Bible Strands
2 Thessalonians 3:17
This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. This is my mark in every letter; it is the way I write.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Thessalonian church at the conclusion of his letter, immediately after pronouncing blessings of peace and grace. He personally appends this closing to authenticate the correspondence before the recipients read the main body.
The words — The Greek ἀσπασμὸς (aspasmos) denotes the formal closing greeting, while χειρὶ (cheiri) specifies the physical hand. Paul states that this autograph serves as his consistent signature and writing standard across all his epistles.
The thread — This autograph authentication pattern appears in 1 Corinthians 16:21 and Colossians 4:18. It establishes a consistent scribal practice for verifying Pauline authorship across multiple early Christian communities.
Why it lands — The text demands immediate recognition of the letter’s genuine origin before the reader proceeds. It requires the audience to verify the message against the apostle’s known handwriting standard rather than accepting the document on trust alone.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 16:21 This greeting is in my own hand—Paul.
- Colossians 4:18 This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:5 All this is clear evidence of God’s righteous judgment. And so you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.
- Joshua 2:12 Now therefore, please swear to me by the LORD that you will indeed show kindness to my family, because I showed kindness to you. Give me a sure sign
- 1 Samuel 17:18 Take also these ten portions of cheese to the commander of their unit. Check on the welfare of your brothers and bring back an assurance from them.