Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 4:16

What does 1 Corinthians 4:16 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 4:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 4:16 means

On that foundation, Paul urges the Corinthians to be imitators of him. This is not self-promotion but an invitation to follow his Christ-shaped life—embracing humility, faithfulness, and the way of the cross. Imitation is a key means of discipleship: doctrine embodied in a life. Paul’s example contrasts with the pride and ease admired in Corinth. He calls them to adopt his pattern of service, endurance, and gracious response under pressure. To imitate Paul is ultimately to imitate Christ as seen in Paul’s conduct and teaching, so that their community reflects the gospel’s character, not the city’s competitive, status-seeking ethos.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

I beseech you therefore, be ye imitators of me.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

I beseech you therefore, be ye imitators of me.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So my desire is that you take me as your example.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

I call upon you, therefore, become ye followers of me;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Wherefore, I beseech you, be ye followers of me as I also am of Christ.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

I entreat you therefore, be my imitators.

Context

Verse 16 is the practical conclusion of the parental appeal in verses 14–15. It sets the agenda for how the church can realign: not by mere words but by adopting Paul’s lived pattern. The next verse explains how this imitation will be facilitated—Paul is sending Timothy to remind them of his ways in Christ, which are the same everywhere. This continues the movement from relationship to instruction to implementation.

v.15For though ye have ten thousand tutors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I begat you through the gospel.

v.16This passage

v.17For this cause have I sent unto you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who shall put you in remembrance of my ways which are in Christ, even as I teach everywhere in every church.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Thessalonians 1:6

    And ye became imitators of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit;

  • Hebrews 13:7

    Remember them that had the rule over you, men that spake unto you the word of God; and considering the issue of their life, imitate their faith.

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:9

    not because we have not the right, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you, that ye should imitate us.

  • Philippians 4:9

    The things which ye both learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

  • John 10:4

    When he hath put forth all his own, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:1

    Be ye imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ.

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