Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.

1 CORINTHIANS 16:10KJV
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1 Corinthians 16:10 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 16:10 mean?

1 Corinthians 16:10 tells the church in Corinth to welcome Timothy (Timotheus) and make sure he can stay with them without fear, because Timothy is doing the Lord’s work just as Paul is. Paul wants the Corinthians to treat Timothy with respect and support, recognizing his important role.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth near the end of his letter, giving practical instructions. Timothy, a younger co-worker of Paul, might have faced doubts or disrespect due to his age or status. Paul urges the church to make Timothy feel safe and valued, since Timothy is faithfully serving God’s mission, not just Paul’s personal interests.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 16:10

  • "φοβος" (phobos, transliterated as phobos) means "fear." Paul is concerned that Timothy might feel intimidated or unwelcome, so he specifically asks the Corinthians to make sure Timothy is "without fear."
  • "ἐργάζεται" (ergazetai, transliterated as ergazetai) means "he works." This word highlights that Timothy is actively laboring in the Lord’s service, not just visiting or observing.
  • "ἔργον" (ergon, transliterated as ergon) means "work." Paul uses this word to emphasize that Timothy’s efforts are part of the same kind of ministry Paul himself is doing, underlining their shared purpose.

Why 1 Corinthians 16:10 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Timothy was less important or less authoritative than Paul; Paul puts Timothy’s work on the same level as his own.
  • Paul’s instruction reveals his care for Timothy’s well-being, showing the early church’s concern for supporting and protecting its workers.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage where Paul gives practical guidance about church life, travel plans, and how to treat those who serve, showing a personal and relational side to his leadership.

Where else these words appear

“fear” Greek G870 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 1:74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,
  • Philippians 1:14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
  • Jude 1:12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

“Timotheus” Greek G5095 · used in 28 verses

  • Acts 16:1 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:
  • 2 Corinthians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:
  • 1 Timothy 1:2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

“worketh” Greek G2038 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
  • Acts 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
  • Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

“see” Greek G991 · used in 119 verses

  • Matthew 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
  • Luke 10:23 And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:
  • 1 Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.