And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.

1 CORINTHIANS 16:6KJV
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1 Corinthians 16:6 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 16:6 mean?

1 Corinthians 16:6 describes Paul’s hope to stay with the Corinthian believers for a while, possibly spending the winter with them, so that they can help him on his journey wherever he goes next. Paul is sharing his travel plans and expressing his desire for their support and hospitality during his visit.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth near the end of his letter, letting them know he wants to spend significant time with them, not just pass through quickly. He mentions possibly “wintering” with them, which means staying during the months when travel was difficult. Paul’s mention of them helping him on his journey shows the close relationship and practical partnership he expects from this church.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 16:6

  • “abide” (παραμένω, paramenō): This word means to remain or stay for a period of time. Paul is not planning a brief visit, but rather a longer stay, which shows his desire for deeper fellowship.
  • “winter” (παραχειμάζω, parachēmazō): This word refers specifically to spending the winter somewhere, often because travel by sea was dangerous in that season. Paul’s use of this word gives a practical reason for his extended stay.
  • “bring me on my journey” (προπέμπω, propempō): This phrase means to help someone on their way, often by providing supplies or escort. Paul expects the Corinthians to actively support his next steps in ministry.

Why 1 Corinthians 16:6 matters

  • Paul’s openness about his plans and needs highlights the mutual dependence between early Christian leaders and local churches, showing ministry was a shared effort.
  • The verse clarifies that Paul’s relationship with the Corinthians was not just spiritual but also practical, involving hospitality and material support.
  • This verse connects to the larger context of 1 Corinthians 16, where Paul discusses travel, giving, and cooperation among churches, revealing the interconnectedness of early Christian communities.

Where else these words appear

“abide” Greek G3887 · used in 3 verses

  • Hebrews 7:23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:
  • James 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

“winter” Greek G3914 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 27:12 And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.
  • Acts 28:11 And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.
  • Titus 3:12 When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.

“bring” 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.

“be” Greek G5177 · used in 13 verses

  • Luke 10:30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
  • Acts 26:22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
  • 1 Corinthians 15:37 And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: