1 Corinthians 16 16

1 Corinthians 16:16 kjv

That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.

1 Corinthians 16:16 nkjv

that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us.

1 Corinthians 16:16 niv

to submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it.

1 Corinthians 16:16 esv

be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer.

1 Corinthians 16:16 nlt

to submit to them and others like them who serve with such devotion.

1 Corinthians 16 verses

1 Corinthians 16 16 Meaning

This verse signifies submission and accountability within the church community. It emphasizes recognizing and honoring those who dedicate themselves to spiritual labor and support the broader work of ministry. It's about valuing leadership and workers who are actively serving the Lord.

1 Corinthians 16 16 Context

First Corinthians chapter 16 is the concluding chapter of Paul's letter to the church in Corinth. It primarily deals with practical matters of church life, including financial contributions for the needy saints in Jerusalem, Paul's travel plans, and final instructions and greetings. Verse 16 directly follows the mention of Stephanas and his household's service and hospitality. It builds upon the preceding instruction to submit to those who are diligent in their work for the Lord. The immediate context highlights the importance of supporting and respecting those who labor faithfully in the faith, as exemplified by Stephanas and his household who had "devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints." This instruction serves as a final piece of advice regarding church order and mutual recognition of spiritual service.

1 Corinthians 16 16 Word analysis

• “That”: This conjunction introduces a consequence or a purpose. In this context, it indicates that submitting to such individuals is the reason or the outcome of their dedication.
• “you”: Plural, referring to the members of the Corinthian church.
• “may”: Indicates permission or possibility, suggesting the voluntary nature of submission.
• “submit yourselves”:
  • "submit" (hupotassō): Greek word meaning to place under, to subordinate oneself, to yield to the authority or will of another. It implies a voluntary and respectful acknowledgment of delegated authority or position within the community, not a servile or forced obedience. It signifies putting oneself in a position of voluntary subjection.
  • "yourselves": Reflexive pronoun emphasizing personal responsibility in this submission.
• “to”: Preposition indicating direction or recipient of the submission.
• “every”: Denotes universality; every individual of this description.
• “one”: Refers to each person in the category described.
• “that”: Conjunction introducing the qualifying clause.
• “also”: Indicates an additional characteristic of these individuals.
• “worketh”:
  • "worketh" (synergōn): Present participle of synergos, meaning to work together, to cooperate, to labor together with. It specifically refers to those who are fellow workers or partners in a common task, particularly spiritual labor. It suggests active participation and contribution to the shared work of the kingdom.
• “with”: Preposition indicating association.
• “and”: Conjunction connecting two characteristics.
• “to”: Preposition indicating relationship or contribution.
• “every”: Denotes entirety or all.
• “laboureth”:
  • "laboureth" (kopiōnti): Present participle of kopiaō, meaning to toil, to work hard, to grow weary through exertion. It emphasizes strenuous and devoted effort in service, often implying endurance through difficulties. It highlights persistent, often sacrificial, effort in the cause of Christ.
• “with”: Preposition indicating companionship or association in the labor.

Group Analysis: The phrase "submit yourselves to every one that... worketh and laboureth with you" describes those who are actively and diligently engaged in shared ministry. The combination of "worketh" (co-laboring) and "laboureth" (toiling) points to individuals who are not only partners in the gospel but also invest significant effort and possibly endure hardship in their service. The instruction to submit to such individuals is a call for the community to recognize and align with those who embody this faithful, hardworking partnership in the gospel.

1 Corinthians 16 16 Bonus Section

The concept of "working together" (synergos) points to a partnership with God and with one another in ministry, as echoed in 1 Corinthians 3:9 ("For we are God's fellow workers"). This reflects the early church's understanding of shared responsibility and mutual dependence. The term "laboreth" (kopiaō) underscores that dedicated ministry often involves significant effort and can be taxing, yet Paul encourages this devoted toil, recognizing the value it brings to the body of Christ. The instruction for submission is tied directly to this demonstrable effort and commitment in spiritual work, implying that true leadership and service are recognized through dedicated, persistent labor.

1 Corinthians 16 16 Commentary

This verse provides a practical application of the preceding mention of Stephanas and his household. Paul exhorts the Corinthians to submit to those within the church who are diligently laboring in ministry and spiritual work. The emphasis is on acknowledging and supporting fellow workers who demonstrate faithfulness and effort. This submission is not about absolute, unquestioning obedience, but rather a cooperative spirit and respectful deference to those who are actively engaged in advancing the gospel and serving the needs of the church community. It highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing those who bear responsibility and pour themselves into the work of the Lord, thereby contributing to the overall health and progress of the body of Christ.