Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 16:8

What does 1 Corinthians 16:8 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 16:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 16:8 means

Paul states that he will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost. By giving a timeframe linked to a known feast, he shows thoughtful planning tied to the rhythms of the wider community. Ephesus is his current base, and he aims to complete a significant phase of work before moving on. Mentioning Pentecost roots his schedule in real time and signals that ministry is not random but responsive to doors God opens. It also prepares the Corinthians to expect his arrival later, after this strategic window in Ephesus has been fully used.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But I will be at Ephesus till Pentecost;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and I will remain in Ephesus till the Pentecost,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But I will tarry at Ephesus, until Pentecost.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But I remain in Ephesus until Pentecost.

Context

This verse sets the temporal frame for Paul’s delay that he began to explain in verses 5–7. The reason will be given in verse 9: a great, effective door has opened in Ephesus, though there are many adversaries. By anchoring his plans to a recognizable date, Paul helps the Corinthians coordinate their expectations, supports the instructions about coworkers in verses 10–12, and maintains transparency about his movements. The flow keeps practical order and spiritual discernment together.

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.

v.8This passage

v.9for a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

Cross references

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

  • Exodus 23:16

    and the feast of harvest, the first-fruits of thy labors, which thou sowest in the field: and the feast of ingathering, at the end of the year, when thou gatherest in thy labors out of the field.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:32

    If after the manner of men I fought with beasts at Ephesus, what doth it profit me? If the dead are not raised, let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die.

  • Acts 18:19

    And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.

  • Leviticus 23:15

    And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave-offering; seven sabbaths shall there be complete:

  • Acts 2:1

    And when the day of Pentecost was now come, they were all together in one place.

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