King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 16:10 Mean?

1 Corinthians 16:10 in the King James Version says “Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do. — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.

1 Corinthians 16:10 · KJV


Context

8

But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.

9

For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

10

Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.

11

Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.

12

As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear—Timothy, Paul's beloved protégé and "true son in the faith" (1 Timothy 1:2), apparently traveled to Corinth via a circuitous route through Macedonia (Acts 19:22). Aphobōs (ἀφόβως, "without fear") suggests Timothy faced intimidation—perhaps due to his youth (1 Timothy 4:12), timid temperament (2 Timothy 1:7), or the Corinthians' disrespect for Paul's authority.

For he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do—Paul defends Timothy's apostolic credentials, insisting he performs ergon kyriou (ἔργον κυρίου, "the Lord's work") with the same authority as Paul himself. This strong endorsement aimed to prevent the faction-ridden Corinthians from despising Timothy as a mere subordinate. Legitimate Christian ministry derives authority from divine calling, not human charisma or credentials.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Timothy, a native of Lystra (Acts 16:1), joined Paul's team around AD 49 and became his most trusted coworker. His mother was Jewish, his father Greek, making him an ideal bridge between Jewish and Gentile Christianity. Paul's letters to Timothy (1 and 2 Timothy) reveal a young pastor struggling with timidity and health issues, yet entrusted with crucial apostolic responsibilities.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Paul need to defend Timothy's authority to the Corinthian church?
  2. How should churches receive young or timid ministers who lack impressive natural qualifications?
  3. What does Paul's phrase 'he works the Lord's work, as I also do' teach about equality of calling despite differences in gifting?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
Ἐὰν1 of 18

if

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

δὲ2 of 18

Now

G1161

but, and, etc

ἔλθῃ3 of 18

come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

Τιμόθεος4 of 18

Timotheus

G5095

dear to god; timotheus, a christian

βλέπετε5 of 18

see

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

ἵνα6 of 18

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἀφόβως7 of 18

without fear

G870

fearlessly

γένηται8 of 18

he may be

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

πρὸς9 of 18

with

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

ὑμᾶς·10 of 18

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

τὸ11 of 18
G3588

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

γὰρ12 of 18

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἔργον13 of 18

the work

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

κυρίου14 of 18

of the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἐργάζεται15 of 18

he worketh

G2038

to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc

ὡς16 of 18

as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

καὶ17 of 18

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐγώ18 of 18

I

G1473

i, me


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 16:10 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 16:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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