1 Corinthians 16:23
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Original Language Analysis
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χάρις
The grace
G5485
χάρις
The grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
2 of 8
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
of our Lord
G2962
κυρίου
of our Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
4 of 8
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
5 of 8
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Historical Context
Ancient letters typically ended with "farewell" (errōso). Paul Christianizes the epistolary form, replacing conventional farewell with theological benediction. This benediction became standard in Christian worship liturgy. The consistent grace-emphasis distinguishes Christianity from works-based religion: transformation comes through grace, not human achievement. Even corrective letters drip with grace.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Paul end a heavily corrective letter with a grace benediction rather than a warning or threat?
- How does framing everything—theology, ethics, correction—within grace change Christianity's character?
- What's the relationship between Paul's corrections (chapters 1-15) and his final grace benediction?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you—Hē charis tou kyriou Iēsou (ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ). Paul's typical closing benediction invokes charis (χάρις, "grace")—God's unmerited favor, the foundation of all Christian existence. After correcting Corinthian pride, factionalism, immorality, and doctrinal error, Paul ends with grace, not condemnation. The letter that exposed sin and demanded repentance concludes by pointing to God's gracious provision in Christ.
Every Pauline letter begins and ends with grace (Romans 1:7, 16:20; 1 Corinthians 1:3, 16:23; 2 Corinthians 1:2, 13:14; etc.). This inclusio frames all theology and ethics within grace. Correcting Corinthian errors wasn't legalistic moralism but calling them back to grace-empowered transformation. The grace of Jesus Christ, not human effort, produces holy living, spiritual maturity, and church unity.