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.

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

What does 2 Corinthians 1:16 mean?

2 Corinthians 1:16 describes Paul’s travel plans: he intended to visit the Corinthian believers on his way to Macedonia, then return to them after being in Macedonia, and finally have them help him on his journey toward Judea. Paul is explaining the route he hoped to take and how the Corinthians would be part of his travels.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, explaining his intentions about visiting them. There had been confusion or disappointment about his travel plans, so Paul is clarifying that he wanted to see them both before and after his time in Macedonia. This shows his desire for a close relationship with the Corinthians and his reliance on them for support as he continued his ministry toward Judea.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 1:16

  • The word δια (dia, "by") is used here to show movement through or by way of the Corinthians, not just a quick stop but a meaningful visit.
  • The phrase ὑφʼ ὑμῶν (huph’ hymōn, "of you" or "by you") points to the Corinthians’ role in helping Paul on his journey, likely meaning practical support or assistance as he traveled toward Judea.
  • The Greek word ἀναλύω (analyo, "to be brought on my way") is not in the tags, but the tagged word προπέμπω (propempo, "way" or "to send on one’s way") carries the sense of being accompanied or supported for the next stage of travel, which was a common practice in early Christian communities.

Why 2 Corinthians 1:16 matters

  • This verse clears up any misunderstanding that Paul was being careless or deceptive about his travel plans; he wanted the Corinthians to know he valued their fellowship and support.
  • It highlights the practical ways early Christians supported each other, not just spiritually but also by providing for travel and needs.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage where Paul defends his integrity and explains his actions, showing that his plans were made with sincerity and care for the Corinthian church.

Where else these words appear

“way” 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.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:11 Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.

“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.

“pass” 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.

“Judaea” Greek G2449 · used in 44 verses

  • Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
  • Luke 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem;(because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
  • 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.