King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 16:14 Mean?

1 Corinthians 16:14 in the King James Version says “Let all your things be done with charity.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Let all your things be done with charity.”

1 Corinthians 16:14 · KJV

Context

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.

14

Let all your things be done with charity.

15

I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)

16

That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.

Read 1 Corinthians 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let all your things be done with charity—Panta hymōn en agapē ginesthō (πάντα ὑμῶν ἐν ἀγάπῃ γινέσθω, "let all your things be done in love"). After 13 chapters addressing Corinthian failures and four imperatives demanding strength (v. 13), Paul grounds everything in agapē (ἀγάπη)—the self-giving, others-centered love defined in chapter 13. Without agape, prophecy, tongues, knowledge, and faith amount to nothing (13:1-3).

This single verse encapsulates the entire letter's message. Every Corinthian problem—divisions, litigation, sexual immorality, idol feasts, worship chaos, resurrection denial—stemmed from failure to love. Agapē fulfills the law (Romans 13:10), produces Spirit fruit (Galatians 5:22), and marks authentic Christianity (John 13:35). Paul's love chapter (13) sits at the letter's center; this command forms its application.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Corinth, notorious for sexual immorality, economic stratification, and competitive honor culture, epitomized the opposite of agape. Corinthian Christians imported worldly values into the church—favoring elites, despising the poor at the Lord's Supper, pursuing status through spiritual gifts. Paul's radical counter-cultural ethic insisted that love, not status or power or knowledge, defines Christian community.

Reflection Questions

  1. How would your church change if every activity, decision, and interaction were filtered through 1 Corinthians 13's definition of love?
  2. Why does Paul conclude commands for vigilance and strength (v. 13) with a command to do everything in love?
  3. What specific Corinthian problems would be solved if they simply loved one another?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 5 words
πάντα1 of 5

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὑμῶν2 of 5

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἐν3 of 5

“with”

G1722

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

ἀγάπῃ4 of 5

“charity”

G26

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

γινέσθω5 of 5

“Let”

G1096

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

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 16:14 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 16:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 13:34-351 Peter 4:81 Timothy 1:51 John 4:7-81 Corinthians 12:31-14:1John 15:17

Test Your Knowledge

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

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