And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.

1 CORINTHIANS 1:16KJV
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1 Corinthians 1:16 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 1:16 mean?

In 1 Corinthians 1:16, Paul adds Stephanas’s household to the people he remembers baptizing. His uncertainty about anyone else shows that he is recalling particular occasions, rather than presenting a complete record of every baptism he performed.

The added household follows Paul’s mention of other people he baptized in verse 14. Paul’s correction has the feel of a thought added as he writes: another group comes to mind before he qualifies his memory.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 1:16

  • “household” — οἶκος (oikos): The word can refer to a home or to the people associated with a household. Here it points to Stephanas and those connected with his household, though their individual names are not given.

Why 1 Corinthians 1:16 matters

  • Paul’s uncertainty concerns whom he personally baptized. The words “I know not whether I baptized any other” qualify his own recollection.
  • The mention of baptism belongs to Paul’s concern about divisions among the Corinthians. In verses 12–13, he challenges people who are identifying themselves with different leaders.
  • Stephanas’s household appears again in 1 Corinthians 16:15. There Paul describes its members as early believers in the region of Achaia and says they devoted themselves to serving other believers.

Where else these words appear

“Stephanas” Greek G4734 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 16:15 I beseech you, brethren,(ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
  • 1 Corinthians 16:17 I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. The first epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi by Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus and Timotheus.

“besides” Greek G3063 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 26:45 Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:29 But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;
  • Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

“baptized” Greek G907 · used in 65 verses

  • Matthew 3:6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
  • Luke 7:29 And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.
  • Acts 8:36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

“any” Greek G1536 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:36 But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.