Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 11:16

What does 1 Corinthians 11:16 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 11:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 11:16 means

Anticipating quarrels, Paul says that if anyone wants to be contentious, neither he nor the churches of God have such a custom—namely, the custom of disputing or rejecting the practice he has described. He appeals to the unity of church practice to halt endless debate. The point is not to crush questions but to refuse fractiousness over a matter that reflects apostolic order across the churches. Corinth is reminded it is not an island; it should not set itself against the common teaching and practice that aim at reverent, orderly worship consistent with creation and the gospel’s decorum.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But if any man seemeth to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But if any man seemeth to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But if any man will not be ruled in this question, this is not our way of doing things, and it is not done in the churches of God.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and if any one doth think to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the assemblies of God.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor the Church of God.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But if any one think to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor the assemblies ofGod.

Context

This final word ends the section on head coverings and roles in worship (verses 3–16). Having argued from theology, creation, nature, and propriety, Paul closes the door on contentious spirits by pointing to the wider churches’ pattern. The chapter now pivots sharply (verses 17–34) to another worship disorder—their shameful conduct at the Lord’s Supper. Paul will move from commendation (verse 2) to strong rebuke (verse 17), exposing divisions and selfishness that turn their gathering into harm rather than blessing.

v.15But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.

v.16This passage

v.17But in giving you this charge, I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better but for the worse.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:33

    for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:14

    For ye, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judæa in Christ Jesus: for ye also suffered the same things of your own countrymen, even as they did of the Jews;

  • 1 Timothy 6:3

    If any man teacheth a different doctrine, and consenteth not to sound words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

  • Acts 21:21

    and they have been informed concerning thee, that thou teachest all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.

  • Acts 21:24

    these take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges for them, that they may shave their heads: and all shall know that there is no truth in the things whereof they have been informed concerning thee; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, keeping the law.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:17

    Only, as the Lord hath distributed to each man, as God hath called each, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all the churches.

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