Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.

1 CORINTHIANS 16:11KJV
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1 Corinthians 16:11 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 16:11 mean?

In 1 Corinthians 16:11, Paul asks the people in Corinth to receive Timothy respectfully and help him on his way back. Paul wants Timothy’s departure to be peaceful because he expects Timothy to come to him with other believers.

The word “therefore” connects Paul’s request to his mention of Timothy’s work in the preceding verse. “Conduct him forth” pictures more than simply saying goodbye: it calls for the Corinthians to help Timothy continue his journey.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 16:11

  • “despise” — ἐξουθενέω (exoutheneō): This word can mean to treat someone as of no account. Paul’s concern includes the way Timothy is regarded and treated.
  • “conduct him forth” — προπέμπω (propempō): This word can mean to send someone on a journey with help. It suggests practical support for Timothy’s travel, not just a farewell.

Why 1 Corinthians 16:11 matters

  • Timothy’s standing matters because of his work. Just before this verse, Paul says Timothy does “the work of the Lord,” as Paul himself does (verse 10).
  • Paul’s request concerns Timothy’s return as well as his visit. The words “that he may come unto me” give the purpose of helping Timothy on his way.
  • Timothy belongs to a wider group of coworkers. Paul says he expects Timothy “with the brethren,” using “brethren” for fellow believers.

Where else these words appear

“for” Greek G1551 · used in 8 verses

  • John 5:3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.
  • Hebrews 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

“conduct” Greek G4311 · used in 9 verses

  • Acts 15:3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
  • Acts 21:5 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:16 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 Judaea.

“Let” Greek G1848 · used in 11 verses

  • Luke 18:9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
  • Romans 14:3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
  • 1 Corinthians 6:4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.

“peace” Greek G1515 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 10:13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
  • Romans 1:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
  • Philippians 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.