1 Corinthians 16:2
Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
Original Language Analysis
κατὰ
Upon
G2596
κατὰ
Upon
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
1 of 20
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
σαββάτων
day of the week
G4521
σαββάτων
day of the week
Strong's:
G4521
Word #:
3 of 20
the sabbath (i.e., shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight,
παρ'
by
G3844
παρ'
by
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
6 of 20
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
ἑαυτῷ
him
G1438
ἑαυτῷ
him
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
7 of 20
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
τιθέτω
lay
G5087
τιθέτω
lay
Strong's:
G5087
Word #:
8 of 20
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
ὅ
G3739
ὅ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
10 of 20
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
εὐοδῶται
God hath prospered him
G2137
εὐοδῶται
God hath prospered him
Strong's:
G2137
Word #:
13 of 20
to help on the road, i.e., (passively) succeed in reaching; figuratively, to succeed in business affairs
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
15 of 20
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ὅταν
when
G3752
ὅταν
when
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
16 of 20
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
ἔλθω
I come
G2064
ἔλθω
I come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
17 of 20
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Cross References
Acts 20:7And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.Deuteronomy 8:18But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.Luke 16:10He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.Revelation 1:10I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,John 20:19Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.Luke 24:1Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
Historical Context
This verse provides evidence that Christians had abandoned the Sabbath for Sunday worship within two decades of Christ's resurrection. The practice of regular, proportionate giving replaced the Old Testament tithe system, reflecting New Covenant liberty and personal responsibility under grace rather than law.
Questions for Reflection
- What principles for Christian giving emerge from Paul's instructions—regular, proportionate, planned, private?
- How does worship on "the first day of the week" connect the resurrection to weekly Christian gathering?
- Why does Paul emphasize that giving should be planned ahead rather than collected under immediate pressure?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Upon the first day of the week—This is one of the earliest references to Christian Sunday worship, marking the shift from Jewish Sabbath (Saturday) to Sunday in honor of Christ's resurrection. Mia sabbatōn (μία σαββάτων, literally "first of the week") became the Christian day of gathering (Acts 20:7, Revelation 1:10 "the Lord's day").
Let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him—Proportionate giving based on income, not legalistic tithing, characterizes New Covenant stewardship. Each believer personally (par' heautō, "by himself") sets aside funds regularly, systematically. That there be no gatherings when I come—Paul wanted the money ready, not collected under pressure during his visit, ensuring gifts were cheerful, not coerced (2 Corinthians 9:7).