For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.

1 CORINTHIANS 16:18KJV
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1 Corinthians 16:18 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 16:18 mean?

1 Corinthians 16:18 means that certain people had encouraged and lifted the spirits of both Paul and the Corinthian believers, so Paul urges the church to recognize and appreciate people like them. Paul is highlighting the value of those who bring refreshment and encouragement to others in the Christian community.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, mentioning individuals who had visited him and brought encouragement. The verse shows Paul’s gratitude for their support and urges the church to honor such people. This fits into Paul’s larger closing remarks, where he gives practical instructions and acknowledges those who have helped him and the church.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 16:18

  • ἀνέπαυσαν (anepaŭsan, "refreshed"): This Greek word is often understood as "to give rest" or "to revive." Paul uses it here to describe how these individuals brought comfort and renewal to his spirit and to the Corinthians, suggesting a deep, personal encouragement.
  • πνεῦμα (pneuma, "spirit"): In this context, "spirit" refers to Paul’s inner self or emotional state, not the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes that the encouragement was heartfelt and personal, not just a surface-level kindness.
  • ἐπιγινώσκετε (epiginōskete, "acknowledge ye"): This word means to recognize fully or to appreciate. Paul is not just suggesting a polite thank you, but a genuine recognition and valuing of such people in the community.

Why 1 Corinthians 16:18 matters

  • This verse clears up that encouragement and support within the church are not minor roles but are worthy of public recognition and gratitude.
  • Paul’s instruction to "acknowledge" such people shows that leadership and influence in the church are not just about authority, but also about those who quietly refresh and build up others.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing Paul’s personal relationships and the importance of mutual care in the early Christian community, not just formal teaching or correction.

Where else these words appear

“refreshed” Greek G373 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
  • Mark 14:41 And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
  • Philemon 1:20 Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.

“ye” Greek G1921 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
  • Luke 7:37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,
  • Acts 25:10 Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.

“such” Greek G5108 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 9:8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.
  • Acts 22:22 And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

“my” Greek G1699 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
  • John 8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
  • 1 Corinthians 5:4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,