1 Corinthians 11:16
But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.
Original Language Analysis
δοκεῖ
seem
G1380
δοκεῖ
seem
Strong's:
G1380
Word #:
4 of 16
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
τοιαύτην
such
G5108
τοιαύτην
such
Strong's:
G5108
Word #:
8 of 16
truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)
ἔχομεν
have
G2192
ἔχομεν
have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
11 of 16
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκκλησίαι
the churches
G1577
ἐκκλησίαι
the churches
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
14 of 16
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
Cross References
1 Corinthians 7:17But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.1 Thessalonians 2:14For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:Acts 21:24Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.Acts 21:21And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.
Historical Context
Corinthian culture prized rhetorical skill, philosophical debate, and sophistic argumentation (1:20, 2:1-5). Corinthian Christians carried this combative intellectualism into the church, quarreling over Paul's teachings rather than submitting to them. Paul's appeal to universal church custom (similar to 4:17, 7:17, 14:33) invokes catholic authority against local innovation. The early church had remarkable unity in worship practices despite geographic and cultural diversity—evidence of apostolic authority and Spirit-led consensus.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's appeal to universal church practice challenge modern individualism in worship preferences?
- When is theological debate profitable, and when does it become contentious quarreling that dishonors God?
- What role should 'the churches of God' (catholic tradition) play in local church decision-making today?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God—Paul concludes the head-covering section with apostolic authority. Εἰ δέ τις δοκεῖ φιλόνεικος εἶναι (if anyone seems contentious/quarrelsome)—Paul anticipates objections. Philoneikos means love of strife, combative disputation. Some Corinthians were philosophically argumentative, enjoying debate more than obedience.
We have no such custom (ἡμεῖς τοιαύτην συνήθειαν οὐκ ἔχομεν)—what custom? Either
Context favors interpretation 1: we (apostles) don't tolerate endless quarreling. Neither the churches of God—the catholic (universal) church agrees. This isn't Paul's idiosyncratic opinion but apostolic tradition received by all churches. Appeal to universal practice ends debate—submission to apostolic authority, not individual preference, governs Christian worship.