1 Corinthians 11 16

1 Corinthians 11:16 kjv

But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

1 Corinthians 11:16 nkjv

But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God.

1 Corinthians 11:16 niv

If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice?nor do the churches of God.

1 Corinthians 11:16 esv

If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God.

1 Corinthians 11:16 nlt

But if anyone wants to argue about this, I simply say that we have no other custom than this, and neither do God's other churches.

1 Corinthians 11 verses

1 Corinthians 11 16 meaning

This verse serves as a definitive statement, closing Paul's complex argument regarding proper conduct and appearance during worship. It directly challenges anyone who wishes to continue disputing the established norms he has presented, asserting that neither the apostles nor the worldwide "churches of God" acknowledge or practice such contentious behavior or any alternative custom to the orderly principles he has just taught. It solidifies his instructions as universally recognized and non-negotiable within the broader Christian community.

1 Corinthians 11 16 Context

This verse concludes Paul’s lengthy instruction (1 Cor 11:2-16) regarding appropriate decorum in public worship, particularly concerning head coverings for men and women. Paul begins by commending the Corinthians for remembering his teachings but then addresses practices that have become disorderly. He lays a theological foundation for distinct gender roles, drawing from creation order (God as head of Christ, Christ as head of man, man as head of woman) and the symbolic representation of head coverings, referencing angels as observers of proper order. After arguing from nature, custom, and even the angels, Paul shifts to an appeal to universal church practice to seal his argument. Verse 16 specifically deals with potential resistance or argumentation against his directives, aiming to put an end to any further dispute by asserting a shared, widespread custom among all God's churches.

1 Corinthians 11 16 Word analysis

• But if: (Greek: Εἰ δὲ, Ei de) - Introduces a conditional statement, suggesting a hypothetical but anticipated objection or argumentative spirit. It acknowledges the possibility of dissent.
• anyone: (Greek: τις, tis) - Refers to any individual who might challenge Paul's instruction, implying a particular person or group among the Corinthian believers.
• seems to be: (Greek: δοκεῖ, dokei) - From dokéō. Can mean "seems," "thinks," "is of opinion." Here it carries a sense of subjective opinion or presumptuousness, as if someone "thinks they are (or wants to be) contentious."
• contentious: (Greek: φιλόνεικος, philonikos) - A significant term, meaning "lover of strife," "fond of quarreling," "argumentative." It describes a person who enjoys or seeks out disputes rather than pursuing peace and agreement. This is a negative character trait from Paul's perspective, suggesting an ungodly attitude.
• we: (Greek: ἡμεῖς, hemeis) - Refers to Paul and the apostolic company, implicitly carrying their authority as founders and overseers of the churches. It suggests the practice of the inspired leadership.
• have no: (Greek: οὐκ ἔχομεν, ouk echomen) - Strong negation, indicating an absolute denial. "We do not have, possess, or observe."
• such custom: (Greek: τοιοῦτον ἔθος, toiouton ethos) - "Such" (τοιούτου, toioutou) refers back to the contentious behavior itself, or a "custom like that" which would allow for or encourage such disputing over foundational principles. "Custom" (ἔθος, ethos) means a settled habit, practice, or usage; a rule. Paul is stating that they, the apostles, have no custom that permits endless contention or that allows for deviation from the order he has prescribed.
• nor: (Greek: οὐδὲ, oude) - Emphasizes that the following statement is also true and supports the previous one. It expands the scope of authority.
• the churches: (Greek: αἱ ἐκκλησίαι, hai ekklēsiai) - Refers to all the local assemblies or congregations of believers. This broadens the authority from the apostles to the universal body of Christ.
• of God: (Greek: τοῦ Θεοῦ, tou Theou) - Emphasizes that these churches are distinct, belong to God, and thus follow divine order, not merely human preferences.

Words-group analysis

• "But if anyone seems to be contentious": This phrase functions as a sharp rhetorical challenge. Paul anticipates or has encountered opposition to his teaching on head coverings. The word philonikos (contentious) labels such opposition not as genuine theological inquiry but as an unhelpful, quarrelsome disposition. It's a refusal to engage further with an uncooperative spirit.
• "we have no such custom": This statement establishes apostolic authority. "We" likely encompasses Paul and his fellow apostles/missionaries. The "such custom" refers to allowing persistent disputation over established practices or endorsing alternative customs to those taught. It's a clear declaration that contentious argument is not tolerated, and neither is the practice that would arise from it if it contradicts their teachings.
• "nor do the churches of God": This extends the authority from the apostles to the wider Christian community. It highlights the universality and uniformity of practice across genuine, Spirit-led churches. It’s an appeal to Catholic (universal) practice, implying that if a church deviates, it's out of step with the larger, apostolic church of God. This line is crucial for demonstrating that the issues discussed are not merely local Corinthian eccentricities but apply to the church everywhere.

1 Corinthians 11 16 Bonus section

The appeal to "custom" (ethos) here implies more than mere habit; it suggests a norm or convention that carries the weight of authoritative teaching and widespread acceptance. Paul is not appealing to an empty tradition, but to practices consistent with creation order and the Gospel, as universally applied under apostolic guidance. The verse implicitly asserts that while local churches have some autonomy, they are part of a larger divine organism ("the churches of God") and are expected to align their practices with common, fundamental apostolic teaching, especially concerning matters of worship order and gender distinctions. The phrase also warns against spiritual arrogance or self-assertion that places one's own opinions above the common testimony and practice of God's people globally. This establishes an important precedent for valuing consensus and orderly submission within the universal Church of God.

1 Corinthians 11 16 Commentary

Verse 1 Corinthians 11:16 is Paul's firm conclusion to his argument regarding head coverings and decorum in worship. He essentially states, "This is the apostolic teaching and the universal practice among God's churches; we are not open to endless debate on this matter." The core message is that contentious spirits and local preferences are not to override established apostolic teaching and common Christian practice, particularly when that practice is rooted in theological principles of headship, order, and distinction within the body of Christ. It's a call to unity in conduct based on shared doctrine and universal custom among those who constitute the churches of God, prioritizing peace and orderly worship over personal or cultural resistance. It underscores the importance of conforming to shared Christian traditions derived from apostolic authority rather than indulging in argumentative attitudes that disrupt the church's peace and witness.