This greeting is in my own hand—Paul.
Parallel translations
- WEB This greeting is by me, Paul, with my own hand.
- KJV The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.
- NKJV The salutation with my own hand—Paul’s.
- NASB The greeting is in my own hand—that of Paul.
- NLT Here is my greeting in my own handwriting—Paul.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Paul takes the pen to write the closing greeting in his own hand. It authenticates the letter and adds a personal touch.
Overview
Paul typically dictated his letters to a secretary (see Romans 16:22) and then signed off personally to verify authenticity, guarding against forgeries (2 Thessalonians 3:17). This personal signature lends weight and warmth to the closing words. It reminds readers that Scripture came through real, accountable human authors carried along by the Spirit.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 5
- Col 4:18This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
- Gal 6:11See what large letters I am using to write to you with my own hand!
- 2 Th 3:17This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. This is my mark in every letter; it is the way I write.
- Phlm 1:19I, Paul, write this with my own hand. I will repay it—not to mention that you owe me your very self.
- Rom 16:22I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Christ crucified is the wisdom and power of God; he is our Passover sacrificed for us, the firstfruits of resurrection, the foundation on which everything is built.
How 1 Corinthians 16:21 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.