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1 Corinthians 11:16

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Context of 1 Corinthians 11:16

This verse serves as a concluding and emphatic statement in Paul's lengthy discourse (1 Corinthians 11:2-15) regarding appropriate conduct and symbolism in public worship, particularly concerning head coverings for men and women in the Corinthian church. The church in Corinth was known for its internal divisions and challenges to apostolic authority. Paul addresses various issues of disorder, and here, he firmly establishes a principle of universality and unity against those who might wish to dispute his instructions.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Apostolic Authority and Church Order: Paul asserts his authority as an apostle, indicating that his instructions are not personal opinions but align with the consistent practices and teachings established in all "churches of God." This underscores the importance of maintaining proper order and decorum within the community of believers.
  • Unity and Universality of Practice: The phrase "neither the churches of God" highlights that the principles Paul is advocating are not unique to Corinth or arbitrary, but are widely accepted customs across the Christian world. This call for uniformity aims to prevent local congregations from deviating into practices that create division or confusion. For more on unity, see Ephesians 4:3.
  • Avoiding Contentiousness: Paul directly addresses a "contentious" spirit (Greek: philoneikos), which signifies being fond of strife, quarrelsome, or disputatious. He essentially says, "If anyone insists on arguing about this, know that such a contentious spirit and the practices it advocates are not tolerated or found in other churches." This discourages unnecessary debates that disrupt peace and focus away from core gospel truths. This aligns with Paul's broader teaching against foolish disputes, as seen in 2 Timothy 2:23.

Linguistic Insights

The term "contentious" (KJV) comes from the Greek word philoneikos (φιλόνεικος), which literally means "fond of strife" or "quarrelsome." It describes someone who is prone to arguing or disputing, often for the sake of it. Paul is essentially saying that the universal practice of the churches does not accommodate such a disputatious attitude regarding established order. The "custom" (Greek: synetheia) refers to an established practice or habit, emphasizing that Paul's instructions reflect a common, accepted way of doing things in the Christian community.

Practical Application

While the specific issue of head coverings may not be a central debate in many contemporary churches, the underlying principles of 1 Corinthians 11:16 remain highly relevant.

  • Prioritizing Unity Over Personal Preference: Believers are called to prioritize the unity and peace of the church over personal preferences or a desire to argue. Not every disagreement warrants a disruptive fight.
  • Respect for Established Order: Churches often have established practices and traditions, which, when aligned with biblical principles, should be respected to maintain order and prevent confusion. The principle that "God is not the author of confusion, but of peace" (as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:33) is echoed here.
  • Spirit of Humility: This verse encourages a spirit of humility rather than a contentious one, reminding believers that the broader body of Christ often holds consistent practices that foster godliness and good order.
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 (May 20, 2025) 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

  • 1 Corinthians 7:17 (10 votes)

    ¶ 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 (7 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

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

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:14 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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