Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 16:6

What does 1 Corinthians 16:6 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 16:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 16:6 means

Paul hopes to stay with the Corinthians for an extended period, perhaps even through the winter, and asks them to assist him on his onward journey. This is more than hospitality; it is partnership in gospel work. By helping him “whithersoever” he goes next, they share in his mission beyond their city. The desire to linger shows respect: he does not want a perfunctory visit but time to strengthen what is lacking and encourage what is good. He treats the church as mature co-laborers who can care for him practically while he seeks to care for them spiritually.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But I may be with you for a time, or even for the winter, so that you may see me on my way, wherever I go.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and with you, it may be, I will abide, or even winter, that ye may send me forward whithersoever I go,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And with you perhaps I shall abide, or even spend the winter: that you may bring me on my way whithersoever I shall go.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But perhaps I will stay with you, or even winter with you, that ye may set me forward wheresoever I may go.

Context

This follows Paul’s statement that he will come after passing through Macedonia (v.5). Verses 6–7 reveal his intent to stay longer, not just drop in briefly. He wants to invest deeply in Corinth’s health. Verse 7 adds a key qualifier—“if the Lord permit”—showing he submits plans to God’s providence. Soon, verses 8–9 will explain the current delay: an effective door at Ephesus combined with many adversaries. All of this situates the Corinthians within Paul’s wider ministry map.

v.5But I will come unto you, when I shall have passed through Macedonia; for I pass through Macedonia;

v.6This passage

v.7For I do not wish to see you now by the way; for I hope to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.

Cross references

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

  • Acts 15:3

    They therefore, being brought on their way by the church, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

  • 3 John 1:6

    who bare witness to thy love before the church: whom thou wilt do well to set forward on their journey worthily of God:

  • Acts 28:11

    And after three months we set sail in a ship of Alexandria which had wintered in the island, whose sign was The Twin Brothers.

  • Acts 27:12

    And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to put to sea from thence, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, and winter there; which is a haven of Crete, looking north-east and south-east.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:16

    and by you to pass into Macedonia, and again from Macedonia to come unto you, and of you to be set forward on my journey unto Judæa.

  • Acts 20:38

    sorrowing most of all for the word which he had spoken, that they should behold his face no more. And they brought him on his way unto the ship.

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