1 Corinthians 4:21

Translations

Modern

Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and with a gentle spirit?

Traditional

What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?

Literal

What do you want? Should I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?

Latin

Quid vultis? in virga veniam ad vos, an in caritate, et spiritu mansuetudinis?

Original

Greek

English

Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and with a gentle spirit?

Notes

1 Corinthians 4:14–21

Paul ends this part about divisions in the church with kind, fatherly advice and a warning (1 Corinthians 1:10–4:21).

1 Corinthians 4:6–21

Paul criticizes the Corinthian Christians for their arrogance (1 Corinthians 4:6–13) and then advises them like a father (4:14–21).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul)

Related verses

2 Corinthians 13:2
I already warned you the second time I was with you. So now in my absence I warn those who sinned earlier and everyone else: If I return, I will not spare anyone,
2 Corinthians 13:10
This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.
2 Corinthians 12:20–21
For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I wish, and you may not find me as you wish. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.
1 Thessalonians 2:7
On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children.
2 Corinthians 2:3
I wrote as I did so that on my arrival I would not be grieved by those who ought to make me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would share my joy.
James 3:17
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.
2 Corinthians 1:23
I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth.
2 Corinthians 2:1
So I made up my mind not to make another painful visit to you.
2 Corinthians 10:1–2
Now by the mildness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am humble when face to face with you, but bold when away.
2 Corinthians 10:6
And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, as soon as your obedience is complete.
1 Corinthians 5:5
…hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the Day of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 10:8
For even if I boast somewhat excessively about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) First Letter to the Corinthians Gentleness

Topics

Christian Minister: Duties of Church: Rules of Discipline In, Mosaic and Christian Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul

1 Corinthians 4:21

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