1 Corinthians 16:2

On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will be needed.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian congregation, instructing them to organize a financial collection for impoverished believers in Jerusalem. He issues this directive while coordinating with other early Christian communities, ensuring the process is orderly and predictable.

The words — ἕκαστος (hekastos) translates to "each," and τιθέτω (tithetō) means "should put" or "lay up." These terms establish that the reserve is an individual duty executed weekly.

The thread — The text grounds its instruction in the precedent of the Galatian churches (1 Corinthians 16:1) and anticipates the first-day gatherings noted in Acts 20:7. It parallels the stewardship principle in Luke 16:10 and stands against the withholding condemned in Malachi 3:9.

Why it lands — The text commands believers to systematically reserve a portion of their earnings each week so that urgent needs can be met without last-minute appeals. It requires practical foresight and disciplined generosity rather than reactive charity.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

Upon 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.

Cross-references

Malachi 3:9 You are cursed with a curse, yet you—the whole nation—are still robbing Me.
Luke 16:10 Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.
Acts 20:7 On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Since Paul was ready to leave the next day, he talked to them and kept on speaking until midnight.
Deuteronomy 8:18 But remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers even to this day.
Deuteronomy 15:11 For there will never cease to be poor in the land; that is why I am commanding you to open wide your hand to your brother and to the poor and needy in your land.
2 Corinthians 9:3 But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove empty, but that you will be prepared, just as I said.
2 Corinthians 8:1 Now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the churches of Macedonia.
2 Corinthians 8:11 Now finish the work, so that you may complete it with the same eager desire, according to your means.
Revelation 1:10 On the Lord’s day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet,
Mark 12:41 As Jesus was sitting opposite the treasury, He watched the crowd putting money into it. And many rich people put in large amounts.