1 Corinthians 4:19

Authorized King James Version

But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἐλεύσομαι

G2064

I will come

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

ταχέως

G5030

shortly

briefly, i.e., (in time) speedily, or (in manner) rapidly

πρὸς

G4314

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,

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἐὰν

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κύριος

G2962

the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

θελήσῃ

G2309

will

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

#10

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#11

γνώσομαι

G1097

will know

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

#12

οὐ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#13

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#14

λόγον

G3056

the speech

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

#15

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#16

πεφυσιωμένων

G5448

of them which are puffed up

to inflate, i.e., (figuratively) make proud (haughty)

#17

ἀλλὰ

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#18

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#19

δύναμιν·

G1411

the power

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Corinthians, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Corinthians.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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