Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.

1 CORINTHIANS 16:5KJV
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1 Corinthians 16:5 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 16:5 mean?

1 Corinthians 16:5 means that Paul is telling the Corinthian Christians about his travel plans—he intends to visit them after he passes through Macedonia, which is a region he will travel through. Paul is being open about his movements and timing, letting the church know he is planning to come see them, but only after he has gone through Macedonia.

Paul is writing this letter to the church in Corinth, a city in ancient Greece, to update them on his upcoming journey. At this point in the letter, he is wrapping up and giving practical details about when they might expect him. This verse shows Paul’s careful planning and his desire to keep the Corinthians informed, reflecting his ongoing relationship and care for them.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 16:5

  • διέρχομαι (dierchomai, "pass through"): This word is used twice in the verse and means to travel through or across a region. Paul is not just stopping briefly; he is making a journey that includes Macedonia as a significant part of his route.
  • Μακεδονία (Makedonia, "Macedonia"): Naming this region specifically shows Paul’s route and connects his plans to real places the Corinthians would know. It also hints at his wider ministry, since Macedonia was home to other churches Paul cared for.

Why 1 Corinthians 16:5 matters

  • This verse helps clear up any confusion about Paul’s intentions—he is not avoiding the Corinthians but is simply following a route that includes other important stops first.
  • By sharing his travel plans, Paul models transparency and respect in leadership, keeping the church informed rather than leaving them guessing.
  • The mention of Macedonia connects this letter to other churches and journeys in Paul’s ministry, showing how the early Christian communities were linked by travel and communication.

Where else these words appear

“Macedonia” Greek G3109 · used in 22 verses

  • Acts 16:9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
  • Acts 20:3 And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. The second epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, a city of Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas.

“through” Greek G1330 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
  • Luke 19:4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
  • 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.

“when” Greek G3752 · used in 118 verses

  • Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
  • Luke 5:35 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.
  • John 16:4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.