1 Corinthians 16:7

KJV

For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} I will {G2309} not {G3756} see {G1492} you {G5209} now {G737} by {G1722} the way {G3938}; but {G1161} I trust {G1679} to tarry {G1961} a while {G5100}{G5550} with {G4314} you {G5209}, if {G1437} the Lord {G2962} permit {G2010}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For I don’t want to see you now, when I am only passing through; because I am hoping to spend some time with you, if the Lord allows it.

Berean Standard Bible

For I do not want to see you now only in passing; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.

American Standard Version

For I do not wish to see you now by the way; for I hope to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In the Apostle Paul communicates his provisional travel plans to the church in Corinth, expressing his desire for a substantial, rather than fleeting, visit. This verse not only reveals the practicalities of apostolic ministry but also profoundly underscores Paul's theological conviction concerning divine sovereignty, demonstrating that even his most earnest intentions and strategic plans were always held in humble submission to the ultimate will and timing of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the concluding remarks of Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians, following his extensive theological and practical instructions on various issues plaguing the church. Having addressed divisions, immorality, spiritual gifts, and the resurrection, Paul transitions to practical matters, including the collection for the saints in Jerusalem ([1 Corinthians 16:1-4](/1_corinthians/16-1-4 "1 Corinthians 16:1-4 - The Collection for the Saints")) and his future travel itinerary. He had previously indicated his intention to pass through Macedonia before arriving in Corinth ([1 Corinthians 16:5](/1_corinthians/16-5 "1 Corinthians 16:5 - Paul's Macedonian Route")), and here he clarifies that he does not wish for a brief, opportunistic encounter "by the way," but rather a prolonged stay to foster deeper fellowship and provide more thorough instruction. This personal update serves to reinforce his pastoral care and transparency with the Corinthian believers, demonstrating his commitment to their spiritual well-being beyond the written word.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, travel was arduous, time-consuming, and often dangerous. Communication over long distances was slow and unreliable, making personal visits by apostles like Paul invaluable for teaching, encouragement, and resolving disputes within nascent Christian communities. Paul's itineraries were not merely personal preferences but strategic decisions aimed at spreading the Gospel and nurturing churches. The phrase "by the way" (`en parodō`) suggests a quick stopover, perhaps while en route to another destination, which would have been a common mode of travel for itinerant teachers. However, Paul's desire to "tarry a while" (`epimenō`) signifies a commitment to an extended, intentional period of ministry. This highlights the importance of sustained, personal presence in early church leadership, where face-to-face interaction was paramount for building relationships and imparting foundational truths in a culture reliant on oral tradition and personal mentorship.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in 1 Corinthians and Pauline theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Human Dependence**. Paul's explicit "if the Lord permit" is a profound theological statement, echoing the principle found in [James 4:13-15](/james/4-13-15 "James 4:13-15 - Boasting About Tomorrow") that human plans, no matter how well-conceived, are ultimately subject to God's sovereign will. This theme pervades Paul's ministry, as seen in his prayer for a prosperous journey to Rome in [Romans 1:10](/romans/1-10 "Romans 1:10 - Paul's Desire to Visit Rome") and his acknowledgment of God's leading in his missionary journeys throughout [Acts](/acts "The Book of Acts - History of the Early Church"). Another key theme is **Pastoral Care and Intentional Ministry**. Paul's preference for a longer stay demonstrates his deep love and commitment to the Corinthian church, prioritizing quality, in-depth engagement over superficial contact. This reflects his consistent model of discipleship, where he sought to "build up" believers ([1 Corinthians 14:12](/1_corinthians/14-12 "1 Corinthians 14:12 - Building Up the Church")) through sustained teaching and personal presence, rather than merely passing through. Finally, the verse subtly underscores the theme of **Responsible Planning with Humble Submission**. Paul was a meticulous strategist for the Gospel, but his plans were never rigid; they were always held loosely, acknowledging God's ultimate authority and wisdom in directing his steps. This balance between diligent planning and humble submission is a hallmark of godly leadership.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **will (Greek, _thélō'_):** This word signifies a determination or active option arising from subjective impulse, indicating a choice or preference. Here, Paul expresses his strong personal desire or intention not to make a brief stop but to stay longer. It's not a mere passive wish but an active inclination.
* **trust (Greek, _elpízō'_):** Meaning "to expect or confide," this term conveys Paul's hope or confident expectation regarding his extended stay. It implies a reliance, not on his own ability to execute the plan, but on the potential for it to materialize, contingent upon divine allowance.
* **permit (Greek, _epitrépō'_):** Derived from "to turn over," this word means "to allow," "to permit," or "to grant leave." It is crucial as it highlights that Paul's ability to fulfill his desire is entirely dependent on God's gracious authorization or permission, not on his own strength, foresight, or schedule.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I will not see you now by the way":** Paul states his clear intention to avoid a fleeting, superficial visit. The phrase "by the way" (Greek: `en parodō`) indicates a quick, passing encounter, perhaps while en route to another destination. Paul desires more than a mere stopover; he wants a substantial period of time with the Corinthians. This reveals his pastoral heart and his commitment to deep, meaningful engagement rather than perfunctory visits.
* **"but I trust to tarry a while with you":** In contrast to a brief encounter, Paul expresses his confident hope (`elpízō`) of an extended stay (`epimenō`, "to remain" or "to persevere"). This signifies his desire to spend a significant amount of time with them, implying a period sufficient for teaching, fellowship, and addressing their needs comprehensively. His "trust" indicates an expectation rooted in faith, not a certainty independent of God.
* **"if the Lord permit.":** This conditional clause is the theological linchpin of the verse. Paul acknowledges that all his plans, desires, and intentions are ultimately subject to the sovereign will and divine permission (`epitrépō`) of the Lord (`kýrios`). This phrase is a humble recognition that human agency operates within the framework of God's overarching plan, underscoring a deep reliance on God's providence for every aspect of life and ministry.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. **Apostolic Authority** is subtly conveyed through Paul's direct communication of his plans, yet it is immediately tempered by **Humility** as he submits his intentions to divine will. The use of a **Conditional Clause** ("if the Lord permit") is a profound theological statement, functioning as a literary and theological pivot that shifts the ultimate authority from human planning to divine sovereignty. This device highlights Paul's consistent theological framework, where human endeavors are always contingent upon God's permissive will. Furthermore, the contrast between "not see you now by the way" and "tarry a while with you" serves as a form of **Antithesis**, emphasizing Paul's genuine pastoral desire for deep, sustained fellowship over a superficial encounter. This stylistic choice underscores his commitment to the spiritual well-being of the Corinthian church.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's statement in [1 Corinthians 16:7](/1_corinthians/16-7 "1 Corinthians 16:7 - Paul's Reliance on God's Will") serves as a timeless theological reminder of the profound interplay between human planning and divine sovereignty. It teaches us that while we are called to be diligent in our endeavors and make wise plans, we must always hold them loosely, recognizing that God's ultimate will and timing supersede our own. This posture of humble submission is not an excuse for passivity but rather an acknowledgment that God is actively involved in directing the steps of His people. It fosters a spirit of prayerful dependence, encouraging believers to seek God's guidance in all decisions and to trust His perfect wisdom, even when our plans are altered or delayed. This verse reinforces the biblical truth that God is the ultimate orchestrator of events, and our greatest peace comes from aligning our will with His.

* [James 4:13-15](/james/4-13-15 "James 4:13-15 - The Arrogance of Presumption")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Acts 18:21](/acts/18-21 "Acts 18:21 - Paul's Return to Ephesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's simple declaration, "if the Lord permit," offers profound wisdom for contemporary believers navigating a world that often prioritizes self-sufficiency and rigid planning. It challenges us to cultivate a posture of humble dependence on God in every aspect of our lives, from daily schedules to long-term career goals and ministry endeavors. While diligence in planning is a virtue, this verse reminds us that true wisdom lies in holding our plans with an open hand, recognizing that God's sovereign will is the ultimate determinant of outcomes. This perspective liberates us from the anxiety of needing to control every detail and invites us into a deeper trust in God's perfect timing and wisdom. It encourages us to pray, "Your will be done," not as a mere formality, but as a genuine surrender of our desires to His greater purpose. Furthermore, Paul's desire to "tarry a while" rather than just pass "by the way" highlights the importance of intentionality and depth in our relationships and ministries, prioritizing quality engagement over superficial interactions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the phrase "if the Lord permit" challenge your approach to planning and goal-setting in your personal and professional life?**
* **In what areas of your life do you find it most difficult to surrender your plans to God's sovereignty?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper sense of dependence on God's will, even when His plans for you differ from your own desires?**
* **In what ways can you prioritize "tarrying a while" (deep, meaningful engagement) over "seeing by the way" (superficial interactions) in your relationships and ministry?**

### FAQ

**Does "if the Lord permit" mean we shouldn't plan for the future?**

Answer: No, "if the Lord permit" does not mean Christians should avoid planning for the future. Rather, it encourages a posture of humble submission and dependence on God's will when making plans. Paul himself was a meticulous planner, strategizing his missionary journeys and visits, as seen throughout [Acts](/acts "The Book of Acts - The Early Church"). The emphasis is not on the absence of planning, but on the recognition that all human plans are ultimately contingent upon God's sovereign permission and direction. It serves as a safeguard against presumption and arrogance, reminding us that our lives and times are in God's hands. As [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps") states, "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps." We plan, but God ultimately guides.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's humble submission to the Lord's permission in his travel plans finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. While Paul, as a human, needed to acknowledge divine sovereignty over his future, Christ, being God incarnate, perfectly embodied and demonstrated absolute submission to the Father's will, even to the point of death. Jesus consistently lived by the principle of "if the Lord permit," not out of uncertainty, but out of perfect obedience and unity with the Father's purpose. His entire earthly mission was defined by doing the will of Him who sent Him, as He declared in [John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Father's Will"): "For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me." In the Garden of Gethsemane, facing the agony of the cross, Jesus prayed, "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt" ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). This ultimate act of surrender to the Father's "permitting" will led to the redemption of humanity. Thus, Paul's aspiration to live under divine permission points us directly to Christ, who is the perfect example of such submission, and through whose sacrificial obedience, we are enabled to live lives surrendered to the Lordship of God, trusting that He, the risen Lord, directs our paths and permits our every step for His glory and our good, just as He promised in [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus") that "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth."

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

Acts 18:21

But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.

James 4:15

For that ye [ought] to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

1 Corinthians 4:19

But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.

Jeremiah 10:23

O LORD, I know that the way of man [is] not in himself: [it is] not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

Romans 1:10

Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.

2 Corinthians 1:15

¶ And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit;

Proverbs 19:21

¶ [There are] many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.