1 Corinthians 4:17
What does 1 Corinthians 4:17 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 4:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 4:17 means
To reinforce this call, Paul has sent Timothy, his beloved and faithful child in the Lord. Timothy’s task is to remind the Corinthians of Paul’s ways in Christ, consistent with what Paul teaches everywhere in every church. This emphasizes the coherence of apostolic doctrine and practice across congregations. Corinth is not free to invent its own standards for spirituality or leadership. Timothy’s character—beloved and faithful—embodies the message, ensuring the reminder is credible and pastoral. The verse shows how apostolic authority operates: through trusted emissaries who model and teach the same Christ-centered path, anchoring churches in a shared, stable pattern.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For this cause I have sent Timothy to you, who is my dear and true child in the Lord; he will make clear to you my ways in Christ, even as I am teaching everywhere in every church.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862because of this I sent to you Timotheus, who is my child, beloved and faithful in the Lord, who shall remind you of my ways in Christ, according as everywhere in every assembly I teach.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For this cause have I sent to you Timothy, who is my dearest son and faithful in the Lord. Who will put you in mind of my ways, which are in Christ Jesus: as I teach every where in every church.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For this reason I have sent to you Timotheus, who is my beloved and faithful child in [the] Lord, who shall put you in mind of my ways [as] they [are] in Christ, according as I teach everywhere in every assembly.
Context
Following the exhortation to imitate him (verse 16), Paul explains the practical means by which they will be guided back into alignment—Timothy’s visit. This paves the way for addressing the arrogance of some who presume Paul will not come (verse 18) and for announcing his own intended visit subject to the Lord’s will (verse 19). The flow builds accountability: if they resist Timothy’s reminder, Paul himself will assess matters, focusing on spiritual power rather than eloquent claims.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Numbers 12:7
My servant Moses is not so; he is faithful in all my house:
- 2 Timothy 2:2
And the things which thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
- 1 Corinthians 16:1
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I gave order to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye.
- Matthew 24:45
Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath set over his household, to give them their food in due season?
- 1 Corinthians 11:2
Now I praise you that ye remember me in all things, and hold fast the traditions, even as I delivered them to you.
- 1 Corinthians 11:16
But if any man seemeth to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.
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