King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 1:16 Mean?

2 Corinthians 1:16 in the King James Version says “And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way towar...” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea.”

2 Corinthians 1:16 · KJV

Context

14

As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.

15

And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit; benefit: or, grace

16

And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea.

17

When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?

18

But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay. word: or, preaching

Read 2 Corinthians 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you—Paul details original itinerary: two visits to Corinth bracketing Macedonia. Dielthein (διελθεῖν, "to pass through") and di' hymōn (δι᾽ ὑμῶν, "through you") suggest Corinth as waypoint.

And of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea—propemphthēnai (προπεμφθῆναι, "to be sent forward/escorted") is technical term for missionary support (provisions, guides, finances; cf. Rom 15:24, 1 Cor 16:6). Paul expected Corinthian support for his Jerusalem collection trip.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written around AD 55-56 from Macedonia after Paul's 'painful visit' to Corinth (2:1). The Corinthian church faced challenges to Paul's apostolic authority from 'super-apostles' (11:5) who valued eloquence over cruciform ministry. Paul writes to defend his ministry, explain his changed travel plans, and restore relationship with this fractious congregation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do my plans and schedule serve kingdom purposes versus personal convenience?
  2. Am I willing to 'be sent forward' by others' support, acknowledging dependence on the body?
  3. What missionaries can my household/church 'send forward' with tangible support this quarter?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
καὶ1 of 20

“And”

G2532

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

δι'2 of 20

“by”

G1223

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

ὑμῶν3 of 20

“you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

διελθεῖν4 of 20

“to pass”

G1330

to traverse (literally)

εἰς5 of 20

“into”

G1519

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

Μακεδονίας6 of 20

“Macedonia”

G3109

macedonia, a region of greece

καὶ7 of 20

“And”

G2532

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

πάλιν8 of 20

“again”

G3825

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

ἀπὸ9 of 20

“out of”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

Μακεδονίας10 of 20

“Macedonia”

G3109

macedonia, a region of greece

ἐλθεῖν11 of 20

“to come”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

πρὸς12 of 20

“unto”

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,

ὑμᾶς13 of 20

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

καὶ14 of 20

“And”

G2532

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

ὑφ'15 of 20

“of”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

ὑμῶν16 of 20

“you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

προπεμφθῆναι17 of 20

“to be brought on my way”

G4311

to send forward, i.e., escort or aid in travel

εἰς18 of 20

“into”

G1519

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

τὴν19 of 20
G3588

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

Ἰουδαίαν20 of 20

“Judaea”

G2449

the judaean land (i.e., judaea), a region of palestine

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Corinthians 1:16 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 2 Corinthians 1:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 16:5-7Acts 19:21-22Acts 21:5

Places in This Verse

Judea 1Region · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E52 verses across 9 books
MacedoniaRegion · Modern: Macedonia · 41.60°N, 22.54°E24 verses across 7 books
View all places in 2 Corinthians 1 →

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