1 Corinthians 16:16

KJV

That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with [us], and laboureth.

KJV (with Strong's)

{G2532} That {G2443} ye {G5210} submit yourselves {G5293} unto such {G5108}, and {G2532} to every one {G3956} that helpeth {G4903} with us, and {G2532} laboureth {G2872}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I urge you to submit yourselves to people like these and to everyone who works and toils with them.

Berean Standard Bible

to submit to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer.

American Standard Version

that ye also be in subjection unto such, and to every one that helpeth in the work and laboreth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 16:16 serves as a concluding exhortation from the Apostle Paul to the Corinthian believers, urging them to recognize, respect, and align themselves with those who are diligently serving the church. It underscores the importance of honoring faithful laborers in the Lord, particularly those like the household of Stephanas, who have devoted themselves to the spiritual welfare of the community through tireless effort and cooperative ministry. This verse emphasizes the reciprocal relationship of support and mutual submission within the body of Christ, fostering unity and effectiveness in the work of the Gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the closing remarks of Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians, specifically following his instructions regarding the collection for the saints in Jerusalem and his personal travel plans. Immediately preceding [1 Corinthians 16:16](/1_corinthians/16-16 "1 Corinthians 16:16 - Exhortation to Submit to Diligent Servants"), Paul commends the household of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus in [1 Corinthians 16:15](/1_corinthians/16-15 "1 Corinthians 16:15 - The Household of Stephanas") for their devotion to the saints and for refreshing his spirit. Thus, "such" in verse 16 directly refers to these exemplary individuals and, by extension, to all who demonstrate similar dedication and sacrificial service within the Christian community. Paul's exhortation is a call for the Corinthians to reciprocate the spiritual refreshment and service they have received by submitting to and cooperating with these faithful workers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Corinth was a vibrant but often contentious community, grappling with issues ranging from divisions and immorality to spiritual gifts and theological misunderstandings, as evidenced throughout [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians "First Corinthians - Paul's Letter to the Church in Corinth"). In this Hellenistic city, a culture of honor and shame was prevalent, and social hierarchies were deeply ingrained. Paul's call for "submission" (hypotássō) would have resonated with their understanding of social order, yet he redefines it within a Christian framework, emphasizing voluntary cooperation and respect for spiritual authority derived from faithful service, rather than worldly status or power. The "laboring" (kopiáō) mentioned reflects the often arduous and sacrificial nature of early Christian ministry, which frequently involved personal cost and tireless effort in a hostile environment.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 16:16](/1_corinthians/16-16 "1 Corinthians 16:16 - Exhortation to Submit to Diligent Servants") contributes to several overarching themes in Paul's letter. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **unity and order in the church**, a recurring concern throughout [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians "First Corinthians - Paul's Letter to the Church in Corinth") (e.g., [1 Corinthians 1:10](/1_corinthians/1-10 "1 Corinthians 1:10 - Call for Unity")). By advocating for submission to diligent servants, Paul promotes a harmonious and functional body where each member respects the contributions of others. Secondly, it highlights the importance of **recognizing and honoring faithful service**, particularly those who "devoted themselves to the service of the saints" ([1 Corinthians 16:15](/1_corinthians/16-15 "1 Corinthians 16:15 - The Household of Stephanas")). This theme of valuing spiritual labor is also seen in Paul's discussions on spiritual gifts and the various roles within the body of Christ (e.g., [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts")). Finally, the verse subtly touches upon the **collaborative nature of ministry**, emphasizing that the work of the Gospel is a shared endeavor requiring mutual support and partnership between leaders and congregants.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **submit yourselves (Greek, _hypotássō'_):** From ὑπό (hypó, "under") and τάσσω (tássō, "to arrange, order"), meaning to subordinate, reflexively to obey, or to be subject to. In this context, it denotes a voluntary attitude of cooperation, respect, and support for those who are faithfully serving, rather than a forced or military-style submission. It implies aligning oneself with their efforts for the common good of the church.
* **helpeth (Greek, _synergéō'_):** From συνεργός (synergós, "fellow-worker"), meaning to be a fellow-worker or to cooperate. This word emphasizes the collaborative nature of Christian ministry, highlighting that these individuals are not merely leaders to be obeyed, but partners in the work of the Gospel. It speaks to mutual effort and shared purpose.
* **laboureth (Greek, _kopiáō'_):** From a derivative of κόπος (kópos, "toil, trouble"), meaning to feel fatigue, and by implication, to work hard or exert oneself to the point of weariness. This term underscores the intensive, often physically and emotionally demanding, effort involved in serving the church and ministry, providing a strong rationale for why such individuals deserve honor, support, and cooperation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That ye submit yourselves unto such":** This clause directly follows Paul's commendation of Stephanas' household, indicating that "such" refers to those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to the saints. The exhortation to "submit yourselves" (hypotássō) is not about blind obedience to human authority, but a voluntary posture of cooperation, respect, and alignment with their spirit of service and leadership. It implies recognizing their God-given role and supporting their efforts for the church's well-being.
* **"and to every one that helpeth with [us]":** Paul broadens the scope beyond specific individuals to include "every one" who actively "helpeth with [us]," meaning those who are fellow-workers or co-laborers in the ministry. This emphasizes the inclusive nature of the call to respect and cooperate. It highlights the collaborative partnership essential for effective ministry, where all who contribute diligently are to be honored and supported.
* **"and laboureth":** This final phrase specifies the nature of the "help" and service being commended: it is characterized by hard work, toil, and exertion, often to the point of weariness (kopiáō). This reinforces the sacrificial and demanding nature of true spiritual service. It underscores that those who invest themselves so deeply and tirelessly in the Lord's work are worthy of the church's respect, support, and cooperative submission.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Exhortation** throughout this verse, directly commanding the Corinthians to adopt a specific posture ("submit yourselves") towards diligent servants. The use of **Commendation** is implicit, as the instruction to submit to "such" and "every one that helpeth... and laboureth" inherently praises those who embody these qualities. The term "laboureth" (kopiáō) functions as a powerful **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where the intense effort stands for the entire sacrificial and dedicated service of these individuals. This choice of word evokes empathy and appreciation for the arduous nature of their commitment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First Corinthians 16:16 underscores a profound theological principle: the reciprocal nature of Christian community and the importance of honoring those who faithfully serve. It teaches that spiritual authority and influence are often earned through sacrificial labor and a genuine devotion to the saints, rather than through hierarchical position alone. The call to "submit yourselves" is not about blind obedience, but about a voluntary alignment with and support for those whose lives and work demonstrate true spiritual fruit and leadership. This fosters a healthy church environment where mutual respect, cooperation, and shared purpose empower the body of Christ to function effectively and fulfill its mission, reflecting God's order and love.

* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [Hebrews 13:17](/hebrews/13-17 "Hebrews 13:17 - Obey Your Leaders")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:12-13](/1_thessalonians/5-12-13 "1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 - Respect Those Who Labor Among You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's exhortation in [1 Corinthians 16:16](/1_corinthians/16-16 "1 Corinthians 16:16 - Exhortation to Submit to Diligent Servants") remains profoundly relevant for believers today. In an age that often celebrates individualism and questions authority, this verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of humility, cooperation, and appreciation within the Christian community. It challenges us to actively identify, honor, and support those who tirelessly dedicate themselves to the spiritual well-being of others, whether they are pastors, elders, deacons, ministry leaders, or faithful volunteers. This support can manifest in various ways: by actively participating in their initiatives, offering words of encouragement and affirmation, praying for their strength and wisdom, and refraining from unnecessary criticism or division. Embracing this principle fosters a healthy, unified church where the work of God flourishes, and where every member contributes to the common good, embodying the love and order that Christ desires for His body.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Who are the individuals in your local church or Christian community who "labour" diligently and "helpeth with [us]"?**
* **In what practical ways can you "submit yourselves" to and support their efforts for the good of the church?**
* **How does a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect contribute to the overall health and effectiveness of your Christian community?**
* **What might prevent believers from recognizing or submitting to those who faithfully serve, and how can these obstacles be overcome?**

### FAQ

**What does "submit yourselves" mean in this context, and is it a command for blind obedience?**

Answer: In [1 Corinthians 16:16](/1_corinthians/16-16 "1 Corinthians 16:16 - Exhortation to Submit to Diligent Servants"), the Greek word for "submit yourselves" (hypotássō) does not imply blind obedience or an authoritarian hierarchy. Rather, it denotes a voluntary attitude of cooperation, respect, and alignment with the efforts of those who are faithfully serving the church. As seen in [Ephesians 5:21](/ephesians/5-21 "Ephesians 5:21 - Submitting to One Another"), Christians are called to "submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." Here, Paul is urging the Corinthians to recognize the genuine, sacrificial labor of individuals like Stephanas' household and to willingly support their God-given roles and initiatives for the spiritual health and growth of the community. It's about fostering unity and order through mutual respect and partnership in ministry.

**Who are the "such" that Paul is referring to in this verse?**

Answer: The "such" in [1 Corinthians 16:16](/1_corinthians/16-16 "1 Corinthians 16:16 - Exhortation to Submit to Diligent Servants") primarily refers to the household of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, whom Paul has just commended in [1 Corinthians 16:15](/1_corinthians/16-15 "1 Corinthians 16:15 - The Household of Stephanas") for their dedication to "the service of the saints" and for refreshing his spirit and that of the Corinthians. By extension, it refers to "every one that helpeth with [us], and laboureth"—that is, all individuals within the Christian community who demonstrate similar faithful, diligent, and self-sacrificial commitment to serving the body of Christ. These are the ones whose efforts are worthy of recognition, respect, and cooperation from other believers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The call to "submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with [us], and laboureth" in [1 Corinthians 16:16](/1_corinthians/16-16 "1 Corinthians 16:16 - Exhortation to Submit to Diligent Servants") finds its ultimate fulfillment and model in Christ Himself. Jesus, though God, did not cling to His divine prerogatives but "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). His entire earthly ministry was characterized by tireless labor and selfless service, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice on the cross ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). He is the supreme example of one who "laboured" to the point of exhaustion for the sake of His people, and who "helped with us" by bearing our sins and reconciling us to God. Furthermore, Christ's leadership was always one of humble service, urging His disciples to follow His example ([John 13:14-15](/john/13-14-15 "John 13:14-15 - Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet")). Therefore, when believers submit to and honor those who faithfully serve and labor in the church, they are not merely respecting human effort, but are participating in and reflecting the very character and mission of Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve. This mutual submission and recognition of sacrificial service within the body of Christ is a tangible expression of our corporate devotion to the Lord who first served us.

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

Hebrews 13:17

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:12

And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

3 John 1:8

We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.

1 Thessalonians 1:3

Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

1 Corinthians 12:28

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

Revelation 2:3

And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.

Romans 16:12

Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.