Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 1:16

What does 2 Corinthians 1:16 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 1:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 1:16 means

Paul outlines the intended route: travel to Macedonia via Corinth, then return from Macedonia to Corinth, and from there be helped on his way to Judaea. Being “set forward” means the church would supply and encourage him for the next stage. The plan envisioned close partnership, with Corinth as both waypoint and sending church. This clarifies that his relationship with them was expected to be warm and cooperative. The later change, therefore, requires explanation—not because the plan was wrong, but because circumstances and pastoral wisdom led to a different course. Paul values their fellowship and wants them to understand the relational intent behind his travel choices.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and by you to pass into Macedonia, and again from Macedonia to come unto you, and of you to be set forward on my journey unto Judæa.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judea.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and by you to pass into Macedonia, and again from Macedonia to come unto you, and of you to be set forward on my journey unto Judæa.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And by way of Corinth to go into Macedonia, and from there to come back again to you, so that you might send me on my way to Judaea.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and through you to pass to Macedonia, and again from Macedonia to come unto you, and by you to be sent forward to Judea.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And to pass by you into Macedonia: and again from Macedonia to come to you, and by you to be brought on my way towards Judea.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and to pass through to Macedonia by you, and again from Macedonia to come to you, and to be set forward by you to Judaea.

Context

After stating his aim to give them a second benefit, Paul supplies the practical details of his former plan. This concreteness shows transparency. The stage is set to address accusations that he vacillated. Immediately next, he will ask whether such planning reflects fickleness or fleshly motives, then deny it. He will ground his reliability not in stubborn adherence to plans but in God’s faithfulness revealed in Christ, which shapes how he speaks and decides.

v.15And in this confidence I was minded to come first unto you, that ye might have a second benefit;

v.16This passage

v.17When I therefore was thus minded, did I show fickleness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be the yea yea and the nay nay?

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 16:5

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

  • Acts 21:5

    And when it came to pass that we had accomplished the days, we departed and went on our journey; and they all, with wives and children, brought us on our way till we were out of the city: and kneeling down on the beach, we prayed, and bade each other farewell;

  • Acts 19:21

    Now after these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

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