Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 4:19

What does 1 Corinthians 4:19 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 4:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 4:19 means

Paul plans to come soon, if the Lord wills—submitting his travel to God’s sovereignty. When he comes, he will test not the eloquence of those puffed up but their power. He is interested in the spiritual reality that accompanies words: the Spirit’s transforming work, the authority that advances holiness and unity, the endurance that reflects Christ. This is a call to substance over show. True ministry is verified by God’s power at work, not by clever speech or bold claims. Paul’s resolve warns pretenders and reassures the humble that authenticity will be recognized when examined rightly.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But I will come to you in a short time, if it is pleasing to the Lord, and I will take note, not of the word of those who are full of pride, but of the power.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but I will come quickly unto you, if the Lord may will, and I will know not the word of those puffed up, but the power;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will: and will know, not the speech of them that are puffed up, but the power.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but I will come quickly to you, if the Lord will; and I will know, not the word of those that are puffed up, but the power.

Context

This verse answers the arrogance of verse 18 and anticipates the principle of verse 20. The flow contrasts human boasting with demonstrable spiritual authority. By invoking “if the Lord will,” Paul models humble dependence even as he asserts oversight. The sequence readies the Corinthians for a sober choice in verse 21 about the manner of his coming, based on their response to this call for genuine power rather than mere words.

v.18Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you.

v.19This passage

v.20For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 1:15

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

  • 1 Corinthians 4:18

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

  • James 4:15

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

  • 2 Corinthians 1:23

    But I call God for a witness upon my soul, that to spare you I forbare to come unto Corinth.

  • 1 Corinthians 16:5

    But I will come unto you, when I shall have passed through Macedonia; for I pass through Macedonia;

  • 1 Corinthians 14:5

    Now I would have you all speak with tongues, but rather that ye should prophesy: and greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

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