1 Corinthians 16:3
And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
Original Language Analysis
ὅταν
when
G3752
ὅταν
when
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
1 of 16
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
παραγένωμαι
I come
G3854
παραγένωμαι
I come
Strong's:
G3854
Word #:
3 of 16
to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly
οὓς
G3739
οὓς
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
4 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐὰν
whomsoever
G1437
ἐὰν
whomsoever
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
5 of 16
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
δοκιμάσητε
ye shall approve
G1381
δοκιμάσητε
ye shall approve
Strong's:
G1381
Word #:
6 of 16
to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve
δι'
by
G1223
δι'
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
7 of 16
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
πέμψω
will I send
G3992
πέμψω
will I send
Strong's:
G3992
Word #:
10 of 16
to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χάριν
liberality
G5485
χάριν
liberality
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
13 of 16
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
Historical Context
Ancient letters of recommendation authenticated travelers in a world without modern identification systems. Paul himself wrote such letters (Romans 16:1-2, Philemon 1:8-17). The requirement that Corinthians choose their own representatives demonstrates primitive church democracy and financial transparency, protecting both the gift and Paul's reputation.
Questions for Reflection
- What safeguards does Paul build into the collection process, and what do they teach about handling church finances?
- How does understanding giving as "grace" (charis) rather than duty transform the motivation for generosity?
- Why is it important that churches select their own representatives for financial matters rather than deferring entirely to apostolic authority?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send—Paul insists on financial accountability, delegating authority to the Corinthian congregation to select trustworthy envoys. Dokimazō (δοκιμάζω, "approve") implies careful testing and verification of character. The phrase di' epistolōn ("by letters") suggests written credentials or letters of recommendation, a common practice in the ancient church (2 Corinthians 3:1).
To bring your liberality unto Jerusalem—Charis (χάρις), typically translated "grace," here means "generous gift" or "liberality." Grace received from God produces grace given to others. This theological linkage pervades 2 Corinthians 8-9, where Paul calls the collection charis repeatedly. Christian generosity is grace flowing through redeemed hearts, not mere philanthropy.