Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 16:3

What does 1 Corinthians 16:3 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 16:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 16:3 means

Paul wants the Corinthians themselves to select trustworthy representatives to carry the gift to Jerusalem, and he will furnish them with letters of commendation. This creates local ownership and transparent accountability: the congregation approves the couriers, and Paul adds his apostolic endorsement. The destination—Jerusalem—reminds Gentile believers of their spiritual indebtedness to the mother church and knits together distant communities through practical love. The process protects both the funds and the reputation of all involved. In this, integrity accompanies generosity; the offering is not merely gathered carefully, it is also conveyed with due diligence and public confidence.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And when I arrive, whomsoever ye shall approve, them will I send with letters to carry your bounty unto Jerusalem:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And when I arrive, whomsoever ye shall approve, them will I send with letters to carry your bounty unto Jerusalem:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when I come, I will send the men of your selection with letters to take the money you have got together to Jerusalem.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and whenever I may come, whomsoever ye may approve, through letters, these I will send to carry your favour to Jerusalem;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when I shall be with you, whomsoever you shall approve by letters, them will I send to carry your grace to Jerusalem.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And when I am arrived, whomsoever ye shall approve, these I will send with letters to carry your bounty to Jerusalem:

Context

Having established a plan for steady, proportional giving (v.2), Paul now addresses delivery. The Corinthians will choose those who will bear the gift, while Paul supplies letters to validate them. Verse 4 will add that Paul may also go, if appropriate. Together, these verses reveal a careful structure: local initiative, apostolic oversight, and a clear destination. Once he finishes with the collection’s logistics, Paul shifts in verses 5–9 to outline his travel intentions and to explain why he cannot come immediately.

v.2Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come.

v.3This passage

v.4and if it be meet for me to go also, they shall go with me.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 8:18

    And we have sent together with him the brother whose praise in the gospel is spread through all the churches;

  • 2 Corinthians 8:6

    Insomuch that we exhorted Titus, that as he had made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace also.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:4

    beseeching us with much entreaty in regard of this grace and the fellowship in the ministering to the saints:

  • Acts 6:1

    Now in these days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a murmuring of the Grecian Jews against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:34

    If any man is hungry, let him eat at home; that your coming together be not unto judgment. And the rest will I set in order whensoever I come.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:19

    But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will; and I will know, not the word of them that are puffed up, but the power.

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