King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 16:4 Mean?

1 Corinthians 16:4 in the King James Version says “And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 16:4 · KJV

Context

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.

6

And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.

Read 1 Corinthians 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And if it be meet that I go also—Axios (ἄξιος, "meet") means "worthy" or "fitting." Paul remained uncertain whether his personal presence in Jerusalem would be appropriate or beneficial. His humility contrasts with modern ministry celebrity culture; Paul subordinated personal involvement to what best served the mission. He ultimately did travel to Jerusalem with the delegation (Acts 20:4, 21:15-17), where he was arrested, fulfilling his premonition that "bonds and afflictions" awaited him (Acts 20:23).

They shall go with me—The plural pronoun emphasizes corporate witness. Multiple representatives from various Gentile churches traveled together (Acts 20:4 lists Sopater, Aristarchus, Secundus, Gaius, Timothy, Tychicus, and Trophimus), embodying the unity of the multiethnic church and ensuring transparency.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's journey to Jerusalem with the collection (AD 57) resulted in his arrest and eventual martyrdom in Rome. The dramatic narrative in Acts 21-28 shows how God used even Paul's imprisonment to advance the gospel to Rome and Caesar's household. The collection, representing years of effort and sacrifice, became instrumental in God's providence.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Paul's conditional language ("if it be meet") teach about holding ministry plans with an open hand?
  2. How does the multi-church delegation model transparency and unity in ministry?
  3. Considering Paul's arrest in Jerusalem, how do you reconcile faithful obedience with disastrous outcomes?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
ἐὰν1 of 10

“if”

G1437

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

δὲ2 of 10

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ᾖ3 of 10

“it be”

G5600

(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be

ἄξιον4 of 10

“meet”

G514

deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)

τοῦ5 of 10
G3588

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

κἀμὲ6 of 10

“also”

G2504

so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.

πορεύσονται7 of 10

“that I go”

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

σὺν8 of 10

“with”

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

ἐμοὶ9 of 10

“me”

G1698

to me

πορεύσονται10 of 10

“that I go”

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, 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 16:4 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 16:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 8:192 Corinthians 8:4Romans 15:25

Test Your Knowledge

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