1 Corinthians 16:21
What does 1 Corinthians 16:21 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 16:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 16:21 means
Paul notes that this salutation is in his own handwriting. Often he used a scribe, but here he personally signs, adding a mark of authenticity and affectionate involvement. The personal touch underscores that the letter is not a detached treatise but pastoral counsel from a real shepherd who knows and loves them. It also helps guard against false letters and misattribution. The autograph fits the chapter’s themes of accountability and transparency—just as the collection is handled rightly, so the communication itself bears clear marks of genuine origin.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I, Paul, send you these words of love in my writing.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862The salutation of <FI>me<Fi> Paul with my hand;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The salutation of me Paul, with my own hand.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The salutation of [me] Paul with my own hand.
Context
After greetings that bind Corinth to the wider church (vv.19–20), Paul adds a personal signature to validate the letter. This prepares for the weighty line of verse 22, which draws a boundary around love for the Lord, and for the closing prayers of grace and love in verses 23–24. The sequence moves from shared affection to authenticated authorship and then to a solemn, Christ-centered appeal before ending with blessing.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 16:22
I Tertius, who write the epistle, salute you in the Lord.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:17
The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.
- Colossians 4:18
The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you.
- Galatians 6:11
See with how large letters I write unto you with mine own hand.
- Philemon 1:19
I Paul write it with mine own hand, I will repay it: that I say not unto thee that thou owest to me even thine own self besides.
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