For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

1 CORINTHIANS 16:9KJV
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1 Corinthians 16:9 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 16:9 mean?

1 Corinthians 16:9 means that Paul sees a significant opportunity for his work (“a great door and effectual”) opening up for him, but he also faces many opponents (“many adversaries”). Paul is describing both the promise and the challenge of his current situation.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, explaining why he plans to stay longer in Ephesus. He tells them that a major opportunity for spreading his message has become available, but at the same time, there are many people working against him. This verse shows both the excitement and the difficulty of his mission at that moment.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 16:9

  • “door” (θύρα, thýra): This word often means a literal door, but here it is a picture for an opportunity or opening, especially for work or ministry. Paul is saying a new possibility has opened up for him.
  • “effectual” (ἐνεργής, energḗs): This word means something that is active, powerful, or effective. Paul is not just saying the opportunity is big, but that it has real potential to make a difference.
  • “adversaries” (ἀντικείμενοι, antikémenoi): This word refers to people who stand in opposition or are hostile. Paul is clear that even with the open door, there is real resistance.

Why 1 Corinthians 16:9 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that open doors or opportunities always mean things will be easy; Paul shows that real opportunities can come with real opposition.
  • Paul’s words help the reader see that facing resistance does not mean a path is wrong or closed—sometimes, it is part of doing something important.
  • In the wider context, this verse explains why Paul’s travel plans are changing and gives insight into the challenges of his work as an early Christian leader.

Where else these words appear

“effectual” Greek G1756 · used in 3 verses

  • Philemon 1:6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
  • Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

“adversaries” Greek G480 · used in 8 verses

  • Luke 13:17 And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.
  • Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

“door” Greek G2374 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
  • Luke 13:25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
  • Acts 12:6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

“opened” Greek G455 · used in 75 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • John 9:32 Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.
  • Revelation 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;