King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 16:3 Mean?

1 Corinthians 16:3 in the King James Version says “And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. ...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. liberality: Gr. gift”

1 Corinthians 16:3 · KJV

Context

1

Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.

2

Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

3

And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. liberality: Gr. gift

4

And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.

5

Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.

Read 1 Corinthians 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send—Paul insists on financial accountability, delegating authority to the Corinthian congregation to select trustworthy envoys. Dokimazō (δοκιμάζω, "approve") implies careful testing and verification of character. The phrase di' epistolōn ("by letters") suggests written credentials or letters of recommendation, a common practice in the ancient church (2 Corinthians 3:1).

To bring your liberality unto Jerusalem—Charis (χάρις), typically translated "grace," here means "generous gift" or "liberality." Grace received from God produces grace given to others. This theological linkage pervades 2 Corinthians 8-9, where Paul calls the collection charis repeatedly. Christian generosity is grace flowing through redeemed hearts, not mere philanthropy.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient letters of recommendation authenticated travelers in a world without modern identification systems. Paul himself wrote such letters (Romans 16:1-2, Philemon 1:8-17). The requirement that Corinthians choose their own representatives demonstrates primitive church democracy and financial transparency, protecting both the gift and Paul's reputation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What safeguards does Paul build into the collection process, and what do they teach about handling church finances?
  2. How does understanding giving as "grace" (charis) rather than duty transform the motivation for generosity?
  3. Why is it important that churches select their own representatives for financial matters rather than deferring entirely to apostolic authority?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
ὅταν1 of 16

“when”

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

δὲ2 of 16

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

παραγένωμαι3 of 16

“I come”

G3854

to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly

οὓς4 of 16
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐὰν5 of 16

“whomsoever”

G1437

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

δοκιμάσητε6 of 16

“ye shall approve”

G1381

to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve

δι'7 of 16

“by”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ἐπιστολῶν8 of 16

“your letters”

G1992

a written message

τούτους9 of 16

“them”

G5128

these (persons, as objective of verb or preposition)

πέμψω10 of 16

“will I send”

G3992

to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term

ἀπενεγκεῖν11 of 16

“to bring”

G667

to bear off (literally or relatively)

τὴν12 of 16
G3588

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

χάριν13 of 16

“liberality”

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

ὑμῶν14 of 16

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

εἰς15 of 16

“unto”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Ἰερουσαλήμ·16 of 16

“Jerusalem”

G2419

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine

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 16:3 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 16:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 4:19-212 Corinthians 8:6Acts 6:1-62 Corinthians 8:41 Corinthians 11:342 Corinthians 8:18-24

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 1 Corinthians 16 →

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