1 Corinthians 16:13
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
Study Note
Study Note
'Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong' — Paul's closing military exhortations echo the Deuteronomic farewell of Moses (Deuteronomy 31:6–7) and the commissioning of Joshua, applying soldier-of-God language to the Corinthian congregation. The four imperatives cluster around the theme of resolute perseverance in the face of the doctrinal confusion and moral laxity that the entire letter has addressed. The fifth imperative — 'let all your things be done with charity' (verse 14) — grounds martial strength in love, preventing the virtue-language from devolving into sectarian aggression, and echoing the great hymn of chapter 13.
Other Translations
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
Watch ye, stand in the faith; be men, be strong;
Be on the watch, unmoved in the faith, and be strong like men.
Cross References
Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, …
Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
Take heed now; for the Lord hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do …
Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: …
Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and …
Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I …
Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works …