1 Corinthians 4 19

1 Corinthians 4:19 kjv

But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.

1 Corinthians 4:19 nkjv

But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power.

1 Corinthians 4:19 niv

But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have.

1 Corinthians 4:19 esv

But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power.

1 Corinthians 4:19 nlt

But I will come ? and soon ? if the Lord lets me, and then I'll find out whether these arrogant people just give pretentious speeches or whether they really have God's power.

1 Corinthians 4 verses

1 Corinthians 4 19 meaning

This verse declares Paul's firm intention to visit the Corinthian church swiftly, provided it is God's will. His primary objective for this visit is not to engage with the mere verbal boasts or intellectual claims of those who are arrogant and prideful, but rather to discern and evaluate the actual spiritual power—the manifest working of God—that stands behind their words and ministries. He emphasizes a practical test of authenticity over rhetorical display.

1 Corinthians 4 19 Context

1 Corinthians chapter 4 finds Paul addressing the self-exalting attitudes prevalent among some within the Corinthian church. He uses himself and Apollos as examples of humble servants, or "stewards of God's mysteries," contrasting their true role with the inflated sense of importance some Corinthians placed on human wisdom, rhetorical skill, and leadership. He highlights their own suffering and perceived lowly status (1 Cor 4:9-13) in stark contrast to the Corinthians' prideful and self-sufficient perception of their own spiritual wealth (1 Cor 4:8). The verse is a direct follow-up to Paul's warning in 1 Cor 4:18, where he observes that some were "puffed up," falsely believing he would not return. Paul asserts his intention to visit, not as a gentle mentor but as an apostolic judge who will test the true spiritual state, especially those challenging his authority, not by their eloquent words but by the genuine manifestation of God's power.

1 Corinthians 4 19 Word analysis

• But: (Greek: de - δέ) Marks a transition, indicating a determined shift from a previous point (the Corinthians' arrogance) to a resolute declaration of Paul's impending action.
• I will come: (Greek: eleusomai - ἐλεύσομαι) A definite future tense verb. Paul asserts a clear, intentional, and personal arrival, not merely a wish or possibility, emphasizing his direct confrontation.
• to you: (Greek: pros hymas - πρὸς ὑμᾶς) Highlights the personal and direct nature of the visit; Paul intends to address the Corinthians' issues face-to-face.
• shortly: (Greek: tachy - ταχύ) Means "quickly," "soon," or "shortly." It conveys a sense of urgency and proximity, indicating that his assessment is imminent and not a distant threat.
• if the Lord will: (Greek: ean ho Kyrios thelesei - ἐὰν ὁ Κύριος θελήσῃ) A common phrase in ancient Greek (and in Paul's writings), acknowledging divine sovereignty over all human plans (cf. Jas 4:15). It shows Paul's humility and submission to God's ultimate control, contrasting sharply with the self-sufficient pride of some Corinthians.
• and will know: (Greek: kai gnōsomai - καὶ γνώσομαι) Means "and I shall know," "I shall ascertain," or "I shall discover." It implies a careful, investigative, and discerning process to uncover the true spiritual reality behind outward claims.
• not the word: (Greek: ouch ton logon - οὐχ τὸν λόγον) "Not the discourse," "not the speech," "not the mere verbal expression." This is a polemic, directly challenging the Hellenistic admiration for rhetorical skill and philosophical eloquence. It dismisses humanly impressive or persuasive speech that lacks divine substance.
• of them that are puffed up: (Greek: tōn pephusiomenōn - τῶν πεφυσιωμένων) This phrase, employing a present participle, describes "those who are being inflated/arrogant/puffed up." This recurring term (physioō) denotes intellectual or spiritual pride, an unhealthy self-importance and boasting that plagued the Corinthian church (1 Cor 4:6, 4:18, 5:2, 8:1).
• but the power: (Greek: alla tēn dynamin - ἀλλὰ τὴν δύναμιν) "But the strength," "but the ability," or "but the power." The Greek dynamis (δύναμις) here represents divine, effectual working, often through the Holy Spirit. This contrasts with superficial rhetoric. Paul measures true spirituality by the manifest presence and demonstration of God's power—the Spirit's active presence in teaching, character transformation, and genuine ministry—rather than by mere human eloquence or status.

• "But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will": This phrase encapsulates Paul's determined will to visit the Corinthians, underscored by his deep submission to God's overarching plan, serving as a subtle rebuke to the Corinthians' presumptuousness about Paul's movements.
• "and will know, not the word... but the power": This critical grouping reveals Paul's criterion for evaluating spiritual reality. He directly contrasts logos (empty, boastful talk of the arrogant) with dynamis (the authentic, divine enablement of God). It's a statement about apostolic discernment and the true mark of spiritual authority.

1 Corinthians 4 19 Bonus section

Paul's insistence on "power" over "word" is a consistent theme throughout his letters, especially to the Corinthians (e.g., 1 Cor 1:17-2:5). He repeatedly contrasts the wisdom of men, which is attractive to many, with the foolishness of the cross, which is nonetheless the power of God. His apostolic authority, which was challenged in Corinth, was not based on human credentials or rhetorical prowess, but on the tangible manifestation of God working through him (2 Cor 12:12). This verse serves not only as a specific warning to the Corinthians but also as a foundational principle for discerning true spiritual authority and genuine ministry in any age: it is measured by God's enabling presence, not by human performance or superficial displays.

1 Corinthians 4 19 Commentary

In 1 Corinthians 4:19, Paul issues a sharp and significant warning to the divided and proud Corinthian church. He unequivocally states his intention to visit them soon, contingent only on the Lord's will. His visit will serve as a definitive assessment. Paul's primary concern is not to be swayed by the eloquent rhetoric or the boastful declarations of those in Corinth who are "puffed up" with self-importance. Instead, he will scrutinize their lives and ministries for genuine "power" – the manifest, transforming, and enabling work of God's Spirit. This contrasts human wisdom and persuasive speech, which the Corinthians highly valued, with the Spirit-wrought demonstration of truth that truly validates apostleship and spiritual authority. It underlines that authentic spiritual ministry is marked by divine efficacy, not just human articulation or intellectual arrogance. This serves as a vital test for them: whether their spiritual claims are backed by God's tangible power or are merely empty words.

• Example for practical usage: A church leader who says "My program will change this community" (word) compared to one who acts and serves humbly, leading to visible positive transformation in the community through divine grace (power). Paul would test for the latter.