectedness and shared identity of all Christians as "saints," emphasizing the communal bonds that transcend geographical distance and reinforce the unity of the global church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears at the very end of 2 Corinthians, immediately following the powerful Trinitarian benediction in [2 Corinthians 13:14](/2_corinthians/13-14 "2 Corinthians 13:14 - The Apostolic Benediction"). It functions as a final, personal touch after Paul has addressed numerous challenging issues, defended his apostolic authority, and delivered stern warnings alongside tender appeals. The preceding chapters have dealt with themes of suffering, reconciliation, generosity, and the nature of true apostolic ministry. By concluding with greetings from "all the saints," Paul softens the tone and reinforces the communal aspect of faith, demonstrating that the Corinthian church is part of a larger, interconnected body of believers. This collective greeting is a common feature in Paul's epistles, serving to broaden the scope of fellowship beyond the immediate sender and recipient.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of writing 2 Corinthians, Paul was likely in Macedonia (possibly Philippi or Thessalonica), having recently left Ephesus and before his anticipated third visit to Corinth. He was accompanied by several co-workers and fellow believers, as evidenced by references in other epistles (e.g., Timothy, Titus, Luke). In the ancient world, greetings were not mere formalities but significant expressions of social and spiritual connection, often conveying respect, affection, and solidarity. The practice of sending greetings from a group of people to another group was a common cultural norm, and Paul adapted this practice to the Christian community, using it to foster a sense of unity and mutual belonging among the scattered churches. This particular greeting implies that Paul was not alone but surrounded by a vibrant community of faith, whose care and concern extended to the Corinthians.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within 2 Corinthians and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it highlights **Christian Fellowship and Unity**, emphasizing that believers are part of a single body, regardless of their location. The phrase "All the saints" underscores the universal nature of the church and the shared identity of believers as those set apart by God, a concept found throughout Paul's writings (e.g., [1 Corinthians 1:2](/1_corinthians/1-2 "1 Corinthians 1:2 - Saints in Christ Jesus")). Secondly, it reinforces **Pastoral Care and Mutual Encouragement**, as Paul, through these greetings, facilitates a sense of belonging and mutual love between different Christian communities. This act of "saluting" (greeting) demonstrates the practical outworking of Christian love and the importance of inter-church relationships, mirroring Paul's constant concern for the well-being of all the churches he ministered to, as seen in [2 Corinthians 11:28](/2_corinthians/11-28 "2 Corinthians 11:28 - Paul's Daily Pressure")). Finally, it subtly reinforces **Apostolic Authority and Community Support**, showing that Paul's ministry is not solitary but supported by and reflective of the broader Christian movement.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **All (Greek, _pâs'_):** This word, G3956, signifies "including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole." Its use here emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the greeting. It is not just from a select few, but from the entire community of believers who are with Paul, underscoring the collective solidarity and shared identity of the senders. This universality highlights the unity within the body of Christ.
* **Saints (Greek, _hágios'_):** G40, derived from a word meaning "an awful thing," describes something "sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)." In the New Testament, "saints" (plural of _hágios_) refers to all believers in Christ, who are set apart and made holy by God through their union with Him, not because of their inherent perfection. This term emphasizes their consecrated status and distinct identity as God's people, redeemed and called to live lives of holiness.
* **Salute (Greek, _aspázomai'_):** G782, meaning "to enfold in the arms, i.e. (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome." This word conveys a warm, affectionate greeting, more than a mere formality. It implies a welcoming, an embrace, and a genuine expression of goodwill and fellowship. It suggests a desire for connection and mutual recognition among believers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All the saints":** This phrase identifies the senders of the greeting. "All" (G3956, _pâs_) signifies the entirety of the Christian community present with Paul, emphasizing that this is a collective expression of love and solidarity, not just an individual's message. The term "saints" (G40, _hágios_) is a foundational New Testament designation for all believers in Christ, indicating their status as those who have been set apart and consecrated by God. It underscores their shared identity in Christ, transcending social or ethnic distinctions.
* **"salute you":** This clause describes the action being performed. "Salute" (G782, _aspázomai_) conveys a warm and affectionate greeting, implying a welcoming embrace or a heartfelt expression of goodwill. The "you" (G5209, _hymâs_) refers to the Corinthian believers, the recipients of Paul's letter. This act of salutation communicates care, recognition, and the desire for continued fellowship between the two groups of believers, fostering a sense of belonging within the wider Christian family.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several subtle but significant literary devices. **Apostolic Greeting** is the most prominent, as this verse functions as a standard closing salutation common in Pauline epistles, reinforcing the epistle's authenticity and communal nature. The use of "All the saints" demonstrates **Inclusivity**, emphasizing that the greeting extends from the entire community accompanying Paul, not just a select few. This highlights the collective identity and shared purpose of believers. Furthermore, the phrase offers a **Personal Touch**, humanizing the often-stern or theological discourse of the letter by conveying genuine affection and connection from distant believers, thereby strengthening the bonds of Christian fellowship and mutual care.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple verse carries profound theological weight, underscoring the essential nature of Christian community and the universal scope of the church. It reminds us that individual believers are not isolated but are integral parts of a larger, interconnected body, united by their shared identity in Christ. The concept of "saints" as all believers, set apart by God, emphasizes that holiness is a gift and a calling for every Christian, not just an elite few. The act of "saluting" exemplifies the practical outworking of Christian love, mutual care, and fellowship, demonstrating the importance of acknowledging and affirming fellow believers across geographical and cultural divides. This communal solidarity reflects the very heart of the gospel, which breaks down barriers and builds up a new humanity in Christ.

* [Romans 16:16](/romans/16-16 "Romans 16:16 - Greet One Another with a Holy Kiss")
* [Philippians 4:21-22](/philippians/4-21-22 "Philippians 4:21-22 - Greetings from All the Saints")
* [Ephesians 2:19-20](/ephesians/2-19-20 "Ephesians 2:19-20 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief but potent message of 2 Corinthians 13:13 serves as a timeless reminder of the power and importance of Christian fellowship. In an increasingly fragmented world, this verse calls believers to actively recognize and cherish their connection with the wider body of Christ, both locally and globally. It challenges us to move beyond mere acquaintance to genuine solidarity, extending greetings, support, and prayer to fellow "saints" whom we may never meet face-to-face. This simple act of salutation fosters a sense of belonging, strengthens communal bonds, and reflects the love that should characterize those who are set apart by God. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of mutual care, recognizing that our individual faith journeys are intertwined with the collective journey of God's people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing ourselves as "saints" (holy ones set apart by God) impact our daily lives and interactions with other believers?**
* **In what practical ways can we extend genuine "salutations" or greetings to fellow Christians, both within our local church and to the broader global body of Christ?**
* **What barriers might prevent us from fully embracing and expressing the unity implied by "all the saints" saluting "you," and how can we overcome them?**

### FAQ

**Who are "the saints" referred to in this verse?**

Answer: In the New Testament, particularly in Paul's epistles, "the saints" (Greek: _hagioi_) does not refer to a select group of exceptionally pious individuals or canonized figures. Rather, it is a common designation for all believers in Jesus Christ. It signifies that they are "holy ones" because they have been set apart and consecrated by God through their faith in Christ, made holy by His work, and called to live lives that reflect that holiness. Therefore, "all the saints" refers to the entire community of Christians who were with Paul at the time of writing, extending their collective greetings to the church in Corinth. This understanding is consistent with how Paul addresses his letters, often to "the saints who are in [city]" (e.g., [Ephesians 1:1](/ephesians/1-1 "Ephesians 1:1 - To the Saints in Ephesus")).

**Why is this brief greeting included at the very end of such a significant letter?**

Answer: The inclusion of this greeting, though brief, is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it is a common feature in ancient letters, including Paul's epistles, serving as a customary closing that reinforces the personal nature of the communication. Secondly, it underscores the communal aspect of Christian faith. By relaying greetings from "all the saints" with him, Paul emphasizes that the Corinthian church is not isolated but part of a larger, interconnected family of believers. This fosters a sense of unity and solidarity within the broader body of Christ, reinforcing the idea that Christians are bound together by a common faith and shared identity. It serves as a warm, unifying touch after a letter that often contained stern warnings and difficult truths, reminding the Corinthians of the love and fellowship that transcends their immediate circumstances.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Corinthians 13:13 is a simple greeting, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the very nature of the unity and identity it conveys. The "saints" are not merely a collection of individuals, but those who have been made holy and set apart *in Christ Jesus*. Their ability to "salute" one another with genuine affection and solidarity stems directly from their shared new life and common Head. Jesus Christ is the one who breaks down dividing walls, making Jew and Gentile, slave and free, male and female, one in Him (cf. [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - One in Christ Jesus")). It is through His atoning work that believers are sanctified and brought into God's family, becoming "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" (cf. [Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). The mutual greetings exchanged between Christian communities, therefore, are not just polite formalities but expressions of the supernatural bond forged by the Holy Spirit, who unites believers into the one body of Christ (cf. [1 Corinthians 12:13](/1_corinthians/12-13 "1 Corinthians 12:13 - Baptized into One Body")). This verse, then, implicitly points to Christ as the ultimate source of Christian fellowship, the foundation of our holiness, and the unifying force that enables "all the saints" to genuinely greet "you" as beloved members of His redeemed family, reflecting His own love and unity.

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

1 Peter 5:13

The [church that is] at Babylon, elected together with [you], saluteth you; and [so doth] Marcus my son.

2 John 1:13

The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.

3 John 1:14

But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace [be] to thee. [Our] friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.

Philippians 4:21

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

Philippians 4:22

All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.

Romans 16:21

¶ Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.

Romans 16:23

Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.