All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.

PHILIPPIANS 4:22KJV
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What does Philippians 4:22 mean?

Philippians 4:22 means that all the Christians (“saints”) with Paul are sending their greetings to the believers in Philippi, and especially those believers who are part of Caesar’s household. This shows that even people connected to the Roman emperor’s home or staff had become followers of Jesus and were thinking of the Philippian church.

Paul is writing this letter from prison in Rome to the Christians in Philippi. By mentioning greetings from “Caesar’s household,” Paul highlights that the message of Jesus has reached even into the heart of the Roman Empire. This would have encouraged the Philippians, showing that the Christian faith was spreading in unexpected places.

The Greek behind Philippians 4:22

  • saints (ἅγιοι, hagioi): This Greek word means “holy ones” or “set-apart people” and refers to all Christians, not just a special group. Paul is including all believers with him in sending greetings.
  • Caesar’s (Καίσαρος, Kaisaros): This refers specifically to the Roman emperor. “Caesar’s household” (οἰκίας τοῦ Καίσαρος, oikias tou Kaisaros) meant people connected to the imperial family, including servants, officials, and workers, not just relatives.
  • salute (ἀσπάζονται, aspazontai): This word means “greet” or “send greetings.” It’s a warm, personal way to express care and connection between Christian communities.

Why Philippians 4:22 matters

  • This verse shows that the Christian message was reaching all levels of society, even those closest to the emperor, which would have been surprising and encouraging to early Christians.
  • Paul’s mention of “Caesar’s household” reminds the Philippians that God’s work is not limited by political power or social status.
  • The verse connects to the wider theme of unity and encouragement in Philippians, showing that believers everywhere—no matter their background—are part of one family in Christ.

Where else these words appear

“chiefly” Greek G3122 · used in 12 verses

  • Acts 20:38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
  • Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
  • 2 Timothy 4:13 The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.

“Caesar's” Greek G2541 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 22:17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
  • Luke 20:24 Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar's.
  • Acts 25:10 Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.

“salute” Greek G782 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 5:47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
  • Romans 16:8 Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.
  • Philippians 4:21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.

“household” Greek G3614 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • Mark 3:27 No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.
  • Luke 17:31 In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.