Philippians 4:21

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Salute {G782} every {G3956} saint {G40} in {G1722} Christ {G5547} Jesus {G2424}. The brethren {G80} which are with {G4862} me {G1698} greet {G782} you {G5209}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Greet each of God’s people in the Messiah Yeshua. The brothers with me send their greetings to you.

Berean Standard Bible

Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you greetings.

American Standard Version

Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren that are with me salute you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Philippians 4:21 serves as a heartfelt, personal closing to Paul's letter, extending warm greetings from the Apostle and his companions to the entire community of believers in Philippi. This concise verse not only reinforces the deep spiritual fellowship and shared identity that characterized the early Christian church but also underscores the foundational truth that their unity and status as "saints" are rooted entirely "in Christ Jesus," highlighting the communal and Christ-centered nature of their faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Philippians 4:21 stands as part of Paul's concluding remarks in his deeply personal and affectionate letter to the Philippians. Following a series of final exhortations concerning joy, peace, contentment, and the importance of right thinking found in [Philippians 4:4-9](/philippians/4-4-9 "Philippians 4:4-9 - Exhortations to Joy, Peace, and Right Thinking"), Paul transitions to expressions of gratitude for their financial support ([Philippians 4:10-19](/philippians/4-10-19 "Philippians 4:10-19 - Paul's Gratitude for Philippian Generosity")) and then to a series of personal greetings. This verse, along with the subsequent one, serves as a bridge, moving from theological instruction and pastoral encouragement to concrete demonstrations of Christian fellowship, setting the stage for the final benediction and reinforcing the communal bonds between Paul, his fellow laborers, and the Philippian church.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written from prison, likely in Rome, Paul’s letter to the Philippians would have been hand-carried by Epaphroditus back to the church. In the Greco-Roman world, personal letters often concluded with greetings to specific individuals or groups, reflecting social connections and hierarchies. However, Paul’s instruction to "Salute every saint" transcends mere social custom, reflecting the nascent Christian community's radical redefinition of social bonds based on shared faith in Christ rather than status. The mention of "the brethren which are with me" hints at Paul's immediate companions (e.g., Timothy, Epaphroditus, and others who ministered alongside him), underscoring the collaborative nature of early Christian missions and the solidarity among believers, even under challenging circumstances like imprisonment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several recurring themes throughout the book of Philippians and Paul's broader theology. It emphasizes **Christian Unity and Fellowship**, demonstrating the importance of mutual recognition and affectionate regard among believers, regardless of their location or circumstances, a theme woven throughout Paul's appeals for harmony in [Philippians 2:1-4](/philippians/2-1-4 "Philippians 2:1-4 - Paul's Exhortation to Humility and Unity"). The phrase "in Christ Jesus" highlights the **Identity and Position of Believers**, asserting that their status as "saints" (holy ones) and their very unity are derived solely from their spiritual union with Christ, a concept central to Paul's understanding of salvation and new life, as seen in [Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1-3-14 "Ephesians 1:3-14 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ"). Finally, the greetings from "the brethren which are with me" underscore the theme of **Communal Support and Solidarity** within the body of Christ, illustrating that ministry and faith are not solitary endeavors but are sustained by a network of interdependent believers, echoing the imagery of the church as one body with many members in [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4-5 "Romans 12:4-5 - The Body of Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Salute (Greek, _aspázomai'_):** This verb, occurring twice in the verse, means "to enfold in the arms," and by implication, "to salute," "greet," or "welcome." It conveys a warm, affectionate, and respectful greeting, far more intimate than a casual acknowledgment. It suggests a genuine expression of care, recognition, and fellowship, reflecting the deep bonds within the Christian community.
* **saint (Greek, _hágios'_):** Derived from a root meaning "an awful thing" (implying reverence), this term refers to those who are "sacred," "set apart," or "consecrated." In the New Testament, it is not reserved for an elite few but is applied to all believers. It signifies their new spiritual status as holy and belonging to God through their union with Christ, indicating a positional holiness rather than necessarily a perfected behavioral holiness.
* **in Christ Jesus (Greek, _en Christós Iēsoûs'_):** This crucial Pauline phrase, combining the preposition "in" (G1722, denoting fixed position or state), "Christ" (G5547, "anointed one," the Messiah), and "Jesus" (G2424, the personal name of our Lord), signifies the believer's profound spiritual union with Jesus as the Messiah. It denotes the sphere of their existence, identity, and spiritual reality. To be "in Christ Jesus" means to be united with Him in His death, resurrection, and new life, forming the basis for their sainthood and their fellowship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Salute every saint in Christ Jesus."**: This is a direct command from Paul, urging the Philippian believers to extend a warm, personal greeting to each and every member of their community. The inclusion of "every saint" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this fellowship, transcending social distinctions or personal preferences. The qualifying phrase "in Christ Jesus" underscores that their identity as "saints" and the basis for their mutual greeting are rooted entirely in their shared spiritual union with Christ. It is a greeting among those who are united by a common Lord and Savior.
* **"The brethren which are with me greet you."**: This second clause provides a reciprocal greeting, indicating that Paul is not alone but is surrounded by fellow believers ("the brethren," G80, meaning "brothers" or "fellow believers"). These companions, who are "with" (G4862, denoting close association or companionship) Paul, share in his ministry and his concern for the Philippian church. Their greeting adds another layer to the communal nature of the letter, demonstrating solidarity and shared affection from Paul's immediate circle to the Philippian congregation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices. **Communal Language** is prominent, with terms like "every saint" and "the brethren" emphasizing the collective identity and interconnectedness of believers. The repeated use of the verb **"salute" (aspázomai)**, appearing twice (once as a command, once as an action), creates a sense of **Inclusio** and reinforces the central theme of mutual greeting and fellowship. The phrase "in Christ Jesus" functions as a powerful **Theological Qualifier**, grounding the entire concept of Christian identity and community in the person and work of Christ. The verse also exhibits a **Personal Tone**, characteristic of Paul's letters, as he moves from theological discourse to intimate expressions of care and connection, reflecting the familial nature of the early church.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Philippians 4:21 profoundly illustrates the New Testament understanding of the church as a unified body, bound together not by human organization or shared ethnicity, but by a common spiritual reality "in Christ Jesus." It highlights the radical equality and mutual belonging of all believers, regardless of their social standing, as "saints"—those set apart and consecrated by God. This mutual greeting is not a mere formality but an expression of genuine love, recognition, and solidarity within the spiritual family of God. It underscores that Christian fellowship is an active, intentional practice, reflecting the very nature of God as a relational being and the new humanity forged through Christ's redemptive work. The verse thus serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of valuing and acknowledging every member of the body of Christ, fostering a culture of welcome and belonging.

* [Romans 16:16](/romans/16-16 "Romans 16:16 - Greet One Another with a Holy Kiss")
* [1 Peter 5:14](/1_peter/5-14 "1 Peter 5:14 - Greet One Another with a Kiss of Love")
* [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often characterized by individualism and superficial connections, Philippians 4:21 offers a timeless call to cultivate genuine, Christ-centered community. The command to "salute every saint" challenges us to move beyond casual acquaintanceship and to actively acknowledge, value, and affirm each person within our spiritual family. It reminds us that our identity "in Christ Jesus" creates an unbreakable bond, transcending differences in background, status, or personality. This verse encourages us to be intentional in extending warmth, respect, and recognition to fellow believers, fostering an environment where every member feels seen, loved, and integral to the body. Practicing such greetings, whether through words, gestures, or acts of service, strengthens the fabric of Christian fellowship, builds mutual encouragement, and visibly demonstrates the unity that Christ has established among His people. It is a practical outworking of the love that binds us together.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my understanding of being "in Christ Jesus" shape the way I view and interact with other believers?**
* **In what practical ways can I more intentionally "salute every saint" in my local church community, fostering deeper fellowship and appreciation?**
* **What barriers, if any, might prevent me from extending genuine greetings to all members of the Christian community, and how can I overcome them?**

### FAQ
**What does "Salute every saint in Christ Jesus" mean for believers today?**

Answer: For believers today, "Salute every saint in Christ Jesus" is a profound call to active, intentional, and Christ-centered fellowship. It means recognizing and affirming the shared spiritual identity of all believers as "saints" (holy ones set apart by God) through their union with Christ. This greeting is not merely a polite formality but an expression of genuine love, respect, and solidarity within the spiritual family of God. It encourages us to actively engage with fellow Christians, valuing each individual as a precious member of the body of Christ, and fostering a community where mutual encouragement and support are paramount, reflecting the unity found in [John 17:20-23](/john/17-20-23 "John 17:20-23 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity").

**Who are "the brethren which are with me" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "The brethren which are with me" refers to Paul's immediate companions and fellow laborers in ministry who were with him during his imprisonment, likely in Rome. While specific names are not given in this verse, elsewhere in Philippians and other epistles, Paul mentions individuals like Timothy ([Philippians 2:19-23](/philippians/2-19-23 "Philippians 2:19-23 - Paul Commends Timothy")), Epaphroditus ([Philippians 2:25-30](/philippians/2-25-30 "Philippians 2:25-30 - Paul Commends Epaphroditus")), and others who shared in his gospel work and provided support during his confinement. These "brethren" represent the wider network of believers who partnered with Paul, demonstrating the communal nature of early Christian ministry and the solidarity among those dedicated to spreading the gospel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Philippians 4:21, though a simple greeting, is deeply Christ-centered in its implications. The very ability to "salute every saint" is predicated on the work of Christ, who broke down walls of division and created a new humanity "in Christ Jesus" ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). It is through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection that individuals are set apart as "saints" and brought into a saving relationship with God, thereby becoming part of His holy family. The unity and fellowship expressed in this verse are a direct result of Christ's prayer for His disciples' unity ([John 17:20-23](/john/17-20-23 "John 17:20-23 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity")) and His establishment of the church as His body ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ is the Head of the Body")). Furthermore, the "brethren" who are with Paul and extend their greetings are fellow members of this body, united in their service to Christ and their shared identity in Him. Thus, this verse is not merely a social courtesy but a profound theological statement: the bonds of Christian fellowship, the very identity of "saint," and the mutual love expressed are all made possible and sustained by the finished work and ongoing presence of Jesus Christ, the head of the church.

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 1:2

And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:

Philemon 1:23

There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;

Philemon 1:24

Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.

Colossians 4:10

Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

Colossians 4:14

Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.

Romans 16:21

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

Romans 16:22

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