New Testament

1 Corinthians 16:21

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

I, Paul, am writing this greeting with my own hand.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.

What 1 Corinthians 16:21 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Paul emphasizes the personal touch in his communication with the Corinthians. By writing the greeting himself, he shows his genuine care and connection to the people he is addressing. This act signifies the importance of personal relationships and authenticity in communication. Paul wants the Corinthians to know that he is not just sending a message through a scribe; he is directly involved. This personal touch can make a significant difference in how messages are received. It reminds us that our words carry weight when they come from the heart. In a world filled with impersonal communication, taking the time to express ourselves personally can strengthen our bonds with others. Paul's example encourages us to be intentional in our interactions, ensuring that our messages reflect our true feelings and commitment to those we care about. This verse serves as a reminder that authenticity in our relationships is vital for building trust and connection, making our communications more meaningful and impactful.

How to apply 1 Corinthians 16:21 to your life

Consider how you communicate with others. Make an effort to personalize your messages, whether through handwritten notes or direct conversations. This small act can deepen your relationships and show others that you truly care about them. Authenticity fosters trust and connection in all interactions. Be intentional in your words and actions to strengthen your bonds with others.

Curated for this public verse page. 1 Corinthians Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Jesus on the shore calling James and John as they sit in their boat mending their nets, with older men in the boat behind them

Illustrated scene from John the Apostle's story: Mending Their Nets (Mark 1:19–20)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

John the Apostle

An old color photograph of Nazareth spread across a hillside in Galilee.

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Nazareth

The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about 1 Corinthians 16:21

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying 1 Corinthians 16:21

At a Glance — the Book of 1 Corinthians

Author
Paul the apostle
Written
Around AD 55
Genre
Letter (epistle)
Original Audience
The church in Corinth

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does 1 Corinthians 16:21 mean?

In 1 Corinthians 16:21, Paul emphasizes the importance of personal communication by writing the greeting himself. This act shows his genuine care for the Corinthians and highlights the value of authenticity in relationships.

How can I apply the message of 1 Corinthians 16:21 in my life?

You can apply the message by personalizing your communications, such as sending handwritten notes or having direct conversations, to show others that you care and value your relationship with them.

What themes are present in 1 Corinthians 16:21?

The themes in 1 Corinthians 16:21 include personal connection, authenticity, effective communication, and the importance of caring relationships.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.