But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.

1 CORINTHIANS 4:19KJV
Know the Bible

1 Corinthians 4:19 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 4:19 mean?

1 Corinthians 4:19 means that Paul plans to visit the Corinthian church soon, if God allows, and when he does, he will pay attention not to the impressive words of certain proud people, but to whether they truly have spiritual power. Paul is making it clear that real authority and faith are shown by genuine power, not just by talk.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, addressing problems with pride and division among some members. He tells them his visit depends on the Lord’s will, showing his humility and dependence on God. Paul wants the Corinthians to know that he will look past outward appearances and examine the true spiritual reality behind people’s claims.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 4:19

  • "if (ἐὰν, ean) the Lord (Κύριος, Kyrios) will (θέλω, thelō)" — This phrase shows Paul’s attitude of submission to God’s plans, not assuming he controls his own future.
  • "puffed up (φυσιοῦμαι, phusioō)" — This word means to be arrogant or prideful. Paul is specifically calling out those in Corinth who are acting with spiritual pride.
  • "speech (λόγος, logos)" and "power (δύναμις, dynamis)" — Paul contrasts mere words with real spiritual power. He is saying that what matters is not how well someone speaks, but whether God’s power is truly at work in their life.

Why 1 Corinthians 4:19 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that spiritual leadership is about impressive speech or outward show; Paul insists that real evidence of faith is found in God’s power, not just words.
  • Paul’s statement about coming “if the Lord will” reminds readers that even apostles depend on God’s guidance, not their own plans.
  • The verse sets up the following discussion, where Paul continues to challenge the Corinthians to examine what is genuine in their community, not just what looks or sounds impressive.

Where else these words appear

“up” Greek G5448 · used in 7 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 4:6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
  • 1 Corinthians 5:2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.
  • 1 Corinthians 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

“shortly” Greek G5030 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 14:21 So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.
  • Galatians 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

“power” Greek G1411 · used in 116 verses

  • Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
  • Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
  • Galatians 3:5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?