Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 4:21

What does 1 Corinthians 4:21 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 4:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 4:21 means

Paul ends with a pastoral question that presents a choice: should he come with a rod, or with love and a spirit of gentleness? The “rod” signifies corrective discipline; “love and gentleness” describe the preferred relational tone when repentance and order are embraced. Paul places responsibility on the church’s response to his counsel. He is ready to exercise authority for their good, but he longs to come tenderly. This closing appeal combines firmness and affection, inviting them to humble themselves, reject pride and factionalism, and realign with the cross-shaped pattern he has set before them throughout the chapter.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

What is your desire? is my coming to be with punishment, or is it to be in love and a gentle spirit?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

what do ye wish? with a rod shall I come unto you, or in love, with a spirit also of meekness?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

What will you? Shall I come to you with a rod? Or in charity and in the spirit of meekness?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

What will ye? that I come to you with a rod; or in love, and [in] a spirit of meekness?

Context

This closing question applies the kingdom principle of verse 20 to the impending visit announced in verse 19. It ties back to earlier themes: Paul’s fatherly role (verses 14–15), the call to imitation (verse 16), and the rejection of pride (verses 6–8, 18). It also prepares the way for the disciplinary matters in the next chapter. The flow ends with responsibility resting on the Corinthians: their response will determine whether Paul’s presence is corrective and severe or affectionate and gentle.

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

v.21This passage

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 3:10

    For verily that which hath been made glorious hath not been made glorious in this respect, by reason of the glory that surpasseth.

  • 2 Corinthians 10:1

    Now I Paul myself entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am of good courage toward you:

  • 2 Corinthians 1:23

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

  • 2 Corinthians 2:3

    And I wrote this very thing, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.

  • 1 Corinthians 5:5

    to deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

  • James 3:17

    But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, without hypocrisy.

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