1 Corinthians 16:13
What does 1 Corinthians 16:13 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 16:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 16:13 means
Paul fires off four compact commands: stay awake spiritually; stand firm in the faith; act with mature courage; be strong. These counter Corinthian tendencies toward complacency, instability, and immaturity. Watchfulness guards against temptation and error. Standing fast roots them in the gospel, not in shifting opinions. Courage and strength call them to live as adults in Christ, not as children swayed by pride or fear. The verbs are martial and manly, yet they apply to the whole church, men and women alike. Together they urge a settled, alert, courageous discipleship that endures pressure without losing its footing.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Be on the watch, unmoved in the faith, and be strong like men.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Watch ye, stand in the faith; be men, be strong;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Watch ye: stand fast in the faith: do manfully and be strengthened.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Be vigilant; stand fast in the faith; quit yourselves like men; be strong.
Context
After practical logistics and coworker instructions (vv.1–12), Paul delivers concise imperatives that summarize the needed stance of the church. Verse 13 addresses stability and fortitude; verse 14 adds the essential balance of love, so that strength does not become harshness. This pivot from plans to principles frames the commendations that follow (vv.15–18), where Paul points to living examples—Stephanas and others—who embody these virtues in their service.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Zechariah 8:13
And it shall come to pass that, as ye were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing. Fear not, but let your hands be strong.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:6
so then let us not sleep, as do the rest, but let us watch and be sober.
- Isaiah 35:4
Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; he will come and save you.
- 2 Timothy 4:5
But be thou sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil thy ministry.
- Colossians 4:2
Continue stedfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving;
- 2 Samuel 10:12
Be of good courage, and let us play the man for our people, and for the cities of our God: and Jehovah do that which seemeth him good.
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