Philemon 1:25
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Original Language Analysis
Ἡ
G3588
Ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χάρις
The grace
G5485
χάρις
The grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
2 of 12
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 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Κυρίου
Lord
G2962
Κυρίου
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
4 of 12
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
6 of 12
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
μετὰ
be with
G3326
μετὰ
be with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
2 Timothy 4:22The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.Romans 16:23Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.Romans 16:20And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.Galatians 6:18Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Historical Context
Ancient letters ended with health wishes or brief farewells. Paul Christianizes closing with grace benediction, appearing in all thirteen epistles. Grace is Christianity's signature—unmerited divine favor demonstrated supremely in Christ (2 Corinthians 8:9), applied personally through Spirit, producing transformed relationships. Philemon epitomizes grace applied: master forgiving slave, social superior receiving inferior as equal, property owner releasing claim because gospel transcends cultural categories.
Questions for Reflection
- How does grace (unmerited favor) function as your operating principle in difficult relationships and conflicts?
- In what situations do you need Christ's grace "with your spirit" to enable otherwise impossible forgiveness or obedience?
- How does Philemon's entire message apply Christ's grace to your current relationships—who is your "Onesimus" requiring grace-filled restoration?
Analysis & Commentary
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen—ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματος ὑμῶν. ἀμήν (hē charis tou kyriou hēmōn Iēsou Christou meta tou pneumatos hymōn. amēn)—Paul's characteristic benediction. χάρις (charis, grace) is the letter's theological foundation and closing word. The entire Philemon situation requires grace: unmerited favor toward Onesimus (forgiveness), toward Paul (granting his request), toward all (gospel transformation of slavery).
μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματος ὑμῶν (meta tou pneumatos hymōn, with your spirit)—plural ὑμῶν (hymōn, your) addresses entire house church (v. 2), not just Philemon. πνεῦμα (pneuma, spirit) is human spirit needing divine grace's empowerment. ἀμήν (amēn, truly/so be it) ratifies prayer. Grace's presence with their spirits enables impossible obedience—forgiving runaway slaves, receiving them as brothers, transforming societal structures through gospel.