1 Corinthians 16:6 meaning summary explained with word-by-word analysis enriched with context, commentary and Cross References from KJV, NIV, ESV and NLT.
1 Corinthians 16:6 kjv
And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.
1 Corinthians 16:6 nkjv
And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go.
1 Corinthians 16:6 niv
Perhaps I will stay with you for a while, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go.
1 Corinthians 16:6 esv
and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go.
1 Corinthians 16:6 nlt
Perhaps I will stay awhile with you, possibly all winter, and then you can send me on my way to my next destination.
1 Corinthians 16 6 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Cor 16:5 | "I will visit you after I go through Macedonia..." | Paul's travel plans. |
| 1 Cor 16:7 | "For I do not want to see you now just in passing..." | Preference for extended visit. |
| Acts 20:3 | "...he spent three months in Greece..." | Paul's prolonged stay in a region. |
| Titus 3:12 | "...Do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there." | Paul's practice of wintering. |
| Rom 15:24 | "...I hope to visit you...and have you send me on my way to Spain." | Expectation of material support for mission. |
| 3 Jn 1:6-8 | "...You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God." | Christian duty to support travelling missionaries. |
| Phil 4:15-16 | "...in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only..." | Partnership in ministry through giving. |
| Gal 6:6 | "Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor." | Support for those who teach. |
| 1 Tim 5:17-18 | "The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching." | Supporting gospel workers. |
| 1 Thess 2:9 | "Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you." | Paul's self-sufficiency, yet principle of support. |
| Matt 10:10 | "...for the worker is worthy of his food." | Principle of supporting ministers. |
| Lk 10:7 | "Stay in that house...for the worker deserves his wages." | Hospitality and sustenance for workers. |
| Rom 12:13 | "Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality." | General call to hospitality. |
| Heb 13:2 | "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers..." | Encouragement for hospitality. |
| 1 Pet 4:9 | "Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling." | Christian attitude towards hospitality. |
| Acts 16:15 | "...she urged us, "If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house." | Example of early church hospitality. |
| Acts 27:9-12 | Description of dangerous sea travel after the Fast (late autumn). | Implies practical necessity of wintering. |
| 2 Cor 1:15-17 | Paul's defense of his flexible travel plans to Corinth. | Flexibility in apostolic travel. |
| Rom 1:10-13 | Paul's desire to visit Rome for mutual encouragement. | Apostle's desire for fellowship and fruit. |
| 2 Cor 12:13-14 | Paul mentions not being a financial burden, but for mutual love. | Reciprocity in apostolic-church relationship. |
1 Corinthians 16 verses
1 Corinthians 16 6 meaning
In 1 Corinthians 16:6, Paul outlines his travel intentions to the Corinthian church. He plans to spend a significant period with them, potentially including an entire winter season, to provide sustained teaching and deepen their fellowship. His purpose in extending his stay is to ensure that they can then provide practical and financial assistance, "helping him on his journey" to his next missionary destination. This verse underscores the reciprocal relationship between an apostle and the churches he nurtures, where pastoral care is followed by practical partnership in the Gospel's advance.
1 Corinthians 16 6 Context
1 Corinthians chapter 16 concludes Paul's extensive letter addressing various issues within the Corinthian church. Following detailed instructions on spiritual gifts, orderly worship, and the resurrection, Paul transitions to practical matters. Verses 1-4 detail the collection for the saints in Jerusalem, instructing the Corinthians on how to prepare for his arrival to receive these offerings. Immediately after this, in verses 5-9, Paul outlines his travel plans, explaining that he will first go through Macedonia before visiting them. He expresses his desire not just for a fleeting visit, but for a potentially extended stay, which forms the direct context for verse 6. This careful communication of travel plans and the reason for his extended visit also implicitly addresses any prior misunderstandings about his past changes in itinerary, which had caused some criticism (cf. 2 Cor 1:15-17). Historically, ancient travel, particularly by sea, was extremely hazardous during winter, making an extended stay or "wintering" a practical and often necessary measure for safety and efficient use of time. Such a period also allowed for deeper instruction and fellowship, critical for the still-developing Corinthian church that was facing many challenges.
1 Corinthians 16 6 Word analysis
- and: (Greek: kai) Connects the previous thought of his coming visit (v.5) to the nature and duration of that visit, emphasizing continuity.
- with you: (Greek: pros hymas) Highlights a personal, direct interaction with the Corinthian believers, fostering a deep pastoral relationship. It is not just to their city, but with them as a community.
- I may stay: (Greek: menō - μένω) More than a brief stop, this implies an intention to abide, to dwell, or to remain for an extended period. It suggests a significant, sustained presence rather than a passing visit, indicating a commitment to intensive teaching and discipleship.
- for a time: (Greek: pros kairon - πρὸς καιρὸν) Literally, "towards a season" or "for a fit time." This denotes a specific, though not precisely defined, period that is substantial enough to have a significant impact. It implies a strategic and opportune duration, flexible according to need and providence.
- or even: (Greek: ē kai) Introduces an intensification or a longer, alternative possibility to "for a time," showing his willingness to commit more profoundly.
- spend the winter: (Greek: paracheimasō - παραχειμάσω) A specific, prolonged form of "staying." This refers to dwelling through the winter season, which was often unavoidable due to the dangers and practical impossibility of sea travel in the Mediterranean during those months. This implies a significant investment of time, suggesting a period for profound instruction, fellowship, and strategic planning.
- so that: (Greek: hina) Introduces the purpose clause, clarifying Paul's ultimate objective for this extended stay.
- you may help me on my journey: (Greek: propempsēte - προπέμψητε) This term goes beyond merely wishing someone farewell. It encompasses the act of escorting someone for part of their journey, but most significantly, it includes providing for their travel expenses and practical needs for the next leg of their mission. It signifies partnership and material support for evangelistic work, reflecting the church's shared responsibility in the spread of the Gospel.
- wherever I go: (Greek: hopou an poreuōmai) Underscores Paul's unwavering commitment to his apostolic calling of itinerant missionary work, highlighting that the support he seeks from Corinth would facilitate his broader ministry reach beyond their city.
Word Group Analysis:
- "with you I may stay for a time, or even spend the winter": This phrase reveals Paul's pastoral heart and strategic ministry planning. He desired deep, sustained engagement with the Corinthians, moving beyond short visits to truly embed himself within their community. This duration would allow for comprehensive teaching, resolving disputes, and fostering spiritual maturity. The mention of "wintering" highlights a practical concession to travel conditions that, paradoxically, offered an opportunity for deeper investment in the local church.
- "so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go": This clearly articulates the reciprocal relationship between an apostle and the churches he serves. Paul offered spiritual nourishment and instruction, and in return, he expected practical partnership in his ongoing mission. This assistance was vital for his continued itineration and expansion of the Gospel to new regions, showcasing the interdependence within the early Christian movement.
1 Corinthians 16 6 Bonus section
The instruction in this verse for the Corinthians to "help me on my journey" is intrinsically linked to Paul's prior detailed instructions about the collection for the saints in Jerusalem (1 Cor 16:1-4). While the collection was for others, the principle of financial contribution to Christian service is consistent. Paul expected the Corinthians to understand the need to resource ministry. Moreover, this verse subtly reinforces Paul's authority and legitimate claim for support as an apostle, a claim that some in Corinth questioned. His willingness to spend extended time among them also counters the criticism that he might have been indecisive or manipulative about his travel plans (cf. 2 Cor 1). Paul's flexibility, while rooted in practicality and divine guidance, often required the active partnership and hospitality of the churches he visited, showcasing the organic, community-driven nature of early Christian mission.
1 Corinthians 16 6 Commentary
1 Corinthians 16:6 reveals Paul's strategic, yet deeply pastoral, approach to ministry. His intention to potentially "spend the winter" in Corinth, rather than just a fleeting visit, was born out of both practical necessity—given the dangers of ancient sea travel during winter—and a profound desire for sustained engagement with the developing church. This prolonged stay would allow for in-depth teaching, addressing unresolved issues, and solidifying their faith, a testament to Paul's commitment to disciple-making over mere evangelization. Crucially, the verse outlines a model of church partnership in mission. After pouring into their spiritual lives, Paul anticipated that the Corinthians would "help him on his journey." This wasn't merely a polite farewell; the Greek term propempsēte denotes providing for his travel expenses and needs, facilitating his movement to new regions. It highlights the reciprocal flow of spiritual gifts and material support that undergirds missionary endeavors, where the local church becomes a vital launchpad for broader gospel expansion. The verse therefore encapsulates Paul's blend of practical itineration, deep pastoral care, and strategic partnership in the spread of the Good News, an enduring pattern for ministry.