1 Corinthians 1:3
Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Original Language Analysis
χάρις
Grace
G5485
χάρις
Grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
1 of 12
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰρήνη
peace
G1515
εἰρήνη
peace
Strong's:
G1515
Word #:
4 of 12
peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
5 of 12
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 12
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
πατρὸς
Father
G3962
πατρὸς
Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
7 of 12
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κυρίου
from the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
from the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
10 of 12
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Cross References
Romans 1:7To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.Ephesians 1:2Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.2 Corinthians 1:2Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.1 Peter 1:2Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
Historical Context
This greeting formula appears in all Paul's letters and reflects early Christian liturgical language. In a city obsessed with status, patron-client relationships, and honor competitions, Paul redefines blessing as coming exclusively from God, not from human benefactors or philosophical schools. The coupling of Father and Son in one phrase was already Christian shorthand for Trinitarian theology.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing grace as "unmerited favor" undercut the pride and competitiveness that fueled Corinthian factions?
- In what ways do we seek peace through human means rather than receiving it from God?
- What does Paul's equal naming of Father and Son teach us about the deity of Christ and the nature of the Godhead?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Grace be unto you, and peace (charis hymin kai eirene, χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη)—Paul's standard greeting merges Greek (charis, grace) and Hebrew (shalom, peace) cultural forms into a distinctly Christian benediction. Charis (χάρις) is God's unmerited favor—the foundation of all Christian life and the antidote to the pride and factionalism plaguing Corinth. Eirene (εἰρήνη, peace) is not mere absence of conflict but wholeness, reconciliation, and right relationship—precisely what the divided Corinthians lack.
From God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ—Both grace and peace originate in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, whom Paul names in the same breath, implying equal divine status. This is no trivial greeting but a theological statement: all spiritual blessings flow from the Godhead, not from human wisdom or charismatic leaders.