1CO 16:5-9

Paulʼs Travel Plans

5But I will come to you when I have passed through Macedonia; for I am passing through Macedonia.

6But with you perhaps I will remain, or even pass the winter, that you may equip me wherever I go.

7For I do not wish to see you now in passing, for I hope to remain some time with you, if the Lord permits.

8But I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost;

9for a great and effectual door has been opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

In the world it was spoken into

In the 1st-century Mediterranean world, travel was arduous and often dangerous, requiring careful planning and reliance on networks of hospitality. Paul’s mention of Macedonia reflects his strategic approach to ministry, moving through key urban centers where Jewish and Gentile communities intersected. His intention to 'winter' with the Corinthians aligns with the seasonal limitations of ancient travel, as winter storms made sea voyages perilous. The term '' (propempō) carries the expectation of practical support—provision of supplies, funds, and even companions for the journey—a customary practice in Greco-Roman and Jewish contexts. Paul’s delay in Ephesus until Pentecost highlights the significance of this Jewish festival, a time when many would gather in cities, offering opportunities for teaching and evangelism. The metaphor of an 'open door' was a common idiom for a favorable opportunity, particularly in Stoic and early Christian discourse. Paul’s acknowledgment of 'many opposing' reflects the reality of competing philosophical and religious factions in Ephesus, a hub of Artemis worship and philosophical debate.

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How other translations render this

1CO 16:5

KJV: Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.
BSB: After I go through Macedonia, however, I will come to you; for I will be going through Macedonia.
Koinōnos: But I will come to you when I have passed through Macedonia; for I am passing through Macedonia.

1CO 16:6

KJV: And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.
BSB: Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go.
Koinōnos: But with you perhaps I will remain, or even pass the winter, that you may equip me wherever I go.

1CO 16:7

KJV: For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.
BSB: For I do not want to see you now only in passing; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.
Koinōnos: For I do not wish to see you now in passing, for I hope to remain some time with you, if the Lord permits.

1CO 16:8

KJV: But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.
BSB: But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost,
Koinōnos: But I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost;

1CO 16:9

KJV: For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
BSB: because a great door for effective work has opened to me, even though many oppose me.
Koinōnos: for a great and effectual door has been opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.

Translator's notes

1CO 16:6

may equip:The word translated 'may equip' here means to help someone on their way, often with provisions, money, or companionship, indicating a practical and supportive send-off.

1CO 16:7

passing:The term used here for 'passing' refers to a temporary stop or a journey through a place, rather than a permanent stay.

1CO 16:9

A door:The phrase 'A door' here is an idiom for an opportunity or an opening for ministry, not a literal physical entrance.
productive:The word translated 'productive' carries the sense of being active, effective, and powerful in its operation, not just yielding results but doing so with force.