Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 16:14

What does 1 Corinthians 16:14 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 16:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 16:14 means

All their actions must be governed by love. This rule covers giving, leadership, correction, hospitality, and everyday fellowship. Without love, watchfulness hardens into suspicion, firmness becomes stubbornness, courage turns brash, and strength grows domineering. Love seeks the good of others in line with the truth. It was the missing ingredient in many Corinthian problems—gifts used competitively, knowledge wielded without care. Paul now anchors every effort to the central Christian virtue. Love is not mere sentiment; it is a steady, self-giving posture that reflects Christ’s heart and keeps all other duties in their proper proportion.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Let all that ye do be done in love.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Let all your things be done with charity.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Let all that ye do be done in love.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Let all you do be done in love.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

let all your things be done in love.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Let all your things be done in charity.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Let all things ye do be done in love.

Context

This short command completes the four imperatives of verse 13 by ensuring that Christian strength and vigilance are shaped by love. The next section (vv.15–18) gives concrete embodiments: the household of Stephanas and his companions, who devoted themselves to serving the saints. Honoring such workers demonstrates love in practice and fosters order in the congregation. Thus, principle (love) moves immediately into example (faithful servants) and response (respect and acknowledgment).

v.13Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

v.14This passage

v.15Now I beseech you, brethren (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves to minister unto the saints),

Cross references

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

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:3

    We are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren, even as it is meet, for that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the love of each one of you all toward one another aboundeth;

  • John 15:17

    These things I command you, that ye may love one another.

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:6

    But when Timothy came even now unto us from you, and brought us glad tidings of your faith and love, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, longing to see us, even as we also to see you;

  • Romans 13:8

    Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:9

    But concerning love of the brethren ye have no need that one write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another;

  • Hebrews 13:4

    Let marriage be had in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.

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