King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 16:11 Mean?

1 Corinthians 16:11 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

1 Corinthians 16:11 · KJV

Peace

Context

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.

13

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Read 1 Corinthians 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let no man therefore despise him—Exoutheneō (ἐξουθενέω, "despise, treat with contempt") suggests the Corinthians might reject Timothy due to his youth or unimpressive presence. The same verb appears in Luke 23:11 for Herod's soldiers mocking Jesus. Church factions valuing eloquence, status, and forceful personality (qualities they perceived in Apollos or Peter but found lacking in Paul—2 Corinthians 10:10) might dismiss Timothy as insignificant.

But conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me—Propempō en eirēnē (προπέμπω ἐν εἰρήνῃ, "send forward in peace") means providing travel support and cordial farewell, not hostile dismissal. Timothy's mission was to report back to Paul about Corinthian conditions. For I look for him with the brethren—Paul expected Timothy to return with companions, perhaps the delegation mentioned in verse 17.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The command not to despise Timothy parallels 1 Timothy 4:12, where Paul tells Timothy "Let no man despise thy youth." Apparently Timothy faced chronic credibility challenges, perhaps exacerbated by Paul's own unpopularity in some quarters. Ancient Mediterranean culture highly valued age, rhetorical skill, and forceful personality—attributes Timothy apparently lacked.

Reflection Questions

  1. What makes churches susceptible to despising faithful ministers who lack impressive credentials or charisma?
  2. How does Paul's defense of Timothy challenge celebrity culture in modern ministry?
  3. What does 'conducting someone forth in peace' look like in contemporary church practice?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
μή1 of 20

“no”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

τις2 of 20

“man”

G5100

some or any person or object

οὖν3 of 20

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

αὐτὸν4 of 20

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐξουθενήσῃ5 of 20

“Let”

G1848

to despise

προπέμψατε6 of 20

“conduct”

G4311

to send forward, i.e., escort or aid in travel

δὲ7 of 20

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτὸν8 of 20

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐν9 of 20

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

εἰρήνῃ10 of 20

“peace”

G1515

peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity

ἵνα11 of 20

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἔλθῃ12 of 20

“he may come”

G2064

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

πρός13 of 20

“unto”

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,

με·14 of 20

“me”

G3165

me

ἐκδέχομαι15 of 20

“I look for”

G1551

to accept from some source, i.e., (by implication) to await

γὰρ16 of 20

“for”

G1063

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

αὐτὸν17 of 20

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

μετὰ18 of 20

“with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

τῶν19 of 20
G3588

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

ἀδελφῶν20 of 20

“the brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

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 16:11 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 16:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Timothy 4:12Acts 15:33Titus 2:151 Corinthians 16:101 Corinthians 16:61 Thessalonians 4:8

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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