1 Corinthians 16 7

1 Corinthians 16:7 kjv

For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.

1 Corinthians 16:7 nkjv

For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.

1 Corinthians 16:7 niv

For I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.

1 Corinthians 16:7 esv

For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.

1 Corinthians 16:7 nlt

This time I don't want to make just a short visit and then go right on. I want to come and stay awhile, if the Lord will let me.

1 Corinthians 16 verses

1 Corinthians 16 7 Meaning

This verse expresses Paul's intention to tarry or remain with the Corinthian believers for some time. He prioritizes staying with them if the circumstances permit, indicating his deep care and pastoral concern for the church. The phrase "until Pentecost" provides a potential timeframe, but this is also dependent on God's will and enabling.

1 Corinthians 16 7 Context

First Corinthians chapter 16 details practical instructions from Paul to the Corinthian church. It includes directives on the collection for the saints in Jerusalem, his travel plans, and greetings. Verse 7 fits into the section about Paul's anticipated visit to Corinth. After discussing his imminent departure from Ephesus and his planned travel to Macedonia, Paul expresses his hope to eventually come to Corinth. The mention of Pentecost suggests a significant event or time marker relevant to either Paul's departure from Ephesus or his planned arrival in Corinth, possibly signifying a period for him to oversee the resolution of issues before moving on. This is set against a backdrop of ongoing challenges and divisions within the Corinthian church, which Paul actively seeks to address through his ministry.

1 Corinthians 16 7 Word Analysis

• Εὰν δὲ μὴ ἀφῶ με: (Ean de me apho me) - "But if he does not let me go."
  • Εὰν (ean): A conditional particle, meaning "if." It introduces a hypothetical situation.
  • δὲ (de): A conjunction, meaning "but," "and," "now." It provides a contrast or transition. Here, it marks a shift from the previous statement about his route.
  • μὴ (me): A negative particle, meaning "not."
  • ἀφῶ (apho): From the verb ἄφημι (aphemi), meaning "to let go," "to permit," "to allow," "to leave behind." This word can imply permission, release, or staying. In this context, it suggests the willingness of those who would prevent him to permit his departure. The subject of this verb is understood to be God, or perhaps circumstances orchestrated by God.
  • με (me): The first-person singular pronoun in the accusative case, meaning "me."
• Εἰς τὴν Μακεδονίαν: (Eis ten Makedonian) - "to Macedonia."
  • Εἰς (eis): A preposition, meaning "into," "to," "towards." It indicates direction and destination.
  • τὴν (ten): The definite article "the," feminine accusative singular.
  • Μακεδονίαν (Makedonian): Macedonia, a Roman province north of Greece.
• διατρίψω (diatripso): From the verb διατρίβω (diatribo), meaning "to tarry," "to spend time," "to remain," "to pass time." It suggests a period of staying or residing in a place.
• καὶ (kai): A conjunction, meaning "and." It connects clauses or words.
• ὑμῖν (hymin): The second-person plural pronoun in the dative case, meaning "with you" or "to you." In this context, it means "with you" or "among you."
• ἔσται (estai): From the verb εἰμί (eimi), meaning "to be." It is the third-person singular future indicative of "to be." "Will be" or "shall be."
• ἐὰν δὲ (ean de): "But if." Repeats the conditional structure.
• καὶ (kai): "and."
• παρα χειμάσω (paracheimaso): From the verb παραχειμάζω (paracheimazo), meaning "to pass the winter." This indicates a substantial period of time, implying a lengthy stay to withstand the winter months.
• ἐκεῖ (ekei): "there." Refers back to Corinth.
• ἵνα (hina): A conjunction introducing a purpose clause, meaning "in order that," "so that," "that."
• τῇ ὑμῶν προπεμψαι (te Hyme pros humas): "that you may send me on my way."
  • τῇ (te): Preposition "to," "by," "with."
  • ὑμῶν (Hyme): "you" (plural).
  • προπεμψαι (propempsi): Infinitive of προπέμπω (propempo), meaning "to send forward," "to escort," "to send on one's way." This implies providing for his journey.
• eis (eis) ἣν ἂν ἔρχωμαι (hen an erchomai): "wherever I am going."
  • ἣν (hen): Relative pronoun, accusative feminine singular, "whichever" or "wherever."
  • ἂν (an): A particle used with the subjunctive mood to indicate indefinite contingency.
  • ἔρχωμαι (erchomai): From the verb ἔρχομαι (erchomai), meaning "to come," "to go." The first-person singular present subjunctive, indicating "I may go" or "I might go."
• πεμπτοις (pentecostis): "Pentecost." Referring to the Jewish festival of Pentecost. This implies a potential time frame for his stay or departure.

Word-Group Analysis:

The structure "But if he does not let me go" highlights Paul's humble reliance on divine providence for his travel plans. The phrase "to Macedonia... that you may send me on my way" outlines a possible itinerary where Macedonia is visited, and from there, the Corinthians assist him further on his journey. The statement about wintering with them ("pass the winter there") indicates a long-term commitment if circumstances allowed, driven by the purpose ("so that") of their support in his ongoing travels. The phrase "wherever I am going" underscores the forward-looking nature of his ministry and the church's role in enabling it. The mention of Pentecost adds a specific temporal marker, demonstrating the consideration of seasonal timing in travel.

1 Corinthians 16 7 Bonus Section

The decision to "pass the winter" (παραχειμάσω - paracheimaso) signifies a deliberate choice for a substantial period of stay. This was common practice for apostles who needed time to teach, mentor, and resolve issues within churches. Winter often made travel difficult, so remaining in one place for several months was a strategic decision to maximize impact and minimize logistical challenges. The reference to Pentecost, a feast commemorating the giving of the Law and the coming of the Holy Spirit, could indicate Paul's intent to remain until this significant event or that his plans were timed around it. The Corinthians' role in helping Paul on his way ("send me on my way") was not merely a request for logistical help but also a form of participation in the wider mission of God, a concept often emphasized by Paul, as seen in Philippians 4:16-18.

1 Corinthians 16 7 Commentary

Paul’s commitment to the Corinthians is evident in his desire to spend time with them. He acknowledges that his plans are subject to God's permission, as seen in his statement, "But if he does not let me go." This reflects a mature spiritual understanding that human agendas must align with divine will. Paul outlines a flexible itinerary: first, he plans to go through Macedonia, and if allowed, he intends to spend the winter in Corinth. The purpose of this extended stay is practical: "so that you may help me on my journey wherever I am going." This highlights the interdependent relationship between apostles and churches, where financial and practical support enables the spread of the gospel. The mention of Pentecost as a temporal reference point indicates that Paul was mindful of church calendars and festivals, using them as markers for his ministry and travels. His ultimate goal is not merely to visit but to build up the church and be supported by them as he continues God’s work.