King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 11:16 Mean?

1 Corinthians 11:16 in the King James Version says “But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 11:16 · KJV

Context

14

Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?

15

But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. covering: or, veil

16

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

17

Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.

18

For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. divisions: or, schisms

Read 1 Corinthians 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God—Paul concludes the head-covering section with apostolic authority. Εἰ δέ τις δοκεῖ φιλόνεικος εἶναι (if anyone seems contentious/quarrelsome)—Paul anticipates objections. Philoneikos means love of strife, combative disputation. Some Corinthians were philosophically argumentative, enjoying debate more than obedience.

We have no such custom (ἡμεῖς τοιαύτην συνήθειαν οὐκ ἔχομεν)—what custom? Either (1) no custom of contentiousness—we don't argue endlessly about apostolic teaching; or (2) no custom of women praying unveiled—universal church practice supports Paul's instruction. Context favors interpretation 1: we (apostles) don't tolerate endless quarreling. Neither the churches of God—the catholic (universal) church agrees. This isn't Paul's idiosyncratic opinion but apostolic tradition received by all churches. Appeal to universal practice ends debate—submission to apostolic authority, not individual preference, governs Christian worship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Corinthian culture prized rhetorical skill, philosophical debate, and sophistic argumentation (1:20, 2:1-5). Corinthian Christians carried this combative intellectualism into the church, quarreling over Paul's teachings rather than submitting to them. Paul's appeal to universal church custom (similar to 4:17, 7:17, 14:33) invokes catholic authority against local innovation. The early church had remarkable unity in worship practices despite geographic and cultural diversity—evidence of apostolic authority and Spirit-led consensus.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's appeal to universal church practice challenge modern individualism in worship preferences?
  2. When is theological debate profitable, and when does it become contentious quarreling that dishonors God?
  3. What role should 'the churches of God' (catholic tradition) play in local church decision-making today?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
Εἰ1 of 16
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δέ2 of 16

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

τις3 of 16
G5100

some or any person or object

δοκεῖ4 of 16

“seem”

G1380

compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)

φιλόνεικος5 of 16

“contentious”

G5380

fond of strife, i.e., disputatious

εἶναι6 of 16

“to be”

G1511

to exist

ἡμεῖς7 of 16

“we”

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

τοιαύτην8 of 16

“such”

G5108

truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)

συνήθειαν9 of 16

“custom”

G4914

mutual habituation, i.e., usage

οὐκ10 of 16

“no”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔχομεν11 of 16

“have”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

οὐδὲ12 of 16

“neither”

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

αἱ13 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐκκλησίαι14 of 16

“the churches”

G1577

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

τοῦ15 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ16 of 16

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 11:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 11:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 7:171 Timothy 6:3-41 Thessalonians 2:14Acts 21:24Acts 21:211 Corinthians 14:33-34

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1 Corinthians 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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