1 Corinthians 4:19
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.
Original Language Analysis
ἐλεύσομαι
I will come
G2064
ἐλεύσομαι
I will come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
1 of 19
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ταχέως
shortly
G5030
ταχέως
shortly
Strong's:
G5030
Word #:
3 of 19
briefly, i.e., (in time) speedily, or (in manner) rapidly
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
4 of 19
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,
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
6 of 19
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριος
the Lord
G2962
κύριος
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
8 of 19
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
θελήσῃ
will
G2309
θελήσῃ
will
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
9 of 19
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γνώσομαι
will know
G1097
γνώσομαι
will know
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
11 of 19
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγον
the speech
G3056
λόγον
the speech
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
14 of 19
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πεφυσιωμένων
of them which are puffed up
G5448
πεφυσιωμένων
of them which are puffed up
Strong's:
G5448
Word #:
16 of 19
to inflate, i.e., (figuratively) make proud (haughty)
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
17 of 19
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
Cross References
Acts 18:21But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.Acts 19:21After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.Hebrews 6:3And this will we do, if God permit.Romans 15:32That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.1 Corinthians 2:6Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:1 Corinthians 11:34And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.1 Corinthians 4:18Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.2 Corinthians 1:23Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.James 4:15For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
Historical Context
Greco-Roman culture prized rhetorical skill—sophists dazzled audiences with eloquence. Corinthian critics likely attacked Paul's speaking ability (2 Cor 10:10; 11:6) while boasting of their own sophistication. Paul consistently subordinates human rhetoric to Spirit-empowered proclamation (1:17; 2:1-5). His impending visit threatens to unmask all pretense—authentic apostolic authority manifests not in flowery speech but in miracles, transformed lives, and moral courage under persecution.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you evaluate ministries and teachers primarily by rhetorical polish and charisma, or by genuine spiritual fruit and power?
- In what areas of your life does impressive 'speech' mask a lack of real 'power'—religious talk without spiritual reality?
- How do you cultivate the habit of submitting your plans to God's will ('if the Lord wills') rather than presuming on the future?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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. Paul's resolve is qualified: ean ho Kyrios thelēsē (ἐὰν ὁ Κύριος θελήσῃ, "if the Lord wills")—submitting travel plans to divine sovereignty (cf. James 4:13-15; Acts 18:21). The verb gnōsomai (γνώσομαι, "I will know/ascertain") implies examination—Paul will personally investigate the troublemakers.
The contrast is sharp: ton logon (τὸν λόγον, "the word/speech") versus tēn dynamin (τὴν δύναμιν, "the power"). The arrogant Corinthians had impressive rhetoric but lacked genuine spiritual authority. Paul distinguishes eloquent talk from dynamis—the power of the Spirit that authenticates gospel ministry (1:17-18; 2:4-5; 2 Cor 12:12). His coming will expose whether critics merely talk impressively or manifest the Spirit's reality. Words are cheap; power proves authenticity.