But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.

1 CORINTHIANS 16:8KJV
Know the Bible

1 Corinthians 16:8 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 16:8 mean?

1 Corinthians 16:8 means that Paul is telling the Corinthians he plans to stay in the city of Ephesus until the Jewish festival of Pentecost. He is explaining his travel plans and why he is not coming to visit them immediately.

Paul is writing this letter to the church in Corinth, updating them about his movements. Ephesus was a major city where Paul was doing ministry, and Pentecost was an important time marker in the Jewish calendar. By mentioning Pentecost, Paul is giving a clear timeframe and showing that his decisions are thoughtful and purposeful.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 16:8

  • The word "tarry" (ἐπιμένω, epimenō) means to remain or stay on. Paul is not just passing through Ephesus; he is choosing to continue his work there for a while longer.
  • "Pentecost" (Πεντηκοστή, Pentēkostē) refers to a Jewish festival occurring fifty days after Passover. Mentioning this date shows Paul is using a familiar calendar marker for his audience, which helps them understand exactly how long he plans to stay.

Why 1 Corinthians 16:8 matters

  • This verse clears up any confusion about why Paul is not visiting Corinth right away; he is staying in Ephesus for a specific, stated period.
  • It shows Paul's careful planning and his commitment to his ministry work in different cities, not just reacting to immediate needs.
  • The mention of Pentecost connects Paul's plans to the Jewish roots of the early Christian community, reminding readers that these events were still important time markers for the first believers.

Where else these words appear

“Pentecost” Greek G4005 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
  • Acts 20:16 For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

“Ephesus” Greek G2181 · used in 15 verses

  • Acts 18:19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
  • Acts 19:17 And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
  • Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

“tarry” Greek G1961 · used in 18 verses

  • John 8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
  • Acts 21:4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
  • Romans 11:23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.

“until” Greek G2193 · used in 139 verses

  • Matthew 1:17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.
  • Mark 9:19 He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.
  • John 13:38 Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.