Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 16:5

What does 1 Corinthians 16:5 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 16:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 16:5 means

Paul intends to travel through Macedonia and then come to Corinth. He shares his route plainly, signaling that he is not avoiding them but arranging a better time for meaningful fellowship. The statement carries both pastoral concern and personal accountability: the Corinthians can know where he is headed and why. Macedonia first, then Corinth, suggests he is coordinating ministry among several churches. His goal is not a rushed stop but a visit that will serve their growth. By disclosing these plans, Paul invites the church to align their expectations with his mission priorities and to prepare for a fruitful season together.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But I will come unto you, when I shall have passed through Macedonia; for I pass through Macedonia;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But I will come unto you, when I shall have passed through Macedonia; for I pass through Macedonia;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But I will come to you after I have gone through Macedonia, for that is my purpose;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And I will come unto you, when I pass through Macedonia--for Macedonia I do pass through--

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now I will come to you, when I shall have passed through Macedonia. For I shall pass through Macedonia.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But I will come to you when I shall have gone through Macedonia; for I do go through Macedonia.

Context

With the offering logistics set (vv.1–4), Paul describes his travel plans. Verses 5–7 explain his route and desire for an unhurried visit to Corinth. Verses 8–9 further clarify why he remains in Ephesus for now—because of significant opportunity amid opposition. These notes lay groundwork for the instructions about coworkers in verses 10–12, who may arrive before Paul does. The flow helps the Corinthians understand timing and to respond faithfully to those Paul sends.

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

v.5This passage

v.6but with you it may be that I shall abide, or even winter, that ye may set me forward on my journey whithersoever I go.

Cross references

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

  • Acts 19:21

    Now after these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

  • 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.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:15

    And in this confidence I was minded to come first unto you, that ye might have a second benefit;

  • Acts 20:1

    And after the uproar ceased, Paul having sent for the disciples and exhorted them, took leave of them, and departed to go into Macedonia.

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