Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 4:21
Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and with a gentle spirit?
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Corinthian church, addressing their recent challenges to his apostolic authority and their demand for proof of his presence.
The words — ῥάβδῳ (rhabdō) literally means "rod," denoting the instrument of disciplinary correction, while θέλετε (thelete) asks what the readers actually "desire" or prefer.
The thread — Paul revisits this tension between measured discipline and pastoral love in his later correspondence, specifically in 2 Corinthians 13:2 and 13:10.
Why it lands — The text presents a direct choice between authoritative correction and patient instruction, requiring the reader to examine whether they value the exercise of power or the reception of grace.
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
What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?
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,
- 2 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.
- 2 Corinthians 12:20 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.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:7 On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children.
- 2 Corinthians 1:23 I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth.
- 2 Corinthians 2:3 I wrote as I did so that on my arrival I would not be grieved by those who ought to make me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would share my joy.
- James 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.
- 2 Corinthians 2:1 So I made up my mind not to make another painful visit to you.
- 2 Corinthians 10:1 Now by the mildness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am humble when face to face with you, but bold when away.
- 2 Corinthians 10:6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, as soon as your obedience is complete.