Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 4:18

What does 1 Corinthians 4:18 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 4:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 4:18 means

Paul notes that some are puffed up, acting as if he is not coming. Their arrogance thrives on the assumption that apostolic oversight is distant or absent. This reveals a deeper issue: confidence in words and image when scrutiny is unlikely. Paul’s remark exposes the hollow bravado that can grow when authority is dismissed. He signals that accountability is real. The verse cautions against complacency and presumption in the church—boasting and factions often swell in the perceived gap between instruction and presence. Paul will not allow this illusion to stand; he intends to confront reality, not reputations.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now some are full of pride, as if I was not coming to you.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And as if I were not coming unto you certain were puffed up;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

As if I would not come to you, so some are puffed up.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But some have been puffed up, as if I were not coming to you;

Context

After announcing Timothy’s mission, Paul addresses a faction emboldened by his absence. Verse 18 sets up the decisive statement in verse 19: Paul plans to come, God willing, and will examine not talk but power. This continues the theme that the kingdom’s authenticity is not measured by rhetoric. Verse 20 will state that principle explicitly, and verse 21 will present the church with a choice about how Paul’s visit will proceed—discipline or gentleness.

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.

v.18This passage

v.19But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will; and I will know, not the word of them that are puffed up, but the power.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 4:21

    What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?

  • 1 Corinthians 5:2

    And ye are puffed up, and did not rather mourn, that he that had done this deed might be taken away from among you.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:6

    Now these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes; that in us ye might learn not to go beyond the things which are written; that no one of you be puffed up for the one against the other.

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