1 Corinthians 16:9

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1 Corinthians 16:9 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

because a great door for effective work has opened to me, even though many oppose me.

King James Version KJV

For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

American Standard Version ASV

for a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

Bible in Basic English BBE

For a great and important door there is open to me, and there are a number of people against me.

Free Bible Version FBV

because a tremendous door of opportunity has opened up for me there, though there are plenty who oppose me.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For a great doore and effectuall is opened vnto me: and there are many aduersaries.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

for a door to me hath been opened — great and effectual — and withstanders [are] many.

World English Bible WEB

for a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For a great door and effectual is opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

For a great door and evident is opened unto me: and many adversaries.

Translation for Translators T4T

I want to do that because God has given me a great opportunity [MET] to proclaim his good message here. As a result of my work here, God is producing great results. I also want to stay here because there are many people here who oppose my work, and I need to refute them.

Plain English Version PEV

You see, God is helping me do great and powerful things for him here. But there are a lot of people here that are trying to stop me.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 16:9

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Word Study

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1 Corinthians 16:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK θυρα γαρ μοι ανεωγεν μεγαλη και ενεργης και αντικειμενοι πολλοι

θυρα thura G2374 door Noun-NSF

γαρ gar G1063 for Conj

μοι egō G1473 I/we Pron-1DS

ανεωγεν anoigō G455 to open Verb-2RAI-3S

μεγαλη megas G3173 great Adj-NSF

και kai G2532 and Conj

ενεργης energēs, enargēs G1756 effective Adj-NSF

και kai G2532 and Conj

αντικειμενοι antikeimai G480 be an opponent Verb-PNP-NPM

πολλοι polus G4183 much Adj-NPM

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 16:9

θυρα thura G2374 "door" Noun-NSF

A door or entrance, as in Matthew 6:6 and John 10:1-2. It can be literal or figurative, like an opportunity.

Definition: θύρα, -ας, ἡ [in LXX chiefly for פֶּתַח, also for דַּל, דֶּלֶת, etc. ;] a door: κλείειν (ἀποκ-) τὴν θ., Mat.6:6, Luk.13:25; pass., Mat.25:10, Luk.11:7, Jhn.20:19, 26, Act.21:30; ἀνοίγειν, Act.5:19; pass., Act.16:26-27; κρούειν, Act.12:13; διὰ τῆς θ., Jhn.10:1-2; πρὸς τὴν θ., Mrk.1:33 11:4 (WH om. τήν), Act.3:2; τὰ πρὸς τὴν θ., the space by the door, Mrk.2:2; πρὸς τῇ θ., Jhn.18:16; ἐπὶ τῇ θ, Act.5:9; πρὸ τῆς θ., Act.12:6; ἐπὶ τῶν θ., Act.5:23; ἡ θ. τ. μνημείου, Mat.27:60, Mrk.15:46 16:3. Metaphorical, of Christ, ἡ θ. τ. προβάτων, Jhn.10:7, 9; of the Kingdom of Heaven, Luk.13:24; of opportunities, θ. πίστεως, Act.14:27; θ. μεγάλη, 1Co.16:9; θ. τ. λόγου, Col.4:3; θ. ἀνεῳγμένη (ἠνεῳγ-), 2Co.2:12, Rev.3:8 4:1; of Christ, ἑστηκὼς ἐπὶ τὴν θ. καὶ κρούων, Rev.3:20; of his second coming, ἐπὶ θύραις εἶναι, Mat.24:33, Mrk.13:29; πρὸ θυρῶν ἑστηκέναι, Jas.5:9.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 37 NT verses. KJV: door, gate See also: 1 Corinthians 16:9; John 18:16; James 5:9.

γαρ gar G1063 "for" Conj

For is a word used to explain or give a reason, often introducing a justification or clarification, as seen in Matthew 4:18 and Romans 7:1. It's a conjunction that connects ideas and provides additional information.

Definition: γάρ, co-ordinating particle, contr. of γε ἄρα, verily then, hence, in truth, indeed, yea, then, why, and when giving a reason or explanation, for, the usage in NT being in general accord with that of cl.; __1. explicative and epexegetic: Mat.4:18 19:12, Mrk.1:16 5:42 16:4, Luk.11:3o, Rom.7:1, 1Co.16:5, al. __2. Conclusive, in questions, answers and exclamations: Mat.9:5 27:23, Luk.9:25 22:27, Jhn.9:30, Act.8:31 16:37 19:35, Rom.15:26, 1Co.9:10, Php.1:18 (Ellic., in l.), 1Th.2:20, al. __3. Causal: Mat.1:21 2:2, 5, 6, 3:23, Mrk.1:22, 9:6, Luk.1:15, 18, Jhn.2:25, Act.2:25, Rom.1:9, 11, 1Co.11:5, Rev.1:3, al.; giving the reason for a command or prohibition, Mat.2:20 3:9, Rom.13:11, Col.3:3, 1Th.4:3, al.; where the cause is contained in an interrog. statement, Luk.22:27, Rom.3:3 4:3, 1Co.10:29; καὶ γάρ, for also, Mrk.10:45, Luk.6:32, 1Co.5:7, al. id. as in cl. = etenim, where the καί loses its connective force (Bl., §78, 6; Kühner 3, ii, 854f.), Mrk.14:70, Luk.1:66 22:37, 2Co.13:4. The proper place of γάρ is after the first word in a clause, but in poets it often comes third or fourth, and so in late prose: 2Co.1:19. Yet "not the number but the nature of the word after which it stands is the point to be noticed" (see Thayer, see word). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1011 NT verses. KJV: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 John 2:19; 1 Peter 2:19.

μοι egō G1473 "I/we" Pron-1DS

This is a pronoun meaning I or me, used by the speaker to refer to themselves. It is often used in the Bible to emphasize the speaker's identity.

Definition: ἐγώ, genitive, etc., ἐμοῦ, ἐμοί, ἐμέ (enclitic μου, μοι, με), pl. ἡμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς, of person(s) pron. I. __(a) The nom. is usually emphatic, when expressed as subjc, as in Mat.3:11, Mrk.1:8, Luk.3:16, al. But often there is no apparent emphasis, as Mat.10:16, Jhn.10:17; ἰδοὺ ἐ. (= Heb. הִנֵּנִי, cf. 1Ki.3:8), Act.9:10; ἐ. (like Heb. אֲנִי), I am, Jhn.1:23 (LXX), Act.7:32 (LXX). __(b) The enclitic forms (see supr.) are used with nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, where there is no emphasis: ἐν τ. πατρί μου, Jhn.14:20; μου τ. λόγους, Mat.7:24; ὀπίσω μου, Mat.3:11; ἰσχυρότερός μου, ib.; λέγει μοι, Rev.5:5; also with the prep. πρός, as Mrk.9:19, al. The full forms (ἐμοῦ, etc.) are used with the other prepositions, as δι᾽ ἐμοῦ, ἐν ἐμοί, εἰς ἐμέ, etc., also for emphasis, as Luk.10:16, Jhn.7:23, Mrk.14:7, al. __(with) The genitive μου and ἡμῶν are often used for the poss. pronouns ἐμός, ἡμέτερος: τ. λαόν μου, Mat.2:6; μου τῂ ἀπιστιᾳ, Mrk.9:24. __(d) τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί ( = Heb. מַה־לִי וָלָךְ, Jdg.11:12, al.), i.e. what have we in common: Mat.8:29, Mrk.1:24, 5:7, Luk.8:28, Jhn.2:4; τί γάρ μοι, 1Co.5:2. __(e) The interchange of ἐγώ and ἡμεῖς, common in π., appears in Pauline Epp. (see M, Pr., 86f., M, Th., 131f.). __(f) κἀγώ (= καὶ ἐγώ), and I, even I, I also: Mat.2:8, Luk.2:48, Jhn.6:56, Rom.3:7, 1Co.7:40, al.; κἀγώ . . . καί, both . . . and, Jhn.7:28. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1872 NT verses. KJV: I, me See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 16:24; 1 Peter 1:3.

ανεωγεν anoigō G455 "to open" Verb-2RAI-3S

To open something means to make it accessible or available, like opening a door or a gate. In the Bible, this word is used literally and figuratively, such as in Acts 5:19 and Revelation 3:20.

Definition: ἀν-οίγω (ἀνά, οἴγω = οἴγνυμι) [in LXX chiefly for פָּתַח ;] to open; __1. trans., with accusative; a door or gate, Act.5:19 12:14, Rev.4:1; pass., Act.12:10 16:26-27; metaphorically of opportunity or welcome, Act.14:27, Col.4:3, Rev.3:20; pass., 1Co.16:9, 2Co.2:12, Rev.3:8; absol. (sc. θύραν), Act.5:23 12:16; with dative of person(s), Luk.12:36, Jhn.10:3; metaphorically, Mat.7:7-8 25:11, Luk.11:9-10 13:25, Rev.3:7; θησαυρούς (Sir.43:14), Mat.2:11; τ. μνημεῖα, Mat.27:52; τάφος, Rom.3:13; τ. φρέαρ, Rev.9:2; of heaven, Mat.3:16, Luk.3:21, Act.10:11, Rev.11:19 15:5 19:11; σφραγῖδα, Rev.5:9 6:1 ff. Rev.8:1; βιβλίον, βιβλαρίδιον, Luk.4:17, Rev.5:2-5 10:2, 8 20:12; τ. στόμα, Mat.17:27; id. Hebraistically (Num.22:28, Job.3:1, Isa.50:5, al.), of beginning to speak, Mat.5:2, Act.8:32, 35 10:34 18:14; before εἰς βλαιφημίας, Rev.13:6; ἐν παραβολαῖς (Psa.78:2), Mat.13:35; of recovering speech, Luk.1:64; of the earth opening, Rev.12:16; τ. ὀφθαλμoύς, Act.9:8, 40; id. with genitive of person(s), of restoring sight, Mat.9:30 20:33, Jhn.9:1ff; 10.21, 11:37ff ; metaphorically, Act.26:18; ἀκοάς, with genitive of person(s), of restoring hearing, Mrk.7:35. __2. Intrans. in 2 pf., ἀνέῳγα (M, Pr., 154); heaven, Jhn.1:51; τ. στόμα, before πρός, of speaking freely, 2Co.6:11 (cf. δι-ανοίγω and see MM, VGT, 45).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 75 NT verses. KJV: open See also: 1 Corinthians 16:9; Luke 13:25; Revelation 3:7.

μεγαλη megas G3173 "great" Adj-NSF

The Greek word for great, describing something big or intense, like a large stone in Matthew 2:60 or a strong wind in John 6:18. It's used to show importance or magnitude. In the Bible, it's often used to describe God's power and love.

Definition: μέγας, μεγάλη, μέγα, [in LXX chiefly for גָּדוֹל, also for מַרְבֶּה ,רַב (incl. μείζων), רֹב (μέγιστος) ;] great; __1. of external form, bodily size, measure, extent: λίθος, Mat.2:60; δράκων, Rev.12:3; ἰχθῦς, Jhn.21:11; πόλις, Rev.11:8; μάχαιρα, Rev.6:4, al. __2. Of intensity and degree: δύναμις, Act.4:33; φόβος, Mrk.4:41; ἀγάπη, Jhn.15:13; ἄνεμος, 'ib. 6:18; κραυγή, Act.23:9; φῶς, Mat.4:16; πυρετός, Luk.4:38; θλίψις, Mat.24:21. __3. Of rank; __(a) of persons: θεός (MM, xvi), Tit.2:13; Ἄρτεμις, Act.19:27; compar. (see infr.), Mat.18:1 (cf. Dalman, Words, 113f.); neut. for masc. (Bl., §32, 1), Mat.12:6; __(b) of things: ἁμαρτία, Jhn.19:11; μυστήριον, Eph.5:32; = μεγίστη (see infr., and cf. Field, Notes, 16f.), Mat.22:36; compar. for superl. (M, Pr., 78), 1Co.13:13. __4. __(a) Compar., μείζων: Mat.11:11 23:17, al.; neut. pl., μείζονα, contr. μείζω, Jhn.1:51; double compar., μειζότερος (M, Pr., 236; Bl., §11, 4), III Jo 4; __(b) superl, μέγιστος (Deiss., BS, 365), 2Pe.1:4. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 227 NT verses. KJV: (+ fear) exceedingly, great(-est), high, large, loud, mighty, + (be) sore (afraid), strong, X to years See also: 1 Corinthians 9:11; Luke 22:27; Hebrews 4:14.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

ενεργης energēs, enargēs G1756 "effective" Adj-NSF

This word describes something or someone that is active, effective, and powerful. In 1 Corinthians 16:9 and Philemon 6, it's used to describe the effective work of God's servants.

Definition: ἐνεργής, -ές (late form of ἐνεργός, on WH. cf. AR, Eph., 241), at work, active, effective: 1Co.16:9, Phm 6, Heb.4:12 (Cremer, 261).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: effectual, powerful See also: 1 Corinthians 16:9; Hebrews 4:12; Philemon 1:6.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

αντικειμενοι antikeimai G480 "be an opponent" Verb-PNP-NPM

Being an opponent means to be against or opposed to something, as seen in Luke 13:17 and Galatians 5:17. It involves resisting or withstanding something, often in a spiritual sense. This concept is relevant to spiritual struggles.

Definition: ἀντί-κειμαι [in LXX for אָיַב, צוּר, שָׂטַן, etc. ;] __1. to lie opposite to. __2. to oppose, withstand, resist: with dative, Luk.13:17 21:15, Gal.5:17, 1Ti.1:10; as participial subst. (ὁ) ἀντικείμενος, 1Co.16:9, Php.1:28, 2Th.2:4, 1Ti.5:14 (Cremer, 746).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 8 NT verses. KJV: adversary, be contrary, oppose See also: 1 Corinthians 16:9; Galatians 5:17; Philippians 1:28.

πολλοι polus G4183 "much" Adj-NPM

This word means much or many, and is used to describe things like large crowds, as in Mark 5:24, or a great amount of time, as in Matthew 25:19. It emphasizes the magnitude of something.

Definition: πολύς, πολλή, πολύ, [in LXX chiefly for רַב and cognate forms ;] __1. as adj., much, many, great, of number, space, degree, value, time, etc.: ἀριθμός, Act.11:21; ὄχλος, Mrk.5:24; θερισμός, Mat.9:37; χόρτος, Jhn.6:10; χρόνος, Mat.25:19; γογγυσμός, Jhn.7:12; πόνος, Col.4:13; δόξα, Mat.24:30; σιγή, Act.21:40; pl., προφῆται, Mat.13:17; ὄχλοι, Mat.4:25; δαιμόνια, Mrk.1:34; δυνάμεις, Mat.7:22, __2. As subst., pl. masc, πολλοί, many (persons): Mat.7:22, Mrk.2:2, al.; with genitive partit., Mat.3:7, Luk.1:16, al.; before ἐκ, Jhn.7:31, Act.17:12; with art., οἱ π., the many, Mat.24:12, Rom.12:5, 1Co.10:17, 33 2Co.2:17; opposite to ὁ εἶς (Lft., Notes, 291), Rom.5:15, 19; neut. pl., πολλά: Mat.13:3, Mrk.5:26, al.; accusative with adverbial force, Mrk.1:45, Rom.16:6 (Deiss., LAE, 317), 1Co.16:12, Jas.3:2, al.; neut. sing., πολύ: Luk.12:48; adverbially, Mrk.12:27, al.; πολλοῦ (genitive pret.), Mat.26:9; with compar. (Bl., §44, 5), π. σπουδαιότερον, 2Co.8:22; πολλῷ πλείους, Jhn.4:41. Compar., πλείων, neut., πλεῖον and πλέον (see WH, App., 151), pl., πλείονες, -ας, -α, contr., πλείους, -ω (cf. Mayser, 69), more, greater; __1. as adj.: Jhn.15:2, Act.18:2o, Heb.3:3; before παρά, Heb.11:4 (cf. Westc, in l. Was ΠΛΙΟΝΑ here a primitive error for ΗΔΙΟΝΑ ?); pi., Act.13:31, al.; with genitive compar., Mat.21:36; with num. (ἤ of comp. omitted), Act.4:22 24:11, al. __2. As subst., οἱ π., the greater number: Act.10:32 27:12, 1Co.10:5 15:6; also (Bl., §44, 3) others, more, the more: 2Co.2:6 4:15, Php.1:14; πλείονα, Luk.11:53; πλειον, πλέον, Mat.20:10, 2Ti.3:9; with genitive comp., Mk 12:43, Luk.21:3; π. Ἰωνᾶ ὧδε, Mat.12:41; adverbially, Act.4:17 20:9 24:4. __3. As adv., πλεῖον: before ἤ, Luk.9:13; with genitive comp., Mat.5:20; πλείω: with num., Mat.26:53. Superl., πλεῖστος, -η, -ον, __(a) prop., most: Mat.11:20 21:8; adverbially, τὸ π., 1Co.14:27; __(b) elative (M, Pr., 79), very great: ὄχλος π., Mrk.4:1. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 386 NT verses. KJV: abundant, + altogether, common, + far (passed, spent), (+ be of a) great (age, deal, -ly, while), long, many, much, oft(-en (-times)), plenteous, sore, straitly See also: 1 Corinthians 1:26; Acts 23:21; 1 Peter 1:3.

Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 16:9

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Context — Paul’s Travel Plans

7For I do not want to see you now only in passing; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. 8But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost,

9because a great door for effective work has opened to me, even though many oppose me.

10If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, just as I am. 11No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he can return to me, for I am expecting him along with the brothers.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Corinthians 2:12	Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and a door stood open for me in the Lord,
2	Acts 14:27	When they arrived, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them, and how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.
3	Colossians 4:3	as you pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
4	Revelation 3:7–8	To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of the One who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door, which no one can shut. For you have only a little strength, yet you have kept My word and have not denied My name.
5	2 Corinthians 1:8–10	We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the hardships we encountered in the province of Asia. We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, we felt we were under the sentence of death, in order that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us,
6	Acts 19:8–10	Then Paul went into the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. But when some of them stubbornly refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way, Paul took his disciples and left the synagogue to conduct daily discussions in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This continued for two years, so that everyone who lived in the province of Asia, Jews and Greeks alike, heard the word of the Lord.
7	1 Corinthians 15:32	If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for human motives, what did I gain? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”
8	Philippians 3:18	For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.

1 Corinthians 16:9 Summary

In 1 Corinthians 16:9, the apostle Paul talks about a 'great door for effective work' that has opened for him, which means God has given him a significant opportunity to serve and minister to others. Even though many people oppose him, Paul is committed to making the most of this opportunity, just like we should be when God gives us chances to serve Him (as seen in Matthew 25:23). This verse reminds us that following God's will can lead to challenges, but with faith and courage, we can overcome them (as encouraged in Philippians 4:13). By seeking God's guidance and being open to the opportunities He provides, we can make a meaningful impact for His kingdom.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the 'great door for effective work' mean in this verse?

The 'great door for effective work' refers to a significant opportunity for ministry and service that God has provided, as seen in 1 Corinthians 16:9, similar to the opportunities mentioned in Colossians 4:3 and 2 Corinthians 2:12.

Why does the verse mention that 'many oppose' the apostle Paul?

The opposition mentioned in 1 Corinthians 16:9 is a reminder that following God's will can lead to challenges and persecution, as Jesus warned in Matthew 10:22 and John 15:20.

How can we apply the concept of a 'great door for effective work' to our own lives?

We can apply this concept by seeking God's guidance and being open to the opportunities He provides, as encouraged in Psalm 119:105 and Ephesians 2:10, and being willing to face challenges with faith and courage, as seen in 1 Corinthians 16:9.

What is the relationship between this verse and the apostle Paul's decision to stay in Ephesus?

The great door for effective work in 1 Corinthians 16:9 is the reason Paul decides to stay in Ephesus, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 16:8, indicating that he is committed to making the most of the opportunity God has given him, despite the challenges he faces.

Reflection Questions

What are some 'great doors for effective work' that God has opened in my life, and how can I make the most of them?
How do I respond when I face opposition or challenges while serving God, and what can I learn from Paul's example in 1 Corinthians 16:9?
What are some ways I can seek God's guidance and discernment when considering opportunities for ministry or service, as Paul did in 1 Corinthians 16:9?
How can I balance the desire to serve God with the reality of facing opposition, and what role does faith and trust play in this balance?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 16:9

For a great door,.... Meaning an opportunity of ministering the word at Ephesus, a very populous city, and where he might have hope great good would be done.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 16:9

For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries. Door (2 Corinthians 2:12) - an opening for extending the Gospel. Wise men watch for, and avail themselves of, opportunities.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 16:9

For God hath opened to me at Ephesus a great opportunity to preach the gospel, which I have reason to hope will also be effectual for the conversion of many souls. What this door of hope was, whether God had let him know there were many souls in that place prepared for receiving the gospel; or that some eminent persons for authority or learning, whom many were like to follow, were there already converted; or that he looked upon that famous city as like to be a place where many might be converted; is not told us. And (saith the apostle) there are many adversaries, , therefore there was need of the presence of the apostle himself, whose authority might better stop their months, than the more inferior pastors could. What would have aftrighted others from going or staying there, this great apostle mentions as an argument to cause him to make haste to go thither, and to tarry there for some time.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 16:9

9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries. Ver. 9. And effectual] ενεργης, or, busy, that requires great painstaking. The ministry is not an idle man’ s occupation, as some fools think it. And many adversaries] Truth never lacks an opposite. In the beginning of the late Reformation, Eckius, Roffensis, Cajetan, Moore, Faber, Cochlaeus, Catharinus, Pighius, all these wrote against Luther, Summo conatu, acerrimo desiderio, non vulgari doctrina, as one saith, with utmost desire and endeavour.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 16:9

Verse 9. A great door and effectual is opened] Θυοαγαρμοιανεωγεμεγαληκαιενεργης· A great and energetic door is opened to me; that is, God has made a grand opening to me in those parts, which I perceive will require much labour; and besides, I shall have many adversaries to oppose me. So Bp. Pearce understands the words ενεργης, not as signifying effectual, but as implying full of labour. Door often signifies occasion or opportunity; but here, the apostle may allude to the throwing open of the great doors of the Circus Maximus before the chariot races began; and the many adversaries may refer to the numerous competitors in those races. God gave him a grand opportunity to preach the Gospel; but he was not to expect that either Satan or wicked men would leave him unmolested.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 16:9

9. For a great door] The use of door in the sense of opportunity in the N. T. is remarkable. It is a favourite word with St Paul. See 2 Corinthians 2:12; Colossians 4:3. St Luke has adopted it from him, Acts 14:27. And it is also to be found in the same sense in Revelation 3:8. This verse also strikingly corroborates the narrative in the Acts. Cf. Acts 19:19-20.and effectual] i.e. calculated to produce results.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 16:9

For a great door - There is abundant opportunity for usefulness. The word “door” is used evidently to denote an occasion or an opportunity for doing anything.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 16:9

9. A great door—Much of Ephesus heretofore closed is now opened to him. Many adversaries—Requiring his presence to defend and protect the Church.

Sermons on 1 Corinthians 16:9

	Sermon	Description
	An Open Door (Part 6) by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of a minister who spent 40 years preaching rules and regulations before truly preaching about Jesus. The speaker emphasizes the
	Many Adversaries by J. Stuart Holden	J. Stuart Holden emphasizes the challenging yet rewarding nature of Christian witness, highlighting the personal growth that occurs when faith is tested against difficult circumsta
	God Will Either Open or Close the Door at the Right Time for Overcomers by Zac Poonen	Zac Poonen preaches on the significance of being an overcomer, emphasizing that if we are in God's will as overcomers, no door will remain closed to us. God strategically shuts cer
	Opportunity and Opposition by Isaac Errett	Isaac Errett preaches about the great and effectual doors that God opens for preaching the gospel, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities to share the Word. He highlig
	Henrietta Bissell by Charles Finney	Charles Finney addresses Henrietta Bissell, sharing the progress of his ministry in England, where he has been met with both enthusiasm and opposition. He recounts the overwhelming
	The Missionary Emergency by A.B. Simpson	A.B. Simpson emphasizes the urgency of the missionary call, likening it to life-and-death emergencies that demand immediate action. He highlights the dire spiritual needs of humani
	Zion's Gates and the King's Highway - Part 1 by J.C. Philpot	J.C. Philpot preaches about the symbolic representation of the Church of God in its triumphant and militant states as depicted in the visions of John and Isaiah. He delves into the