2 Corinthians 13:14

KJV

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, [be] with you all. Amen.

KJV (with Strong's)

The grace {G5485} of the Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, and {G2532} the love {G26} of God {G2316}, and {G2532} the communion {G2842} of the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151}, be with {G3326} you {G5216} all {G3956}. Amen {G281}. The second {G1208} epistle to {G4314} the Corinthians {G2881} was written {G1125} from {G575} Philippi {G5375}, a city of Macedonia {G3109}, by {G1223} Titus {G5103} and {G2532} Lucas {G3065}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The grace of the Lord Yeshua the Messiah,
the love of God
and the fellowship of the Ruach HaKodesh
be with you all.

Berean Standard Bible

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

American Standard Version

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Paul's concluding benediction serves as a profound and comprehensive invocation of divine blessing upon the Corinthian church. It is a concise yet rich Trinitarian formula, invoking the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, thereby encapsulating the unified work of the Godhead in sustaining and empowering believers. This final blessing underscores Paul's deep pastoral concern and his desire for the Corinthians to experience the full measure of God's presence amidst their challenges and internal divisions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes Paul's Second Epistle to the Corinthians, a letter characterized by intense pastoral concern, apostolic defense, and calls for reconciliation. Immediately preceding this benediction, in [2 Corinthians 13:11-13](/2_corinthians/13-11-13 "2 Corinthians 13:11-13 - Paul's Final Exhortations"), Paul offers final exhortations for the Corinthians to "be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace," and assures them that "the God of love and peace shall be with you." The benediction, therefore, is not merely a polite farewell but a powerful, comprehensive blessing that encapsulates the very peace and unity Paul has been urging throughout the letter, serving as a divine seal on his apostolic instruction and pastoral heart. It transitions from direct commands to an invocation of God's enabling presence.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was plagued by numerous issues, including internal factions, challenges to Paul's apostolic authority by "super-apostles," moral laxity, and spiritual immaturity. Paul's second letter is a complex response to these problems, marked by both stern rebuke and tender affection. In the Greco-Roman world, letters often concluded with formal greetings and blessings, but Paul's benedictions frequently carried significant theological weight, serving as summaries of his teaching or prayers for the recipients. The explicit Trinitarian formulation here is particularly noteworthy, given the diverse spiritual and philosophical landscape of Corinth, where various deities and cults competed for allegiance. Paul's blessing firmly grounds the Corinthians' identity and well-being in the one true God, revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

* **Key Themes:** The primary theme is the **Trinitarian nature of God** and His unified work in the lives of believers. This verse is one of the clearest New Testament expressions of the distinct yet inseparable persons of the Godhead. It also highlights **divine provision and enablement**, emphasizing that the Christian life is sustained by God's unmerited favor (grace), His unconditional affection (love), and His intimate presence (communion) through the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, the benediction underscores **unity and fellowship** within the church, as the blessing is invoked upon "you all," echoing Paul's consistent appeals for the Corinthians to overcome their divisions and live in harmony, as seen in his earlier emphasis on the church as [one body in Christ](/1_corinthians/12-12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Church as One Body"). This comprehensive blessing serves as a theological foundation for their reconciliation and spiritual growth, reminding them that their true source of peace and strength is found in the triune God, who is the ultimate source of all good, as echoed in [James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - Every Good Gift from Above").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Grace (Greek, _cháris'_):** This term (G5485) denotes graciousness, favor, or divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life. In the context of Jesus Christ, it signifies God's unmerited favor and divine enablement, which is the foundation of salvation and the power for Christian living, freely given despite human unworthiness.
* **Love (Greek, _agápē'_):** This word (G26) describes affection or benevolence, specifically a selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love. It is the characteristic love of God, demonstrated supremely in His sending of His Son, and it is the ultimate source of all divine blessings, flowing from God's very nature.
* **Communion (Greek, _koinōnía'_):** This rich term (G2842) signifies partnership, participation, social intercourse, or shared fellowship. In the context of the Holy Spirit, it implies an intimate, active relationship and shared life that believers have with the Spirit, and through Him, with one another, leading to unity and mutual participation in the divine life and mission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ":** This phrase points to Jesus Christ as the mediator and embodiment of God's unmerited favor. His life, death, and resurrection are the supreme demonstration of divine grace, providing salvation, forgiveness, and the power to live righteously. It is through Christ that believers receive spiritual strength and enablement for every aspect of their lives.
* **"and the love of God":** This refers to God the Father's unconditional, benevolent, and self-giving love. This _agape_ love is the ultimate source and motivation behind all of God's redemptive work, including the sending of Jesus Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is the foundational truth that assures believers of God's enduring care and commitment.
* **"and the communion of the Holy Ghost":** This speaks to the active fellowship and intimate participation that believers have with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit indwells believers, empowering them, guiding them, and uniting them not only with God but also with one another in a shared spiritual life. This "communion" fosters unity, understanding, and shared purpose within the Christian community.
* **"be with you all. Amen.":** This closing invocation expresses Paul's fervent desire and prayer that this comprehensive Trinitarian blessing would be present with *all* the Corinthians, emphasizing the corporate nature of the blessing. The "Amen" serves as a solemn affirmation, expressing certainty and agreement with the prayer, signifying "so be it" or "let it be true."

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. Foremost is the **Trinitarian Formula**, which explicitly names all three persons of the Godhead—Jesus Christ, God (the Father), and the Holy Spirit—in a single, concise blessing. This structure is rare and powerful, serving as one of the clearest New Testament statements of the Trinity. The verse also functions as a **Benediction**, a formal and solemn blessing pronounced at the conclusion of a letter or service. This benediction is not merely a polite farewell but an authoritative invocation of divine presence and power, reflecting Paul's apostolic authority and his deep pastoral care for the Corinthian church. Furthermore, the use of **Parallelism** is evident in the balanced phrasing "the grace of... and the love of... and the communion of...," which gives the blessing a rhythmic and memorable quality, emphasizing the distinct yet harmonious contributions of each person of the Trinity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This profound benediction provides a concise yet comprehensive summary of Christian theology, encapsulating the triune nature of God and His unified work in salvation and sanctification. It affirms that the entire Godhead is actively involved in the life of the believer and the church, providing distinct yet interconnected blessings: grace from the Son for salvation and daily strength, love from the Father as the ultimate source and motivation, and communion from the Spirit for intimate fellowship and unity. This verse demonstrates that the Christian life is not lived in isolation but in constant, dynamic relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who work in perfect harmony to bring about God's purposes. It underscores that all spiritual blessings flow from this divine unity and are made available to believers, fostering both individual spiritual vitality and corporate church unity.

* [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission and Trinitarian Baptism")
* [Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father through the Spirit")
* [1 John 4:8](/1_john/4-8 "1 John 4:8 - God Is Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[2 Corinthians 13:14](/2_corinthians/13-14 "2 Corinthians 13:14 - The Trinitarian Benediction") serves as a powerful reminder of the comprehensive and holistic nature of God's provision for His people. For individual believers, it underscores that our spiritual life is sustained not by our own efforts but by the continuous outpouring of divine grace, love, and fellowship from the triune God. In moments of weakness, we draw upon the grace of Christ; in times of doubt, we are anchored by the unwavering love of God; and in our daily walk, we are guided and empowered by the communion of the Holy Spirit. For the church, this benediction is a profound call to unity, reminding us that just as the Father, Son, and Spirit are one, so too should believers strive for "one mind" and "peace" (as Paul exhorted in [2 Corinthians 13:11](/2_corinthians/13-11 "2 Corinthians 13:11 - Paul's Final Exhortations")). This comprehensive blessing is the theological bedrock for overcoming division, fostering genuine fellowship, and living out our corporate identity as the body of Christ in a world desperately needing to see the unity and love of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the distinct yet unified roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in this benediction deepen your appreciation for God's work in your life?**
* **In what specific ways can you more intentionally seek and experience the "communion of the Holy Ghost" in your daily walk and in your interactions with other believers?**
* **Considering the challenges faced by the Corinthian church, how does this comprehensive blessing serve as a model for addressing conflict and fostering unity in contemporary Christian communities?**

### FAQ

**Why is this verse considered a Trinitarian blessing?**

Answer: This verse is considered a Trinitarian blessing because it explicitly names all three persons of the Godhead: "the Lord Jesus Christ" (the Son), "God" (the Father), and "the Holy Ghost" (the Holy Spirit). This clear and concise enumeration of the divine persons, each with a distinct yet harmonious blessing, makes it one of the most direct Trinitarian formulations in the New Testament. It parallels other Trinitarian references, such as the baptismal formula in [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission"), which instructs disciples to baptize "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."

**What is the significance of "communion of the Holy Ghost"?**

Answer: The "communion of the Holy Ghost" (Greek: _koinōnía_) signifies a profound and active fellowship, participation, and shared life with the Holy Spirit. It means that believers are not merely recipients of the Spirit's power but are invited into an intimate, personal relationship with Him. This _koinōnía_ enables believers to experience God's presence, understanding, and unity. It is through the Spirit that believers are united with Christ and with one another, fostering genuine fellowship within the church and empowering them for service. This shared life in the Spirit is foundational to Christian unity, as emphasized in passages like [Philippians 2:1](/philippians/2-1 "Philippians 2:1 - Encouragement to Unity"), which speaks of "fellowship of the Spirit."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[2 Corinthians 13:14](/2_corinthians/13-14 "2 Corinthians 13:14 - The Trinitarian Benediction"), while explicitly Trinitarian, finds its ultimate fulfillment and accessibility through the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is "the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ" that serves as the foundation for all divine blessings, for it is through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection that humanity gains access to God's unmerited favor and salvation ([Romans 5:1-2](/romans/5-1-2 "Romans 5:1-2 - Peace with God Through Christ")). The "love of God" the Father is supremely demonstrated and made tangible in the sending of His Son, Jesus, into the world ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World"), [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Furthermore, the "communion of the Holy Ghost" is a direct result of Christ's finished work, as He promised to send the Helper, the Spirit of truth, to His disciples after His departure ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - Promise of the Holy Spirit"), [John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - Jesus Promises the Helper")). Thus, Christ is not merely one part of the blessing but the central figure through whom the Father's love is poured out and the Spirit's fellowship is made possible, uniting believers into one body in Him ([1 Corinthians 12:13](/1_corinthians/12-13 "1 Corinthians 12:13 - One Spirit, One Body")). The entire Trinitarian blessing, therefore, flows from and points back to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, making God's presence and provision accessible to all who believe.

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

Ephesians 2:22

In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Romans 5:5

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Romans 16:20

And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you. Amen.

1 Corinthians 16:23

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you.

Jude 1:21

Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Philippians 2:1

¶ If [there be] therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

John 1:16

And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.