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1 Corinthians 4:21 Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and with a gentle spirit?

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Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Which do you choose? Should I come with a rod to punish you, or should I come with love and a gentle spirit?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and with a gentle spirit?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />What do you desire? Should I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and <i>in</i> the spirit of meekness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />What do you desire? That I come to you with a rod, or with love and a spirit of gentleness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />What do you desire? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love and a spirit of gentleness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />What do you desire? Shall I come to you with a rod or with love and a spirit of gentleness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />What do you desire? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love and a spirit of gentleness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_corinthians/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod [of discipline and correction], or with love and a gentle spirit?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />What do you want? Should I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />What do you want? Should I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_corinthians/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_corinthians/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />What do you want me to do when I arrive? Do you want me to be hard on you or to be kind and gentle? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_corinthians/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of meekness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/4.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />When I come to visit you, would you prefer that I punish you or show you love and a gentle spirit?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a whip, or in a spirit of love and gentleness? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_corinthians/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Which do you prefer? Should I come to you with a stick, or with love and a gentle spirit?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and with a gentle spirit?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_corinthians/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline or with love and a spirit of gentleness? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />What do you want? Should I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />What will ye? shall I come to you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Which shall it be? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in a loving and tender spirit?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_corinthians/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />What do you wish? Will I come to you with a rod, or in love, also with a spirit of meekness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />What do you desire? Should I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> what do ye wish? with a rod shall I come unto you, or in love, with a spirit also of meekness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_corinthians/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />What will ye? should I come to you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />What will you ? shall I come to you with a rod; or in charity, and in the spirit of meekness ? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />What would you prefer? Should I return to you with a rod, or with charity and a spirit of meekness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love and a gentle spirit?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />What would you prefer? Am I to come to you with a stick, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Now what do you desire? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love and in the spirit of meekness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />How do you want it? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in affection and in a spirit of meekness? <div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of gentleness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />What do you wish? must I come unto you with the rod, or in divine love and the spirit of meekness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />What is your wish? That I should come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_corinthians/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />Which would you chuse, that I should come to you arm'd with resentment? or, in a mild and benevolent temper?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Which shall it be? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in a loving and tender spirit?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />What do ye wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />What do ye chuse? that I should come to you with a rod? or in love, and <i>in</i> the spirit of meekness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/4-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=817" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Paul Warns his Children</a></span><br>&#8230;<span class="reftext">20</span>For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: ti (IPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">Which</a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: thelete (V-PIA-2P) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">do you prefer?</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: elth&#333; (V-ASA-1S) -- To come, go. ">Shall I come</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">to</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymas (PPro-A2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">with</a> <a href="/greek/4464.htm" title="4464: rhabd&#333; (N-DFS) -- A rod, staff, staff of authority, scepter. From the base of rhapizo; a stick or wand.">a rod,</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: &#275; (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">or</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/26.htm" title="26: agap&#275; (N-DFS) -- From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.">love</a> <a href="/greek/5037.htm" title="5037: te (Conj) -- And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also.">and with</a> <a href="/greek/4240.htm" title="4240: praut&#275;tos (N-GFS) -- Mildness, gentleness. From praus; mildness, i.e. humility.">a gentle</a> <a href="/greek/4151.htm" title="4151: pneumati (N-DNS) -- Wind, breath, spirit. ">spirit?</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/10-1.htm">2 Corinthians 10:1</a></span><br />Now by the mildness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you&#8212;I, Paul, who am humble when face to face with you, but bold when away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/13-10.htm">2 Corinthians 13:10</a></span><br />This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-1.htm">Galatians 6:1</a></span><br />Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-7.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:7</a></span><br />On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-24.htm">2 Timothy 2:24-25</a></span><br />And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. / He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/1-13.htm">Titus 1:13</a></span><br />This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sternly, so that they will be sound in the faith<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/3-10.htm">Titus 3:10</a></span><br />Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-29.htm">Matthew 11:29</a></span><br />Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/21-5.htm">Matthew 21:5</a></span><br />&#8220;Say to the Daughter of Zion, &#8216;See, your King comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.&#8217;&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/9-55.htm">Luke 9:55-56</a></span><br />But Jesus turned and rebuked them. / And He and His disciples went on to another village.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-42.htm">Luke 22:42</a></span><br />&#8220;Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/2-15.htm">John 2:15-17</a></span><br />So He made a whip out of cords and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle. He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. / To those selling doves He said, &#8220;Get these out of here! How dare you turn My Father&#8217;s house into a marketplace!&#8221; / His disciples remembered that it is written: &#8220;Zeal for Your house will consume Me.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/18-11.htm">John 18:11</a></span><br />&#8220;Put your sword back in its sheath!&#8221; Jesus said to Peter. &#8220;Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-6.htm">Hebrews 12:6</a></span><br />For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-17.htm">James 3:17</a></span><br />But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">What will you? shall I come to you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?</p><p class="hdg">shall.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/5-5.htm">1 Corinthians 5:5</a></b></br> To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/10-2.htm">2 Corinthians 10:2,6,8</a></b></br> But I beseech <i>you</i>, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh&#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/12-20.htm">2 Corinthians 12:20,21</a></b></br> For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and <i>that</i> I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest <i>there be</i> debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: &#8230; </p><p class="hdg">and.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/10-1.htm">2 Corinthians 10:1</a></b></br> Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence <i>am</i> base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-7.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:7</a></b></br> But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/james/3-17.htm">James 3:17</a></b></br> But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, <i>and</i> easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/4-16.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-13.htm">Gentle</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm">Gentleness</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-17.htm">Love</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-3.htm">Meekness</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-32.htm">Prefer</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/matthew/27-30.htm">Rod</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-16.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/luke/1-78.htm">Tender</a> <a href="/romans/16-19.htm">Want</a> <a href="/john/2-15.htm">Whip</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-8.htm">Wish</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/5-10.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-1.htm">Gentle</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-1.htm">Gentleness</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-1.htm">Love</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-1.htm">Meekness</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-8.htm">Prefer</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-31.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/hebrews/1-8.htm">Rod</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/5-3.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-15.htm">Tender</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-28.htm">Want</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-18.htm">Whip</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-7.htm">Wish</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-1.htm">In what account the apostles ought to be regarded.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-7.htm">We have nothing which we have not received.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-9.htm">The apostles spectacles to the world, angels, and men;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-13.htm">the filth and offscouring of the world;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">yet our fathers in Christ;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-16.htm">whom we ought to follow.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book&nbsp;&#9702;</a>&nbsp;<a href="/study/chapters/1_corinthians/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter&nbsp;</a></tr></table></div><b>Which do you prefer?</b><br>This phrase indicates a choice being presented to the Corinthians. Paul is addressing the church in Corinth, a city known for its wealth and moral challenges. The question implies that the Corinthians have a role in determining the manner of Paul's visit, highlighting the importance of their response to his previous instructions and corrections. This reflects the biblical principle of free will and accountability, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/30-19.htm">Deuteronomy 30:19</a>, where God sets before Israel life and death, blessing and curse, urging them to choose life.<p><b>Shall I come to you with a rod,</b><br>The "rod" symbolizes discipline and correction, akin to a shepherd's tool used to guide and correct sheep. In biblical times, a rod was often associated with authority and punishment, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/13-24.htm">Proverbs 13:24</a>, which states, "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him." Paul is prepared to exercise his apostolic authority to correct the Corinthians if necessary, reflecting God's discipline of His people, as described in <a href="/hebrews/12-6.htm">Hebrews 12:6</a>.<p><b>or in love and with a gentle spirit?</b><br>This phrase contrasts the previous one, offering an alternative approach characterized by love and gentleness. Paul's preference is to come in a spirit of love, mirroring the character of Christ, who is described as gentle and humble in heart (<a href="/matthew/11-29.htm">Matthew 11:29</a>). The choice of love and gentleness aligns with the fruit of the Spirit listed in <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a>, emphasizing the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives. This approach also reflects the pastoral heart of Paul, who desires reconciliation and growth for the Corinthian church rather than mere punishment.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of the letter, addressing the Corinthian church with authority and pastoral concern.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/corinthian_church.htm">Corinthian Church</a></b><br>The recipients of the letter, a diverse and often troubled congregation in the city of Corinth.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a></b><br>A major city in ancient Greece known for its wealth, commerce, and moral challenges, which influenced the church's behavior.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/r/rod.htm">Rod</a></b><br>Symbolic of discipline and correction, reflecting Paul's potential approach if the church does not amend its ways.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/l/love_and_gentle_spirit.htm">Love and Gentle Spirit</a></b><br>Represents Paul's preferred approach, emphasizing pastoral care and encouragement.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_discipline_in_the_church.htm">The Role of Discipline in the Church</a></b><br>Discipline is necessary for spiritual growth and correction within the church. Paul&#8217;s mention of the "rod" highlights the importance of addressing sin and disorder.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/balancing_truth_and_love.htm">Balancing Truth and Love</a></b><br>Paul&#8217;s preference to come with "love and a gentle spirit" underscores the need to balance truth with love in our interactions with others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_accountability.htm">Leadership and Accountability</a></b><br>Church leaders are called to hold their congregations accountable, as Paul does with the Corinthians, ensuring that the church remains faithful to its calling.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_choice_in_relationships.htm">The Power of Choice in Relationships</a></b><br>Paul&#8217;s question, "What do you prefer?" invites the Corinthians to choose their response to his leadership, reminding us of the power of choice in our relationships with others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_christ_in_correction.htm">Reflecting Christ in Correction</a></b><br>In all forms of correction, we are to reflect Christ&#8217;s love and gentleness, aiming for restoration and unity within the body of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_christians_live_in_unity_and_love.htm">How should Christians live and act in unity and love?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_1_cor_9_9_and_9_21_align.htm">In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul appeals to the Old Testament law (v.9) yet speaks of being under 'Christ's law' (v.21); how can skeptics be convinced there is no conflict between these two references?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'god's_kingdom_within'_mean.htm">What does 'the kingdom of God is within you' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_church_sin.htm">Is everything permissible also beneficial?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) <span class= "bld">What will ye?</span>--I give you a choice. I am coming to you as a father in any case. But shall I come as a father comes with a rod (<a href="/isaiah/11-4.htm" title="But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.">Isaiah 11:4</a>), and going to inflict punishment with it (such is the force of the Greek, "<span class= "ital">in</span> a rod"); or as a father would come when no faults on the child's part need interfere with the perfect and unrestricted outflowing of his gentleness and love. The pathos of these last few words sufficiently indicate what the Apostle would himself prefer. The choice, however, rested with them. His love would be no love, if without any change on their part, it led him to show no displeasure where correction was for their sake absolutely needed. This is a great and striking example of St. Paul having the "mind of God." He treats the Corinthians as God ever treats His children.<p>This verse at once concludes this first part of the Epistle, in which the party-spirit and the evils resulting from it in Corinth are treated of, and naturally introduces the second topic to be discussed, viz., the case of incest which had occurred, it being one of the things which would compel the Apostle to visit Corinth, not "in love and in the spirit of meekness," but "with a rod."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 21.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">What will ye?</span> "The whole thing lies with you" (Chrysostom). <span class="cmt_word">With a rod;</span> literally, <span class="accented">in a rod </span> a not uncommon Greek phrase. The meaning of this expression is best seen from <a href="/2_corinthians/10-2.htm">2 Corinthians 10:2</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/13-10.htm">2 Corinthians 13:10</a>. In love. He would come to them "in love" in any case; but if they now rejected his appeals the love would be compelled to manifest itself in sharpness and stern deeds. <span class="cmt_word">In the spirit of meekness.</span> Meyer here gives to the word "spirit" the sense of "the Holy Spirit," as in <a href="/john/15-26.htm">John 15:26</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/4-13.htm">2 Corinthians 4:13</a>; but the simpler sense of the term is almost certainly the true one. <p> <p> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/4-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Which</span><br /><span class="grk">&#964;&#943;</span> <span class="translit">(ti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do you prefer?</span><br /><span class="grk">&#952;&#941;&#955;&#949;&#964;&#949;</span> <span class="translit">(thelete)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> </span><span class="str2">To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">Shall I come</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7956;&#955;&#952;&#969;</span> <span class="translit">(elth&#333;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come, go. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="grk">&#960;&#961;&#8056;&#962;</span> <span class="translit">(pros)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> </span><span class="str2">To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you</span><br /><span class="grk">&#8017;&#956;&#8118;&#962;</span> <span class="translit">(hymas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7952;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a rod,</span><br /><span class="grk">&#8165;&#940;&#946;&#948;&#8179;</span> <span class="translit">(rhabd&#333;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4464.htm">Strong's 4464: </a> </span><span class="str2">A rod, staff, staff of authority, scepter. From the base of rhapizo; a stick or wand.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7970;</span> <span class="translit">(&#275;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> </span><span class="str2">Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7952;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">love</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7936;&#947;&#940;&#960;&#8131;</span> <span class="translit">(agap&#275;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_26.htm">Strong's 26: </a> </span><span class="str2">From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and [with]</span><br /><span class="grk">&#964;&#949;</span> <span class="translit">(te)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5037.htm">Strong's 5037: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a gentle</span><br /><span class="grk">&#960;&#961;&#945;&#944;&#964;&#951;&#964;&#959;&#962;</span> <span class="translit">(praut&#275;tos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4240.htm">Strong's 4240: </a> </span><span class="str2">Mildness, gentleness. From praus; mildness, i.e. humility.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">spirit?</span><br /><span class="grk">&#960;&#957;&#949;&#973;&#956;&#945;&#964;&#943;</span> <span class="translit">(pneumati)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4151.htm">Strong's 4151: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, spirit. </span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/4-21.htm">1 Corinthians 4:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/4-21.htm">1 Corinthians 4:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/4-21.htm">1 Corinthians 4:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/4-21.htm">1 Corinthians 4:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/4-21.htm">1 Corinthians 4:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/4-21.htm">1 Corinthians 4:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/4-21.htm">1 Corinthians 4:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/4-21.htm">1 Corinthians 4:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/4-21.htm">1 Corinthians 4:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/4-21.htm">1 Corinthians 4:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_corinthians/4-21.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 4:21 What do you want? Shall I come (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 4:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 4:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/5-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 5:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 5:1" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>

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