King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 16:4 Mean?

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 · King James Version

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

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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?
KS
Written by KJV Study Commentary • Biblical Commentary

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
ἐὰν
1 of 10

“if”

G1437
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
δὲ
2 of 10

“And”

G1161
but, and, etc
ᾖ
3 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
ἄξιον
4 of 10

“meet”

G514
deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)
τοῦ
5 of 10
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κἀμὲ
6 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.
πορεύσονται
7 of 10

“that I go”

G4198
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
σὺν
8 of 10

“with”

G4862
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
ἐμοὶ
9 of 10

“me”

G1698
to me
πορεύσονται
10 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

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