Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

1 CORINTHIANS 16:2KJV
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1 Corinthians 16:2 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 16:2 mean?

1 Corinthians 16:2 instructs each member of the church in Corinth to set aside a portion of their income on the first day of every week, in keeping with how much God has blessed them, so that when Paul arrives, a collection for those in need will already be ready. This verse lays out a practical plan for regular, thoughtful giving rather than last-minute or pressured donations.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, giving them directions about a collection for believers in Jerusalem who are experiencing hardship. By telling each person to "lay by him in store" on the first day of the week, Paul encourages consistent, individual preparation. This approach helps avoid rushed gatherings and ensures that the support is ready when Paul comes to collect it.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 16:2

  • ἑκάστου (hekastou, "every one of you"): This word emphasizes that the instruction is for each individual, not just a select few, making the responsibility personal and widespread.
  • θησαυρίζων (thēsaurizōn, "in store"): The Greek carries the sense of storing up or saving in advance, suggesting intentional planning rather than spontaneous giving.
  • σαββάτου (sabbatou, "week"): The word here is often understood as "week," but it literally means "Sabbath." In this context, it refers to the first day after the Sabbath—what we call Sunday—highlighting the early Christian practice of meeting and giving on that day.
  • εὐοδῶται (euodōtai, "prospered him"): This word means to be prospered or to succeed, pointing out that giving is to be proportionate to how much God has enabled each person to earn or receive.

Why 1 Corinthians 16:2 matters

  • This verse clarifies that giving in the early church was meant to be regular, planned, and proportional, not sporadic or based on emotional appeals.
  • By connecting giving to the first day of the week, it shows that generosity was woven into the rhythm of early Christian worship and community life.
  • The instruction helps avoid confusion or pressure when Paul arrives, making the act of giving more thoughtful and less chaotic, and ensuring that help for those in need is dependable.

Where else these words appear

“gatherings” Greek G3048 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.

“him” Greek G2137 · used in 3 verses

  • Romans 1:10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.
  • 3 John 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

“store” Greek G2343 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
  • Luke 12:21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

“week” Greek G4521 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 12:1 At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat.
  • Luke 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
  • John 5:10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.