1 Corinthians 16:10
Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.
Original Language Analysis
Ἐὰν
if
G1437
Ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
1 of 18
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ἔλθῃ
come
G2064
ἔλθῃ
come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
3 of 18
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
γένηται
he may be
G1096
γένηται
he may be
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
8 of 18
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
πρὸς
with
G4314
πρὸς
with
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
9 of 18
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
12 of 18
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἔργον
the work
G2041
ἔργον
the work
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
13 of 18
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
κυρίου
of the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
14 of 18
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἐργάζεται
he worketh
G2038
ἐργάζεται
he worketh
Strong's:
G2038
Word #:
15 of 18
to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
16 of 18
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 15:58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.Romans 16:21Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.1 Corinthians 4:17For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.1 Thessalonians 3:2And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:
Historical Context
Timothy, a native of Lystra (Acts 16:1), joined Paul's team around AD 49 and became his most trusted coworker. His mother was Jewish, his father Greek, making him an ideal bridge between Jewish and Gentile Christianity. Paul's letters to Timothy (1 and 2 Timothy) reveal a young pastor struggling with timidity and health issues, yet entrusted with crucial apostolic responsibilities.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Paul need to defend Timothy's authority to the Corinthian church?
- How should churches receive young or timid ministers who lack impressive natural qualifications?
- What does Paul's phrase 'he works the Lord's work, as I also do' teach about equality of calling despite differences in gifting?
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Analysis & Commentary
Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear—Timothy, Paul's beloved protégé and "true son in the faith" (1 Timothy 1:2), apparently traveled to Corinth via a circuitous route through Macedonia (Acts 19:22). Aphobōs (ἀφόβως, "without fear") suggests Timothy faced intimidation—perhaps due to his youth (1 Timothy 4:12), timid temperament (2 Timothy 1:7), or the Corinthians' disrespect for Paul's authority.
For he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do—Paul defends Timothy's apostolic credentials, insisting he performs ergon kyriou (ἔργον κυρίου, "the Lord's work") with the same authority as Paul himself. This strong endorsement aimed to prevent the faction-ridden Corinthians from despising Timothy as a mere subordinate. Legitimate Christian ministry derives authority from divine calling, not human charisma or credentials.