1 Corinthians 11:16

KJV

But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} if any man {G1536} seem {G1380} to be {G1511} contentious {G5380}, we {G2249} have {G2192} no {G3756} such {G5108} custom {G4914}, neither {G3761} the churches {G1577} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, if anyone wants to argue about it, the fact remains that we have no such custom, nor do the Messianic communities of God.

Berean Standard Bible

If anyone is inclined to dispute this, we have no other practice, nor do the churches of God.

American Standard Version

But if any man seemeth to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 11:16, Paul emphatically concludes his discourse on head coverings and church order by asserting that if anyone wishes to be contentious about the practices he has outlined, neither he nor the collective "churches of God" endorse or exhibit such a disputatious attitude or deviate from these established customs. This verse serves as a powerful appeal to apostolic authority, universal Christian practice, and the importance of unity and decorum within the body of Christ, effectively shutting down further argument on the matter.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the decisive conclusion to Paul's extensive instruction regarding head coverings and gender roles in public worship, spanning [1 Corinthians 11:2-15](/1_corinthians/11-2-15 "1 Corinthians 11:2-15 - Instructions on Head Coverings and Order in Worship"). Paul begins this section by commending the Corinthians for remembering his teachings ([1 Corinthians 11:2](/1_corinthians/11-2 "1 Corinthians 11:2 - Paul's Commendation")), then immediately delves into the hierarchical order of creation (God, Christ, man, woman) as a basis for his instructions on head coverings ([1 Corinthians 11:3-10](/1_corinthians/11-3-10 "1 Corinthians 11:3-10 - Divine Order and Head Coverings")). He balances this with a reminder of mutual dependence in the Lord ([1 Corinthians 11:11-12](/1_corinthians/11-11-12 "1 Corinthians 11:11-12 - Mutual Dependence")) and appeals to natural order and common sense ([1 Corinthians 11:13-15](/1_corinthians/11-13-15 "1 Corinthians 11:13-15 - Appeal to Nature and Propriety")). [Verse 16](/1_corinthians/11-16 "1 Corinthians 11:16 - Paul's Concluding Statement on Church Practice") acts as a final, authoritative word, moving from reasoned argument to a firm declaration of established practice and apostolic consensus, preempting any further debate.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling Roman colony, a major trade hub known for its diverse population, wealth, and notorious immorality. The Corinthian church, a young community, struggled with internal divisions, pride, and the assimilation of pagan cultural norms into Christian practice. The issue of head coverings was deeply intertwined with social customs of honor, shame, and public identity in the Greco-Roman world. For women, a covered head often signified modesty, respectability, and marital status, while an uncovered head could imply promiscuity or a rejection of social norms. For men, long hair or a covered head could be seen as effeminate or a sign of shame. Paul's instructions were not merely about fashion but about maintaining a distinct Christian witness and order that reflected God's created order, avoiding scandal, and ensuring that worship was conducted in a manner that honored God and distinguished believers from the surrounding culture.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 11:16](/1_corinthians/11-16 "1 Corinthians 11:16 - Paul's Concluding Statement on Church Practice") powerfully reinforces several key themes prevalent throughout [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians - Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians"). Firstly, it underscores **apostolic authority**; Paul's "we" refers to himself and his fellow apostles, whose teachings are normative for the churches. Secondly, it emphasizes **church order and unity**, contrasting the contentious spirit with the consistent, unified practices of "the churches of God," highlighting the importance of conformity to a common standard for the sake of peace and witness. This aligns with Paul's broader concern for order in worship, as seen in [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order"). Thirdly, the verse addresses the problem of **contentiousness and division**, a recurring issue in Corinth (e.g., [1 Corinthians 1:10-13](/1_corinthians/1-10-13 "1 Corinthians 1:10-13 - Divisions in the Church")). Paul seeks to quell unnecessary disputes that undermine the church's mission and internal harmony, advocating for a spirit of humility and submission to established Christian practice rather than a quarrelsome disposition.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **contentious (Greek, _philóneikos'_):** Derived from *philos* (friend, fond of) and *neikos* (strife, quarrel), this word literally means "fond of strife" or "quarrelsome." It describes someone who is disputatious, prone to arguing, or eager to engage in debate, often for the sake of it rather than for truth. Paul uses this term to characterize the disruptive attitude of those who would challenge his instructions regarding church practice, indicating that such a spirit is contrary to the nature of Christian community.
* **custom (Greek, _synḗtheia'_):** This term refers to an established practice, habit, or usage. It denotes something that is common, accepted, and customary within a community. In this context, Paul uses it to assert that the practices he is advocating are not novel or arbitrary but are consistent with the established, widely accepted customs of Christian churches everywhere, lending weight to his argument and diminishing the legitimacy of any local deviation.
* **churches (Greek, _ekklēsía'_):** From *ek* (out of) and *kaleō* (to call), *ekklēsía* refers to a "calling out" or an "assembly." In the New Testament, it primarily denotes a local congregation of believers or the universal body of Christ. Here, "the churches of God" signifies the collective Christian communities beyond Corinth, emphasizing a broader, unified standard of practice and belief across the nascent Christian world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if any man seem to be contentious":** Paul introduces a hypothetical scenario, directly addressing anyone who might be inclined to argue or dispute his preceding instructions. The phrase "seem to be" (G1380, *dokéō*) implies not just an appearance of contentiousness but a genuine disposition or inclination towards it. This highlights Paul's awareness of potential resistance and his proactive move to counter it.
* **"we have no such custom":** This is a firm declaration of apostolic practice. The "we" (G2249, *hēmeîs*) is emphatic, referring to Paul himself and implicitly to his apostolic colleagues or the standard set by them. "No such custom" (G3756, *ou* + G5108, *toioûtos* + G4914, *synḗtheia*) means that neither Paul nor those who share his apostolic authority engage in or tolerate the kind of disputatious behavior or the practices that such contentiousness might advocate. They do not have a "custom" of endless debate over established order.
* **"neither the churches of God":** This final clause broadens the scope of Paul's assertion from apostolic practice to the universal Christian community. "Neither" (G3761, *oudé*) reinforces the negative, indicating that not only do the apostles not have such a custom, but neither do the collective "churches of God" (G1577, *ekklēsía* + G2316, *theós*). This appeal to the consensus of the broader Christian world serves as a powerful deterrent to local deviation and underscores the importance of unity and common practice among believers.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in [1 Corinthians 11:16](/1_corinthians/11-16 "1 Corinthians 11:16 - Paul's Concluding Statement on Church Practice") to deliver his concluding statement with force and finality. Firstly, he uses **Hypothetical Questioning** ("But if any man seem to be contentious") to directly confront potential dissent without naming specific individuals, making the statement universally applicable to anyone holding such an attitude. Secondly, there is a strong element of **Apostolic Assertion** and **Appeal to Authority**, as Paul declares "we have no such custom," leveraging his position as an apostle to establish the norm. This is immediately followed by an **Appeal to Precedent and Consensus** through the phrase "neither the churches of God," which functions as a powerful **Argument from Universal Practice**. By stating that this custom is not found in any of God's churches, Paul effectively isolates the contentious individual or group, implying that their position is aberrant and outside the mainstream of Christian fellowship. This combination of direct address, authoritative declaration, and appeal to widespread Christian practice serves as a rhetorical "mic drop," aiming to definitively end the debate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Corinthians 11:16](/1_corinthians/11-16 "1 Corinthians 11:16 - Paul's Concluding Statement on Church Practice") profoundly speaks to the theological importance of unity, order, and humility within the Christian community. It underscores that while Christian liberty is vital, it is not an excuse for contentiousness or for undermining the peace and common witness of the church. Paul's appeal to "the churches of God" highlights a nascent understanding of a universal Christian identity and practice, suggesting that local congregations are part of a larger body and should strive for harmony rather than isolated, divisive customs. This verse implicitly teaches that certain practices, even if not explicitly commanded in every detail, become normative through apostolic teaching and widespread acceptance, particularly when they contribute to the decorum and spiritual health of the community. It challenges believers to prioritize the collective good and the testimony of the gospel over personal preferences or a quarrelsome spirit.

* [Ephesians 4:1-3](/ephesians/4-1-3 "Ephesians 4:1-3 - Unity of the Spirit")
* [Romans 14:19](/romans/14-19 "Romans 14:19 - Pursuing Peace and Mutual Edification")
* [Titus 3:9-11](/titus/3-9-11 "Titus 3:9-11 - Avoiding Foolish Disputes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific issue of head coverings may not be a central debate in most contemporary churches, the underlying principles of [1 Corinthians 11:16](/1_corinthians/11-16 "1 Corinthians 11:16 - Paul's Concluding Statement on Church Practice") remain profoundly relevant for fostering healthy Christian communities. This verse calls believers to a spirit of humility and a commitment to unity over personal preferences or a desire to argue. It reminds us that our individual expressions of faith should consider the collective witness and established order of the broader church. When disagreements arise, we are challenged to discern whether our stance is driven by a genuine pursuit of truth and godliness or by a "contentious" spirit that thrives on division. Ultimately, Paul's concluding statement encourages us to submit to apostolic teaching and the consensus of the Christian community, prioritizing peace, mutual edification, and the clear testimony of the gospel above all else. This requires a willingness to yield, to listen, and to love, even when we might hold differing opinions on non-essential matters.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my church or Christian community might a "contentious" spirit be present, and how can I personally contribute to peace rather than division?**
* **How do I discern between a legitimate theological disagreement that requires careful discussion and a "foolish dispute" that should be avoided for the sake of unity?**
* **What established "customs" or practices in my church, even if not explicitly commanded in Scripture, contribute to order and decorum, and how can I support them with a humble spirit?**
* **How does my personal expression of Christian liberty align with or potentially detract from the unity and witness of the broader body of Christ?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "contentious" in this verse?**

Answer: By "contentious" (Greek: *philóneikos*), Paul is referring to someone who is fond of strife, quarrelsome, or disputatious. It describes a person who is inclined to argue or debate, often for the sake of the argument itself rather than a genuine pursuit of truth or understanding. In the context of [1 Corinthians 11](/1_corinthians/11 "1 Corinthians 11 - Paul's Instructions on Worship and the Lord's Supper"), Paul is directly addressing anyone who might want to challenge or undermine his instructions regarding head coverings and church order with an argumentative spirit. He is essentially saying that such a spirit of opposition is not tolerated or exemplified by the apostles or by the other churches of God.

**Does this verse imply that all churches must have identical customs and practices?**

Answer: While [1 Corinthians 11:16](/1_corinthians/11-16 "1 Corinthians 11:16 - Paul's Concluding Statement on Church Practice") emphasizes a common standard and the unity of practice among "the churches of God," it does not necessarily demand absolute uniformity in every minor custom across all Christian denominations today. The "custom" Paul refers to here relates to the specific issue of decorum and order in worship, particularly concerning gender roles and public appearance, which had significant cultural implications in the first century. The verse primarily condemns a *contentious spirit* that seeks to disrupt established, biblically sound order. It encourages deference to apostolic teaching and the general consensus of the wider Christian community on matters of church practice that promote peace, unity, and a clear witness, rather than fostering division over non-essential issues. The broader principle is that Christian communities should strive for order and avoid practices that cause unnecessary strife or dishonor God.

**How can this verse be applied to disagreements within modern churches?**

Answer: [1 Corinthians 11:16](/1_corinthians/11-16 "1 Corinthians 11:16 - Paul's Concluding Statement on Church Practice") provides a vital principle for navigating disagreements in contemporary churches. It calls believers to prioritize unity and peace over personal preferences or a desire to argue. When debates arise, especially over matters of church practice, structure, or non-essential doctrines, this verse encourages us to examine our own spirit: are we genuinely seeking God's will with humility, or are we being "contentious"? It reminds us that the broader body of Christ often holds consistent practices that foster godliness and good order, and we should be wary of positions that isolate us from the consensus of faithful believers or disrupt the peace of the local congregation. Ultimately, it encourages a spirit of submission to wise leadership and a commitment to building up the church rather than tearing it down through endless disputes, echoing Paul's call in [Romans 14:19](/romans/14-19 "Romans 14:19 - Pursuing Peace and Mutual Edification") to pursue "what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 11:16](/1_corinthians/11-16 "1 Corinthians 11:16 - Paul's Concluding Statement on Church Practice"), while addressing practical church order, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. The contentious spirit Paul condemns stands in stark contrast to the very nature and mission of Jesus, who came not to strive or cry out ([Matthew 12:19](/matthew/12-19 "Matthew 12:19 - Jesus, the Suffering Servant")), but to bring peace and reconciliation. Christ himself is the head of the church ([Ephesians 5:23](/ephesians/5-23 "Ephesians 5:23 - Christ as Head of the Church")), and His desire is for His body, the church, to be unified and without division, reflecting His own oneness with the Father ([John 17:20-23](/john/17-20-23 "John 17:20-23 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity")). The "customs" and order Paul advocates are ultimately designed to reflect the beauty and order of Christ's reign, where every member functions harmoniously as part of His body ([1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ")). Furthermore, Christ's supreme act of humility in emptying Himself and taking the form of a servant ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")) serves as the ultimate example for believers to abandon contentious attitudes and embrace a spirit of submission, love, and unity for the sake of the gospel and the glory of God. In Christ, we find the model for how to live in community, prioritizing peace and mutual edification over personal disputes, thereby fulfilling the very purpose for which the church exists.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 7:17

¶ But 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 Timothy 6:3

If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, [even] the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

1 Timothy 6:4

He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

1 Thessalonians 2:14

For 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 21:24

Them 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 21:21

And 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.

1 Corinthians 14:33

For God is not [the author] of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.