Philippians 4:21
Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.
Original Language Analysis
ἀσπάζονται
Salute
G782
ἀσπάζονται
Salute
Strong's:
G782
Word #:
1 of 12
to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome
ἅγιον
saint
G40
ἅγιον
saint
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
3 of 12
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
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
ἀσπάζονται
Salute
G782
ἀσπάζονται
Salute
Strong's:
G782
Word #:
7 of 12
to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Galatians 1:2And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:Ephesians 1:1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:1 Corinthians 1:2Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's:Philippians 1:1Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
Historical Context
Roman letters typically ended with greetings conveying social ties. Paul Christianizes this: greetings aren't mere courtesy but affirm spiritual kinship. 'Saints' (hagioi) are all believers, not special elite—positional holiness through union with Christ. Paul's Roman companions (possibly including Luke, Timothy, Aristarchus, others from Col 4:10-14) send greetings, demonstrating early Christian networks spanning cities and regions. Churches weren't isolated but interconnected through traveling ministers and letters.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Paul command greeting 'every saint'—what factionalism might this address?
- How do greetings 'in Christ Jesus' differ from mere social pleasantries?
- What Christian communities beyond your local church should you actively maintain greetings with?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you (Ἀσπάσασθε πάντα ἅγιον ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ. ἀσπάζονται ὑμᾶς οἱ σὺν ἐμοὶ ἀδελφοί, Aspasasthe panta hagion en Christō Iēsou. aspazontai hymas hoi syn emoi adelphoi)—Aspasasthe ("greet, salute")—imperative for Philippians to greet panta hagion ("every saint"). En Christō Iēsou ("in Christ Jesus")—qualifier: those united to Christ. Hoi syn emoi adelphoi ("the brothers with me")—Paul's companions in Rome send greetings. Ancient letters closed with greetings maintaining relational networks. Paul's greetings emphasize Christian community: scattered geographically but united 'in Christ Jesus.' The command to greet 'every' saint stresses inclusion—no factions, no favorites, all are family.