King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 16:7 Mean?

1 Corinthians 16:7 in the King James Version says “For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.”

1 Corinthians 16:7 · KJV

Context

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.

7

For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.

8

But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.

9

For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

Read 1 Corinthians 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For I will not see you now by the way—Arti parerchomenos (ἄρτι παρερχόμενος, "now passing by") indicates Paul refused a brief stopover visit. He wanted substantial time to address Corinth's numerous problems (divisions, immorality, litigation, worship disorders, doctrinal confusion). A hurried visit would accomplish nothing and might even worsen relationships.

But I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit—Chronon tina (χρόνον τινα, "some time") contrasts with a passing visit. The conditional clause if the Lord permit (ean ho kyrios epitrepsē, ἐὰν ὁ κύριος ἐπιτρέψῃ) reflects Paul's constant acknowledgment of divine sovereignty over human plans. James 4:15 commands the same attitude: "If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that."

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This tentative language reflects both Paul's theological convictions about providence and his past experiences of altered plans due to persecution, illness, or divine redirection (Acts 16:6-7). Ancient Stoics valued indifference to outcomes, but Christian providence involves active planning while submitting to God's will.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Paul refuse a brief visit in favor of extended time, and what does this teach about superficial versus substantial ministry?
  2. How do you practice the discipline of saying 'if the Lord permits' without it becoming empty religious jargon?
  3. What's the difference between being flexible to God's will and being indecisive or lacking planning wisdom?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
οὐ1 of 19

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

θέλω2 of 19

“I will”

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

γὰρ3 of 19

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ὑμᾶς4 of 19

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἄρτι5 of 19

“now”

G737

just now

ἐν6 of 19

“by”

G1722

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

παρόδῳ7 of 19

“the way”

G3938

a by-road, i.e., (actively) a route

ἰδεῖν8 of 19

“see”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ἐλπίζω9 of 19

“I trust”

G1679

to expect or confide

δὲ10 of 19

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

χρόνον11 of 19
G5550

a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a

τινὰ12 of 19

“a while”

G5100

some or any person or object

ἐπιμεῖναι13 of 19

“to tarry”

G1961

to stay over, i.e., remain (figuratively, persevere)

πρὸς14 of 19

“with”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

ὑμᾶς15 of 19

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἐὰν16 of 19

“if”

G1437

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

ὁ17 of 19
G3588

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

κύριος18 of 19

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἐπιτρέπῃ19 of 19

“permit”

G2010

to turn over (transfer), i.e., allow

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 16:7 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 16:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 18:21James 4:151 Corinthians 4:192 Corinthians 1:15Proverbs 19:21Romans 1:10

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Corinthians 16 with CommentaryAll 1 Corinthians ChaptersComplete 1 Corinthians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes