Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 16:10

What does 1 Corinthians 16:10 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 16:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 16:10 means

Paul anticipates Timothy may arrive in Corinth and urges the church to ensure he is free from fear among them. Timothy does the Lord’s work just as Paul does, so he deserves the same respect and protection. This shows Paul’s pastoral care for a younger coworker and for the church’s posture toward visiting ministers. The directive addresses potential tensions or disdain in Corinth, where personalities had been a problem. Paul wants Timothy received not as a mere errand-runner, but as a faithful servant of Christ whose ministry should be encouraged, not intimidated.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now if Timothy come, see that he be with you without fear; for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now if Timothy come, see that he be with you without fear; for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without fear; because he is doing the Lord's work, even as I am:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And if Timotheus may come, see that he may become without fear with you, for the work of the Lord he doth work, even as I,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now if Timothy come, see that he be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear; for he works the work of the Lord, even as I.

Context

After explaining his own delay in Ephesus (vv.8–9), Paul turns to coworkers who may come sooner. Verses 10–11 focus on Timothy’s reception and safe forwarding, likely because Timothy’s youth or demeanor might tempt some to belittle him. Verse 12 then mentions Apollos, whose plans are independent yet harmonious with Paul. These instructions cultivate a healthy culture of hospitality and honor toward those serving the churches, bridging to the general exhortations of verses 13–14.

v.9for a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

v.10This passage

v.11let no man therefore despise him. But set him forward on his journey in peace, that he may come unto me: for I expect him with the brethren.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:12

    that ye may walk becomingly toward them that are without, and may have need of nothing.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:17

    For this cause have I sent unto you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who shall put you in remembrance of my ways which are in Christ, even as I teach everywhere in every church.

  • Acts 19:22

    And having sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.

  • 1 Corinthians 16:11

    let no man therefore despise him. But set him forward on his journey in peace, that he may come unto me: for I expect him with the brethren.

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:2

    and sent Timothy, our brother and God’s minister in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith;

  • 1 Corinthians 15:58

    Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not vain in the Lord.

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