1 Corinthians 16:13
New International Version
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.

New Living Translation
Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.

English Standard Version
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.

Berean Standard Bible
Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.

Berean Literal Bible
Watch you; stand firm in the faith; act like men; be strong.

King James Bible
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

New King James Version
Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.

New American Standard Bible
Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.

NASB 1995
Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.

NASB 1977
Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.

Legacy Standard Bible
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.

Amplified Bible
Be on guard; stand firm in your faith [in God, respecting His precepts and keeping your doctrine sound]. Act like [mature] men and be courageous; be strong.

Christian Standard Bible
Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Be alert, stand firm in the faith, act like a man, be strong.

American Standard Version
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Contemporary English Version
Keep alert. Be firm in your faith. Stay brave and strong.

English Revised Version
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Be alert. Be firm in the Christian faith. Be courageous and strong.

Good News Translation
Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be brave, be strong.

International Standard Version
Remain alert. Keep standing firm in your faith. Keep on being courageous and strong.

Majority Standard Bible
Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.

NET Bible
Stay alert, stand firm in the faith, show courage, be strong.

New Heart English Bible
Watch. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.

Webster's Bible Translation
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, acquit yourselves like men, be strong.

Weymouth New Testament
Be on the alert; stand firm in the faith; acquit yourselves like men; be strong.

World English Bible
Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong!
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Watch, stand in the faith; be men, be strong;

Berean Literal Bible
Watch you; stand firm in the faith; act like men; be strong.

Young's Literal Translation
Watch ye, stand in the faith; be men, be strong;

Smith's Literal Translation
Watch ye, stand in the faith, be manly, be strengthened.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith,do manfully, and be strengthened.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Be vigilant. Stand with faith. Act manfully and be strengthened.

New American Bible
Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong.

New Revised Standard Version
Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Watch, stand firm in the faith, quit you like men, be valiant, be strong.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Be alert and stand in the faith; be valiant; be strong.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Be watchful, stand fast in the faith, be men, be resolute.

Godbey New Testament
Watch, stand in the faith, be men, be strong.

Haweis New Testament
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, be manful, be strong.

Mace New Testament
Be upon the watch, stand firm in the faith, behave your selves like men of fortitude:

Weymouth New Testament
Be on the alert; stand firm in the faith; acquit yourselves like men; be strong.

Worrell New Testament
Watch, stand fast in the faith; be men; be strong.

Worsley New Testament
Be watchful, stand fast in the faith, behave like men, be strong:
Audio Bible



Context
Concluding Exhortations
12Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was not at all inclined to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity. 13Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong. 14Do everything in love.…

Cross References
Ephesians 6:10-18
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. / Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. / For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ...

1 Thessalonians 5:6-8
So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober. / For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. / But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of our hope of salvation.

Philippians 1:27-28
Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending together as one for the faith of the gospel, / without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a clear sign of their destruction but of your salvation, and it is from God.

1 Peter 5:8-9
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. / Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.

2 Timothy 2:1-3
You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. / And the things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well. / Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

Colossians 4:2
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful,

Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5
For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. / The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. / We demolish arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Romans 13:11-14
And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. / The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. / Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. ...

Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. / Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Joshua 1:6-9
Be strong and courageous, for you shall give these people the inheritance of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them. / Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go. / This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do. ...

Psalm 31:24
Be strong and courageous, all you who hope in the LORD.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Psalm 27:14
Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!


Treasury of Scripture

Watch you, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Watch.

Matthew 24:42-44
Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come…

Matthew 25:13
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

stand.

1 Corinthians 15:1,2,58
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; …

2 Corinthians 1:24
Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.

Galatians 5:1
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

quit.

1 Corinthians 9:25-27
And 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…

1 Corinthians 14:20
Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

1 Samuel 4:9
Be strong, and quit yourselves like men, O ye Philistines, that ye be not servants unto the Hebrews, as they have been to you: quit yourselves like men, and fight.

be.

Joshua 1:6,7,9,18
Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them…

1 Kings 2:2
I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man;

1 Chronicles 28:10
Take heed now; for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it.

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1 Corinthians 16
1. He exhorts them to a collection for the brothers at Jerusalem.
10. Commends Timothy;
13. and after friendly admonitions,
16. concludes his epistle with various salutations.














Be on the alert
The Greek word used here is "γρηγορεῖτε" (grēgoreite), which means to be watchful or vigilant. In the historical context of the early church, this exhortation was crucial as believers faced both external persecution and internal doctrinal challenges. The call to be alert is a reminder to Christians to be spiritually awake and discerning, recognizing the subtle ways in which the enemy might attempt to infiltrate or disrupt their faith. This vigilance is not passive but active, requiring constant attention to one's spiritual environment and readiness to respond to threats against the faith.

Stand firm in the faith
The phrase "stand firm" comes from the Greek "στήκετε" (stēkete), which conveys the idea of being steadfast and immovable. In the context of Corinth, a city known for its moral and spiritual challenges, Paul urges the believers to hold their ground in the truth of the Gospel. This steadfastness is not merely about personal conviction but is rooted in the collective faith of the Christian community. Historically, standing firm in the faith has been a hallmark of Christian perseverance, especially in the face of trials and temptations. It calls believers to anchor themselves in the doctrines and teachings of Christ, resisting the pressures to conform to the world.

Be men of courage
The Greek term "ἀνδρίζεσθε" (andrizesthe) is used here, which literally means "act like men" or "be courageous." This phrase is a call to maturity and bravery, urging believers to exhibit the strength and resolve that comes from a deep trust in God. In the cultural context of the time, courage was a highly valued trait, often associated with warriors and leaders. For Christians, this courage is not about physical prowess but about moral and spiritual fortitude. It is the courage to stand for truth, to live out one's faith boldly, and to face opposition with confidence in God's promises.

Be strong
The Greek word "κραταιοῦσθε" (krataiousthe) means to be strengthened or to grow strong. This strength is not self-derived but is empowered by the Holy Spirit. In the scriptural context, strength is often linked to reliance on God rather than on human abilities. The call to be strong is an encouragement to draw from the divine power available to believers, enabling them to overcome challenges and fulfill their God-given mission. Historically, the strength of the early church was evident in its ability to thrive despite persecution, a testament to the empowering presence of God among His people.

(13, 14) Watch ye, stand fast.--These words of stirring exhortation come in here somewhat abruptly. It is possible that they conclude the epistle so far--the Apostle intending to add immediately before sending it, the verses which follow, and which contain messages from, or commendations of their friends who were with him. Living in a profound consciousness of the uncertainty of life, St. Paul might wish not to have such references to friends with him added until the last moment along with his own autograph (see 1Corinthians 16:21). The Apostle's mind is full of the hope of beneficial results following from this letter and from the exertions of Titus; yet, after all, everything depends upon the Corinthians themselves. Chrysostom's Note on these words brings out their meaning well. "Now in saying these things, he seems indeed to advise; but he is reprimanding them as indolent. Wherefore he saith, Watch, as though they slept; stand, as though they were rocking to and fro; quit you like men, as though they were playing the coward; let all your things be done with charity, as though they were in dissensions. And the first caution refers to the deceivers, viz., Watch, stand; the next to those who plot against us, quit you like men; the third to those who make parties and endeavour to distract, let all your things be done with charity, which thing is the bond of perfection, and the root and the fountain of all blessings."

Verse 13. - Watch, etc. The brief impetuous imperatives show a sudden burst of emotion as he draws to a close. The next clause seems like an after-thought. Watchfulness (1 Thessalonians 5:6; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 3:2; Revelation 16:15), steadfastness (Philippians 1:27), and strength (Ephesians 6:10; Colossians 1:11; 2 Timothy 2:1), and love (1 Corinthians 13; 1 Peter 4:8, etc.) were frequent subjects of Christian exhortation. The verb which expresses Christian manliness ("Play the men!") occurs here only. It is found in the LXX. of Joshua 1:6. They needed, as Chrysostom says, all these exhortations, for they were, in Christian matters, drowsy, unstable, effeminate, and factions.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Be on the alert.
Γρηγορεῖτε (Grēgoreite)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1127: (a) I am awake (in the night), watch, (b) I am watchful, on the alert, vigilant. From egeiro; to keep awake, i.e. Watch.

Stand firm
στήκετε (stēkete)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4739: To stand fast, stand firm, persevere. From the perfect tense of histemi; to be stationary, i.e. to persevere.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
τῇ (tē)
Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

faith.
πίστει (pistei)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4102: Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.

Be men of courage.
ἀνδρίζεσθε (andrizesthe)
Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 407: To act like a man, be brave. Middle voice from aner; to act manly.

Be strong.
κραταιοῦσθε (krataiousthe)
Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2901: To strengthen, confirm; pass: I grow strong, become strong. From krataios; to empower, i.e. increase in vigor.


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