I
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Greeting to the Church at Corinth
1Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,
1Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,
2Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
2To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:
3Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
3Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving for God's Grace
4I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
4I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.
5That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;
5For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge—
6Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:
6God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you.
7So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
7Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.
8Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
8He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
9God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
Divisions in the Church
10Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
10I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.
11For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
11My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you.
12Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
12What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas"; still another, "I follow Christ."
13Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
13Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?
14I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
14I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius,
15Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
15so no one can say that you were baptized in my name.
16And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
16(Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don't remember if I baptized anyone else.)
17For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
17For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
The Message of the Cross
18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
18For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
19For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
19For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."
20Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
20Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
21For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
21For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
22For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
22Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom,
23But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
23but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,
24But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
24but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
25Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
25For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
God Chooses the Lowly
26For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
26Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.
27But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
27But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
28And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
28God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are,
29That no flesh should glory in his presence.
29so that no one may boast before him.
30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
30It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.
31That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
31Therefore, as it is written: "Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord."
II
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Paul's Plain Preaching
1And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
1And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.
2For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
2For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
3And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
3I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling.
4And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
4My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power,
5That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
5so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God's power.
God's Hidden Wisdom
6Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
6We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.
7But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
7No, we declare God's wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.
8Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
8None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
9But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
9However, as it is written: "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived—the things God has prepared for those who love him"—
Revealed by the Spirit
10But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
10these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
11For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
11For who knows a person's thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.
12Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
12What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.
13Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
13This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.
Natural and Spiritual Understanding
14But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
14The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.
15But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
15The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments,
16For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
16for, "Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.
III
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Still Spiritually Immature
1And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
1Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ.
2I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
2I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.
3For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
3You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?
4For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
4For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not mere human beings?
God Gives the Growth
5Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
5What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task.
6I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
6I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.
7So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
7So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.
8Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
8The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor.
9For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.
9For we are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field, God's building.
Building on the Foundation
10According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
10By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care.
11For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
11For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
12If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw,
13Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
13their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's work.
14If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
14If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward.
15If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
15If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.
The Church as God's Temple
16Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
16Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst?
17If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
17If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person; for God's temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.
All Things Are Yours
18Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
18Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become "fools" so that you may become wise.
19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness";
20And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.
20and again, "The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile."
21Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;
21So then, no more boasting about human leaders! All things are yours,
22Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;
22whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours,
23And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.
23and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.
IV
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Stewards Judged by the Lord
1Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
1This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed.
2Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
2Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.
3But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.
3I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself.
4For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
4My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.
5Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
5Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.
Nothing You Did Not Receive
6And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
6Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, "Do not go beyond what is written." Then you will not be puffed up in being a follower of one of us over against the other.
7For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?
7For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?
Apostles as a Spectacle
8Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.
8Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! You have begun to reign—and that without us! How I wish that you really had begun to reign so that we also might reign with you!
9For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
9For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like those condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to human beings.
10We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.
10We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored!
11Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;
11To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless.
12And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
12We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;
13Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
13when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world—right up to this moment.
A Father's Appeal
14I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.
14I am writing this not to shame you but to warn you as my dear children.
15For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
15Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.
16Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
16Therefore I urge you to imitate me.
17For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.
17For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.
Paul's Coming Visit
18Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.
18Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you.
19But 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.
19But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have.
20For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
20For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
21What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?
21What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?
V
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
A Case of Immorality
1It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife.
1It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: a man is sleeping with his father's wife.
2And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.
2And you are proud! Shouldn't you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this?
3For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,
3For my part, even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. And I have already passed judgment in the name of our Lord Jesus on the one who has been doing this.
4In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
4So when you are assembled and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present,
5To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
5hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.
Cleanse Out the Old Leaven
6Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
6Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough?
7Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
7Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.
8Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
8Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
Judging Those Inside
9I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
9I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people—
10Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
10not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world.
11But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
11But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.
12For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
12What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?
13But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
13God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked person from among you."
VI
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Lawsuits Among Believers
1Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?
1If any of you has a dispute with another, do you dare to take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the Lord's people?
2Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
2Or do you not know that the Lord's people will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases?
3Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
3Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!
4If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.
4Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, do you ask for a ruling from those whose way of life is scorned in the church?
5I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?
5I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers?
6But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.
6But instead, one brother takes another to court—and this in front of unbelievers!
7Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?
7The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?
8Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.
8Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers and sisters.
Such Were Some of You
9Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
9Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men
10Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
10nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
11And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
11And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Lawful but Not Beneficial
12All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
12"I have the right to do anything," you say—but not everything is beneficial. "I have the right to do anything"—but I will not be mastered by anything.
13Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.
13You say, "Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both." The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.
14And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.
14By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also.
Your Body Is a Temple
15Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.
15Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never!
16What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.
16Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, "The two will become one flesh."
17But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
17But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.
18Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
18Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually sins against their own body.
19What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
19Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;
20For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
VII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Marriage and Mutual Obligation
1Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
1Now for the matters you wrote about: "It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman."
2Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
2But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband.
3Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.
3The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.
4The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.
4The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife.
5Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.
5Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
6But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.
6I say this as a concession, not as a command.
7For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.
7I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.
Advice to the Unmarried and Widows
8I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.
8Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do.
9But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.
9But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
The Married Should Not Separate
10And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:
10To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband.
11But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.
11But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.
Marriage to an Unbeliever
12But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.
12To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her.
13And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.
13And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him.
14For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.
14For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.
15But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.
15But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace.
16For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?
16How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?
Remain as You Were Called
17But 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.
17Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches.
18Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.
18Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised.
19Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.
19Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God's commands is what counts.
20Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.
20Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.
21Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.
21Were you a slave when you were called? Don't let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so.
22For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant.
22For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord's freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ's slave.
23Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
23You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings.
24Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.
24Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.
Living in a Shortened Time
25Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.
25Now about virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy.
26I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.
26Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is.
27Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.
27Are you pledged to a woman? Do not seek to be released. Are you free from such a commitment? Do not look for a wife.
28But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.
28But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.
29But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;
29What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not;
30And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;
30those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep;
31And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.
31those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.
Undivided Devotion to the Lord
32But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:
32I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord's affairs—how he can please the Lord.
33But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.
33But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife—
34There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.
34and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord's affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband.
35And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.
35I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.
Deciding Whether to Marry
36But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.
36If anyone is worried that he might not be acting honorably toward the virgin he is engaged to, and if his passions are too strong and he feels he ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning. They should get married.
37Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.
37But the man who has settled the matter in his own mind, who is under no compulsion but has control over his own will, and who has made up his mind not to marry the virgin—this man also does the right thing.
38So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better.
38So then, he who marries the virgin does right, but he who does not marry her does better.
Widows and Remarriage
39The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
39A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord.
40But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.
40In my judgment, she is happier if she stays as she is—and I think that I too have the Spirit of God.
VIII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Knowledge Puffs Up, Love Builds
1Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
1Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that "We all possess knowledge." But knowledge puffs up while love builds up.
2And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
2Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know.
3But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
3But whoever loves God is known by God.
One God, One Lord
4As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
4So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that "An idol is nothing at all in the world" and that "There is no God but one."
5For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
5For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords"),
6But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
6yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.
The Weak Conscience
7Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
7But not everyone possesses this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat sacrificial food they think of it as having been sacrificed to a god, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled.
8But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
8But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.
Do Not Cause a Brother to Stumble
9But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
9Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.
10For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
10For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, with all your knowledge, eating in an idol's temple, won't that person be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols?
11And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
11So this weak brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge.
12But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
12When you sin against them in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.
13Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
13Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall.
IX
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Paul's Apostolic Rights
1Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?
1Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not the result of my work in the Lord?
2If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.
2Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you! For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.
3Mine answer to them that do examine me is this,
3This is my defense to those who sit in judgment on me.
4Have we not power to eat and to drink?
4Don't we have the right to food and drink?
5Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?
5Don't we have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord's brothers and Cephas?
6Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?
6Or is it only I and Barnabas who lack the right to not work for a living?
The Right to Be Supported
7Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?
7Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat its grapes? Who tends a flock and does not drink the milk?
8Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?
8Do I say this merely on human authority? Doesn't the Law say the same thing?
9For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?
9For it is written in the Law of Moses: "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain." Is it about oxen that God is concerned?
10Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.
10Surely he says this for us, doesn't he? Yes, this was written for us, because whoever plows and threshes should be able to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest.
11If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?
11If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you?
12If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
12If others have this right of support from you, shouldn't we have it all the more? But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.
13Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?
13Don't you know that those who serve in the temple get their food from the temple, and that those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar?
14Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
14In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.
Paul Preaches Free of Charge
15But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.
15But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me, for I would rather die than allow anyone to deprive me of this boast.
16For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
16For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
17For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.
17If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me.
18What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.
18What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make full use of my rights as a preacher of the gospel.
All Things to All People
19For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
19Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.
20And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
20To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law.
21To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
21To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law.
22To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
22To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.
23And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
23I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
Running to Win the Prize
24Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
25And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
26I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
26Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.
27But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
27No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
X
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Israel's Privileges in the Wilderness
1Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
1For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea.
2And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
2They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.
3And did all eat the same spiritual meat;
3They all ate the same spiritual food
4And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
4and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ.
5But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
5Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.
Warnings from Israel's Failures
6Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
6Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.
7Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
7Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: "The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry."
8Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
8We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died.
9Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.
9We should not test Christ, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes.
10Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
10And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.
11Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
11These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.
12Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
12So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!
13There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
13No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Flee Idolatry and the Lord's Table
14Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
14Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry.
15I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
15I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say.
16The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
16Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?
17For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
17Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.
18Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?
18Consider the people of Israel: Do not those who eat the sacrifices participate in the altar?
19What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?
19Do I mean then that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything?
20But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
20No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons.
21Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.
21You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord's table and the table of demons.
22Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
22Are we trying to arouse the Lord's jealousy? Are we stronger than he?
Liberty and Another's Conscience
23All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.
23"I have the right to do anything," you say—but not everything is beneficial. "I have the right to do anything"—but not everything is constructive.
24Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.
24No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.
25Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:
25Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience,
26For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.
26for, "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it."
27If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.
27If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience.
28But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof:
28But if someone says to you, "This has been offered in sacrifice," then do not eat it, both for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience.
29Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience?
29I am referring to the other person's conscience, not yours. For why is my freedom being judged by another's conscience?
30For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?
30If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for?
Do All to God's Glory
31Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
31So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
32Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
32Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks, or the church of God—
33Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
33even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
XI
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Follow Me as I Follow Christ
1Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
1Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
2Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
2I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the traditions just as I passed them on to you.
Headship and Head Coverings
3But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
3But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.
4Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.
4Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head.
5But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
5But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved.
6For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.
6For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head.
7For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.
7A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man.
8For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.
8For man did not come from woman, but woman from man;
9Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.
9neither was man created for woman, but woman for man.
10For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.
10It is for this reason that a woman ought to have authority over her own head, because of the angels.
Interdependence in the Lord
11Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.
11Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman.
12For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.
12For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.
13Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?
13Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?
14Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?
14Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him,
15But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
15but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering.
16But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.
16If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God.
Abuses at the Lord's Supper
17Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.
17In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good.
18For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
18In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it.
19For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
19No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God's approval.
20When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper.
20So then, when you come together, it is not the Lord's Supper you eat,
21For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.
21for when you are eating, some of you go ahead with your own private suppers. As a result, one person remains hungry and another gets drunk.
22What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.
22Don't you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God by humiliating those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? Certainly not in this matter!
The Words of Institution
23For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
23For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread,
24And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
24and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me."
25After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
25In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me."
26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.
26For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
Self-Examination Before the Supper
27Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
27So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.
28But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
28Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.
29For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.
29For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.
30For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
30That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.
31For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
31But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment.
32But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
32Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world.
Wait for One Another
33Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.
33So then, my brothers and sisters, when you gather to eat, you should all eat together.
34And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.
34Anyone who is hungry should eat something at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment. And when I come I will give further directions.
XII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Testing the Spirit's Voice
1Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
1Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.
2Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
2You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols.
3Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
3Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.
One Spirit, Many Gifts
4Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
4There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.
5And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
5There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.
6And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
6There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
7But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
7Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
8For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
8To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit,
9To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit,
10To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
10to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.
11But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
11All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
One Body Through One Spirit
12For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
12Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.
13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
13For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
Every Member Belongs
14For the body is not one member, but many.
14Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.
15If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
15Now if the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason stop being part of the body.
16And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
16And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason stop being part of the body.
17If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
17If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?
18But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
18But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.
19And if they were all one member, where were the body?
19If they were all one part, where would the body be?
20But now are they many members, yet but one body.
20As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
No Member Is Dispensable
21And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
21The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!"
22Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
22On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable,
23And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
23and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty,
24For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
24while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it,
25That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
25so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.
26And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
26If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
Ranked Gifts, a Better Way
27Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
27Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
28And 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.
28And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues.
29Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?
30Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
30Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?
31But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
31Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way.
XIII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Love Above All Gifts
1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
1If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
2And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
3And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
3If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
What Love Is Like
4Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
5It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love Outlasts Everything
8Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
9For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
9For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
10But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
10but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.
11When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.
12For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
12For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
13And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.
XIV
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Prophecy Builds the Church
1Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
1Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy.
2For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
2For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit.
3But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
3But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging, and comfort.
4He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
4Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.
5I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
5I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.
Sounds Must Be Understood
6Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
6Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction?
7And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
7Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes?
8For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
8Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?
9So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
9So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.
10There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
10Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning.
11Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.
11If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker is a foreigner to me.
12Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
12So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.
Pray With Understanding
13Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
13For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say.
14For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
14For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.
15What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
15So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding.
16Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
16Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer, say "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since they do not know what you are saying?
17For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
17You are giving thanks well enough, but no one else is edified.
18I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
18I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.
19Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
19But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.
Tongues as a Sign
20Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
20Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.
21In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the LORD.
21In the Law it is written: "With other tongues and through the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord."
22Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
22Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is not for unbelievers but for believers.
23If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
23So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind?
24But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
24But if an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all,
25And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
25as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!"
Order in the Assembly
26How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
26What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.
27If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
27If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret.
28But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
28If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God.
29Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
29Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.
30If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
30And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop.
31For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
31For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.
32And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
32The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets.
33For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
33For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord's people.
Women Silent in Church
34Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
34Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says.
35And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
35If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.
Apostolic Authority and Order
36What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?
36Or did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached?
37If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
37If anyone thinks they are a prophet or otherwise gifted by the Spirit, let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command.
38But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.
38But if anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored.
39Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
39Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.
40Let all things be done decently and in order.
40But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
XV
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Gospel Paul Received
1Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
1Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand.
2By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
2By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
3For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,
5And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
5and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve.
6After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
6After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.
7After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
7Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles,
8And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
8and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.
9For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
9For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
10But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
10But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.
11Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.
11Whether, then, it is I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.
If Christ Is Not Raised
12Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
12But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?
13But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
13If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.
14And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
14And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.
15Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
15More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised.
16For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
16For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either.
17And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
17And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.
18Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
18Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost.
19If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
19If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.
Christ the Firstfruits
20But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
20But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
21For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
21For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.
22For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
22For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
23But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.
23But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.
24Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
24Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority, and power.
25For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
25For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.
26The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
26The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
27For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.
27For he "has put everything under his feet." Now when it says that "everything" has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ.
28And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
28When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.
Why Risk Everything?
29Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?
29Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them?
30And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?
30And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour?
31I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our LORD, I die daily.
31I face death every day—yes, just as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord.
32If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.
32If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus with no more than human hopes, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised, "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die."
33Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
33Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."
34Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
34Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.
Seeds and Bodies
35But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?
35But someone will ask, "How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?"
36Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:
36How foolish! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies.
37And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:
37When you sow, you do not plant the body that will be, but just a seed, perhaps of wheat or of something else.
38But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.
38But God gives it a body as he has determined, and to each kind of seed he gives its own body.
39All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.
39Not all flesh is the same: People have one kind of flesh, animals have another, birds another, and fish another.
40There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.
40There are also heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies; but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one kind, and the splendor of the earthly bodies is another.
41There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.
41The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another, and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor.
The Spiritual Body
42So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
42So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable;
43It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
43it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power;
44It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
44it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.
45And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
45So it is written: "The first man Adam became a living being"; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit.
46Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
46The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual.
47The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
47The first man was of the dust of the earth; the second man is of heaven.
48As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
48As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are of heaven.
49And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
49And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man.
Death Swallowed in Victory
50Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
50I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.
51Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
51Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—
52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
52in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.
53For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
53For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.
54So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
54When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."
55O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
55"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"
56The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
56The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
57But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
57But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58Therefore, 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.
58Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
XVI
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Collection for Jerusalem
1Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
1Now about the collection for the Lord's people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do.
2Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
2On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.
3And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
3Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the people you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem.
4And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.
4If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.
Paul's Travel Plans
5Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.
5After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you—for I will be going through Macedonia.
6And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.
6Perhaps I will stay with you for a while, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go.
7For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.
7For I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.
8But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.
8But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost,
9For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
9because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.
Timothy and Apollos
10Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.
10When Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am.
11Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.
11No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he may return to me. I am expecting him along with the brothers.
12As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.
12Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity.
Stand Firm in Love
13Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
13Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
14Let all your things be done with charity.
14Do everything in love.
Honoring Faithful Servants
15I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
15You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord's people. I urge you, brothers and sisters,
16That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.
16to submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it.
17I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.
17I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you.
18For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.
18For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.
Greetings and Final Blessing
19The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
19The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.
20All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.
20All the brothers and sisters here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.
21I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.
22If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
22If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed! Come, Lord!
23The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
23The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
24My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
24My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.