1 Corinthians 16:13
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
Original Language Analysis
Γρηγορεῖτε
Watch ye
G1127
Γρηγορεῖτε
Watch ye
Strong's:
G1127
Word #:
1 of 7
to keep awake, i.e., watch (literally or figuratively)
στήκετε
stand fast
G4739
στήκετε
stand fast
Strong's:
G4739
Word #:
2 of 7
to be stationary, i.e., (figuratively) to persevere
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Joshua 1:9Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.Ephesians 6:10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.1 Corinthians 15:58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.Galatians 5:1Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.Psalms 27:14Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.Philippians 4:13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.2 Thessalonians 2:15Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.Philippians 1:27Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;1 Peter 5:8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:Philippians 4:1Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
Historical Context
These military metaphors would resonate with Corinthians living in a Roman colony with veteran soldiers. The four commands form a rhetorical climax, transitioning from specific Corinthian problems (chapters 1-15) to general Christian imperatives. The call to stand firm "in the faith" combats the theological confusion pervading Corinth—denial of resurrection, tolerance of immorality, misuse of spiritual gifts.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to 'watch' with eschatological expectation in daily Christian life?
- How do you distinguish between standing firm in the faith versus stubborn inflexibility?
- Why does Paul use masculine-coded language ('quit you like men') for courage expected of all Christians?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Watch ye—Grēgoreō (γρηγορέω, "be awake, vigilant") carries eschatological overtones—Jesus used it repeatedly in warnings about His return (Matthew 24:42, 25:13, Mark 13:35). Spiritual alertness against deception, sin, and compromise remains essential. Stand fast in the faith—Stēkō en tē pistei (στήκω ἐν τῇ πίστει, "stand firm in the faith") employs a military metaphor of holding one's position under assault. Pistis (πίστις) here likely means "the faith"—the apostolic gospel, not merely personal faith.
Quit you like men—Andrizō (ἀνδρίζω, "act like a man, be courageous") comes from anēr (ἀνήρ, "man, male"). This is not gender exclusion but the ancient ideal of courage. Be strong—Krataioō (κραταιόω, "be strong, strengthened") appears in Ephesians 3:16 for the Spirit's inner strengthening. These four imperatives summarize Christian faithfulness: vigilance, doctrinal fidelity, courage, strength.