1 Corinthians 4:21
What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?
Original Language Analysis
τί
What
G5101
τί
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 13
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
θέλετε
will ye
G2309
θέλετε
will ye
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
2 of 13
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
ῥάβδῳ
a rod
G4464
ῥάβδῳ
a rod
Strong's:
G4464
Word #:
4 of 13
a stick or wand (as a cudgel, a cane or a baton of royalty)
ἔλθω
shall I come
G2064
ἔλθω
shall I come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
5 of 13
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
6 of 13
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,
ἀγάπῃ
love
G26
ἀγάπῃ
love
Strong's:
G26
Word #:
10 of 13
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
πνεύματί
in the spirit
G4151
πνεύματί
in the spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
11 of 13
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
Cross References
2 Corinthians 13:2I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:2 Corinthians 13:10Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.1 Thessalonians 2:7But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:2 Corinthians 1:23Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.2 Corinthians 2:3And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.2 Corinthians 10:6And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.2 Corinthians 2:1But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness.James 3:17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
Historical Context
In Roman households, fathers wielded absolute authority (patria potestas)—including physical discipline of children. Paul adapts this cultural framework, presenting apostolic authority as paternal. The 'rod' was standard disciplinary tool in ancient pedagogy (Prov 13:24). Paul's threat isn't vindictive but corrective—like a father whose goal is the child's welfare, not punishment for its own sake. His preferred mode is love and gentleness, but he won't hesitate to exercise authority if necessary.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond to spiritual discipline—with defensive anger or humble repentance?
- What specific changes does God's 'rod' of correction need to produce in your life to avoid harsher discipline?
- When you must confront sin in others, do you lead with the 'rod' or with 'love and gentleness,' saving strong measures for those who refuse to repent?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness? The question ti thelete (τί θέλετε, "what do you want?") places responsibility on the Corinthians—Paul's posture upon arrival depends on their response to this letter. En rhabdō (ἐν ῥάβδῳ, "with a rod") evokes paternal discipline (Prov 13:24; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15)—firm correction for rebellious children. Alternatively, en agapē pneumati te prautētos (ἐν ἀγάπῃ πνεύματί τε πραΰτητος, "in love and a spirit of gentleness")—the father's preferred approach to repentant children.
Prautēs (πραΰτης, "meekness/gentleness") is not weakness but strength under control—the same quality Jesus claimed (Matt 11:29) and Paul commends (Gal 5:23; 6:1; 2 Tim 2:25). Paul's either/or presents stark alternatives: if Corinthians repent (humble themselves, abandon factionalism, submit to apostolic authority), he'll come gently; if they remain arrogant, he'll exercise disciplinary authority. The choice is theirs. This ultimatum concludes his extended rebuke of divisions (chapters 1-4) before addressing specific scandals (chapters 5-6).