1 Corinthians 16:13
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.1 Corinthians 16:13
What does 1 Corinthians 16:13 mean?
Paul gives a brief, direct charge: watch, stand firm in the faith, act courageously, and be strong. It's a call to vigilant, steady courage as believers face challenges to their faith.
Context
This verse comes in the closing section of 1 Corinthians, a letter addressing many practical and doctrinal issues in a divided, troubled church. After extended teaching — including the famous chapter on love (ch.13) and the resurrection (ch.15) — Paul closes with short, punchy exhortations, of which this is one.
Key themes
Related Bible verses
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Bible study
- Why might Paul choose short, direct commands to close a long, complex letter?
- What does 'stand fast in the faith' suggest about the pressures the Corinthian church may have faced?
- Which of Paul's four commands — watch, stand fast, be courageous, be strong — do you need most right now?
Prayer
A short devotional prayer inspired by this verse — not scripture
Lord, help me watch, stand firm in faith, act with courage, and be strong. Keep me steady where I'm being pulled off course. Amen.
Memorize this verse
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
Share this verse
Frequently asked questions
Where does this verse fall in 1 Corinthians?
It's part of Paul's closing exhortations near the end of the letter, after extended teaching on divisions in the church, love (ch.13), and the resurrection (ch.15).
Why does Paul say 'quit you like men' in older translations?
In the KJV's English, this phrase means to act courageously or valiantly — it's an idiom for courageous conduct, not a statement limited to a specific gender.