1 Corinthians 16:13

¶ Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Watch ye {G1127}, stand fast {G4739} in {G1722} the faith {G4102}, quit you like men {G407}, be strong {G2901}.

Stay alert, stand firm in the faith, behave like a mentsh, grow strong.

Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Commentary

The Apostle Paul concludes his first epistle to the Corinthians with a powerful, concise series of four imperatives in 1 Corinthians 16:13, serving as a final charge to the church. This verse encapsulates essential aspects of Christian living, urging believers to maintain spiritual readiness and fortitude in their walk with God.

Context

This verse appears near the very end of Paul's letter, following practical instructions regarding the collection for the saints, travel plans for Timothy and Apollos, and various greetings. It acts as a succinct summary of the spiritual posture Paul desires for the Corinthian believers, who faced internal divisions, moral challenges, and external pressures. It’s a call to spiritual maturity and steadfastness before his final benediction, emphasizing the need for personal responsibility and resilience in their faith journey.

Key Themes

  • Watchfulness ("Watch ye"): This command emphasizes spiritual alertness and vigilance. Believers are called to be awake and aware of their spiritual surroundings, ready for the challenges of temptation, false teaching, and the eventual return of Christ. It's a call to spiritual vigilance against the adversary.
  • Steadfastness ("stand fast in the faith"): This refers to an unwavering commitment to the core truths and doctrines of the Christian faith. It's about maintaining firm ground in belief and practice, not being easily swayed by doubts, cultural pressures, or erroneous teachings. It encourages believers to be rooted and built up in Christ.
  • Courage/Maturity ("quit you like men"): The King James Version's phrase "quit you like men" translates a Greek idiom meaning "act like men" or "be courageous." It's not about gender, but a call to spiritual maturity, bravery, and resolution. It implies taking responsibility, facing challenges head-on with fortitude, and behaving with the spiritual maturity expected of those who follow Christ, rather than acting childishly or timidly.
  • Strength ("be strong"): This final exhortation encourages believers to draw upon divine power. It's not a call to self-reliance but to depend on God's strength for spiritual battles, endurance, and fulfilling their calling. This aligns with Paul's teaching to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "quit you like men" comes from the Greek verb andrizomai (ἀνδρίζομαι), which literally means "to act like a man," but contextually implies "to be brave," "to show courage," or "to behave with resolve." In ancient Greek culture, acting like a man meant demonstrating courage, maturity, and responsibility, particularly in the face of adversity. Paul uses this term to call the Corinthians to spiritual fortitude and steadfastness, urging them to rise above their past immaturity and divisions, and to face the spiritual realities of their lives with Christ-like courage.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 16:13 remains a timeless and vital call to action. It encourages a proactive and resilient faith:

  • Spiritual Awareness: Be mindful of spiritual realities, temptations, and opportunities for growth.
  • Doctrinal Firmness: Ground your life in the unchanging truths of God's Word, resisting fads or false teachings.
  • Courageous Living: Face life's challenges with spiritual bravery, demonstrating maturity and resolve in your convictions.
  • Divine Empowerment: Rely on God's strength, not your own, to live out your faith and fulfill your purpose.

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that the Christian walk requires active participation, unwavering commitment, and a courageous spirit, all empowered by God's grace.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 1:9 (233 votes)

    Have 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 6:13 (228 votes)

    Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

  • Ephesians 6:18 (228 votes)

    Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

  • Ephesians 6:10 (179 votes)

    ¶ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:58 (152 votes)

    ¶ Therefore, 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.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:9 (132 votes)

    And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:10 (132 votes)

    Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.