Ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ μετὰ πάντων ὑμῶν· ἀμήν.
Nominative Subject and Theological Center: Ἡ χάρις
– Ἡ: Definite article, nominative singular feminine—”the.”
– χάρις: Nominative singular feminine noun—”grace.”
– Acts as the subject of an implied verb (often supplied as “be” or “be with”).
– In Paul’s letters, χάρις represents the unmerited favor, kindness, and saving activity of God mediated through Christ.
Genitive of Source or Possession: τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ
– τοῦ κυρίου: Genitive singular masculine of κύριος—”of the Lord.”
– Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ: Genitive singular proper names—”Jesus Christ.”
– Apposition to τοῦ κυρίου, identifying which Lord is meant.
– The genitive functions as source or possessive: “the grace belonging to” or “coming from the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Prepositional Phrase of Presence: μετὰ πάντων ὑμῶν
– μετά: Preposition with genitive—”with.”
– πάντων: Genitive plural masculine/neuter of πᾶς—”all.”
– ὑμῶν: Genitive plural 2nd person pronoun—”of you.”
– Combined phrase: “with all of you.”
– This expression conveys communal presence and solidarity, not just individual blessing.
– The genitive following μετά implies intimate association and continuing fellowship.
Liturgical Closure: ἀμήν
– ἀμήν: Hebrew loanword meaning “truly,” “so be it.”
– Used as a solemn affirmation, often at the conclusion of a prayer or benediction.
– It underscores the certainty and acceptance of the preceding blessing.
Final Grace and Apostolic Embrace
Philippians 4:23 closes the letter with a grace wish—a typical but deeply theological Pauline signature. The simplicity of the clause is deceptive: every word carries rich weight. By placing Ἡ χάρις at the head of the sentence, Paul emphasizes grace as the final and ultimate blessing for the church.
The phrase τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ reinforces the Christ-centered nature of this grace—it is not abstract kindness, but covenantal favor sourced in the crucified and risen Lord. The prepositional phrase μετὰ πάντων ὑμῶν shifts from singular to plural, encompassing the entire community in Philippi. This inclusive form (contrasted with the singular in some letters) reflects Paul’s affection for the whole body.
Ending with ἀμήν, the verse echoes liturgical affirmation and seals the epistle with the tone of worship. The Greek syntax is brief, rhythmic, and theological—grace, Christ, communion, and certainty are all present in this final blessing.
