Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 16:7

What does 1 Corinthians 16:7 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 16:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 16:7 means

Paul explains he does not want a hurried, passing visit. He hopes to stay a while, if the Lord allows. This dependence frames all his planning: he makes real arrangements, yet he acknowledges that God governs his steps. Such a stance is pastoral wisdom, not indecision. He wants to give Corinth more than a greeting; he aims for careful attention to their needs. The phrase signals affection—he values their time together—and submission—he trusts the Lord’s timing. Their fellowship will be best served when God opens the way for a substantial, constructive stay.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For it is not my desire to see you now, on my way; because it is my hope to be with you for some time, if that is the Lord's pleasure.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for I do not wish to see you now in the passing, but I hope to remain a certain time with you, if the Lord may permit;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For I will not see you now by the way: for I trust that I shall abide with you some time, if the Lord permit.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For I will not see you now in passing, for I hope to remain a certain time with you, if the Lord permit.

Context

After expressing a wish to remain with them for a season (v.6), Paul clarifies that he is resisting a brief, superficial stop (v.7). The qualifier “if the Lord permit” positions his upcoming delay in Ephesus (vv.8–9) as obedience, not neglect. This helps the Corinthians interpret his absence rightly and receive his coworkers appropriately in the interim. The next verses will make his reasons explicit: a powerful opportunity and strong opposition at Ephesus that call for his continued presence there for now.

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.

v.7This passage

v.8But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost;

Cross references

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

  • Romans 1:10

    making request, if by any means now at length I may be prospered by the will of God to come unto you.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:15

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

  • Proverbs 19:21

    There are many devices in a man’s heart; But the counsel of Jehovah, that shall stand.

  • Acts 18:21

    but taking his leave of them, and saying, I will return again unto you if God will, he set sail from Ephesus.

  • James 4:15

    For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall both live, and do this or that.

  • Jeremiah 10:23

    O Jehovah, I know that the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

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