1 Corinthians 4:21
19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only what these arrogant people are saying, but what power they have.
20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and with a gentle spirit?
Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and with a gentle spirit?
- KJV
- What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?
- WEB
- What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?
- ASV
- What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?
- DARBY
- What will ye? that I come to you with a rod; or in love, and [in] a spirit of meekness?
- BLB
- What do you⁺ want? Should I come to you⁺ with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?
- ÅB
- Hva vil dere? skal jeg komme til dere med ris, eller med kjærlighet og saktmodighets ånd?
- OTB
- Hva foretrekker dere? At jeg kommer til dere med en stokk, eller med kjærlighet og en ånd av mildhet?
- B1930
- Hvad vil I? skal jeg komme til eder med ris, eller med kjærlighet og saktmodighets ånd?
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
2 Corinthians 13:2
I already warned you the second time I was with you. So now in my absence I warn those who sinned earlier and everyone else: If I return, I will not spare anyone,
Read in context2 Corinthians 13:10
This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.
Read in context1 Thessalonians 2:7
On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children.
Read in context2 Corinthians 12:20–21
For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I wish, and you may not find me as you wish. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.
Read in contextJames 3:17
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.
Read in context2 Corinthians 1:23
I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth.
Read in context2 Corinthians 2:3
I wrote as I did so that on my arrival I would not be saddened by those who ought to make me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would share my joy.
Read in context2 Corinthians 2:1
So I made up my mind not to make another painful visit to you.
Read in context