King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 16:17 Mean?

1 Corinthians 16:17 in the King James Version says “I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supp... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.

1 Corinthians 16:17 · KJV


Context

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.

17

I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.

18

For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.

19

The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and AchaicusChairō epi tē parousia (χαίρω ἐπὶ τῇ παρουσίᾳ, "I rejoice at the coming"). Parousia (παρουσία), often used for Christ's second coming, here simply means "arrival, presence." These three men traveled from Corinth to Ephesus, likely bearing the Corinthians' letter (7:1) and oral reports.

For that which was lacking on your part they have suppliedTo hymōn hysterēma houtoi aneplērōsan (τὸ ὑμῶν ὑστέρημα οὗτοι ἀνεπλήρωσαν, "your lack these men have filled up"). Hysterēma (ὑστέρημα, "deficiency, lack") refers either to information about Corinthian problems or to personal fellowship Paul missed. Philippians 2:30 uses similar language for Epaphroditus supplying what the Philippians couldn't give in person. These delegates embodied the congregation, making Paul's separation from Corinth more bearable.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient letters were typically hand-delivered by trusted messengers who also answered questions and provided oral elaboration. Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus fulfilled this role, serving as living extensions of the Corinthian church. Their willingness to make the dangerous journey from Corinth to Ephesus (approximately 250 miles, requiring sea travel) demonstrated devotion to Paul and concern for their church's welfare.

Reflection Questions

  1. How did Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus 'supply' what was lacking—information, fellowship, encouragement?
  2. What does their willingness to travel to Paul teach about the importance of personal presence versus written communication?
  3. How do modern churches maintain personal connection with distant ministry partners and missionaries?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
χαίρω1 of 16

I am glad

G5463

to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well

δὲ2 of 16
G1161

but, and, etc

ἐπὶ3 of 16

of

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῇ4 of 16
G3588

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

παρουσίᾳ5 of 16

the coming

G3952

a being near, i.e., advent (often, return; specially, of christ to punish jerusalem, or finally the wicked); (by implication) physically, aspect

Στεφανᾶ6 of 16

of Stephanas

G4734

stephanas, a christian

καὶ7 of 16

and

G2532

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

Φουρτουνάτου8 of 16

Fortunatus

G5415

"fortunate"; fortunatus, a christian

καὶ9 of 16

and

G2532

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

Ἀχαϊκοῦ10 of 16

Achaicus

G883

an achaian; achaicus, a christian

ὅτι11 of 16

for that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

τὸ12 of 16
G3588

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

ὑμῶν13 of 16

on your part

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ὑστέρημα14 of 16

which was lacking

G5303

a deficit; specially, poverty

οὗτοι15 of 16

they

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἀνεπλήρωσαν·16 of 16

have supplied

G378

to complete; by implication, to occupy, supply; figuratively, to accomplish (by coincidence ot obedience)


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 16:17 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 16:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study