1 Corinthians 4:21

NETBible

What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline 1  or with love and a spirit of gentleness?

NIV ©

What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a whip, or in love and with a gentle spirit?

NASB ©

What do you desire? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love and a spirit of gentleness?

NLT ©

Which do you choose? Should I come with punishment and scolding, or should I come with quiet love and gentleness?

MSG ©

So how should I prepare to come to you? As a severe disciplinarian who makes you toe the mark? Or as a good friend and counselor who wants to share heart-to-heart with you? You decide.

BBE ©

What is your desire? is my coming to be with punishment, or is it to be in love and a gentle spirit?

NRSV ©

What would you prefer? Am I to come to you with a stick, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?

NKJV ©

What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?

KJV
What
<5101>
will ye
<2309> (5719)_?
shall I come
<2064> (5632)
unto
<4314>
you
<5209>
with
<1722>
a rod
<4464>_,
or
<2228>
in
<1722>
love
<26>_,
and
<5037>
[in] the spirit
<4151>
of meekness
<4236>_?
NASB ©
What
<5101>
do you desire
<2309>
? Shall I come
<2064>
to you with a rod
<4464>
, or
<2228>
with love
<26>
and a spirit
<4151>
of gentleness
<4240>
?
NET [draft] ITL
What
<5101>
do you want
<2309>
? Shall I come
<2064>
to
<4314>
you
<5209>
with
<1722>
a rod
<4464>
of discipline or
<2228>
with
<1722>
love
<26>
and
<5037>
a spirit
<4151>
of gentleness
<4240>
?
GREEK
ti yelete rabdw elyw umav h en agaph pneumati te prauthtov
NETBible

What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline 1  or with love and a spirit of gentleness?

NET Notes

1 tn Grk “rod.” Context indicates that this rod will be used for disciplinary purposes.

1 sn Paul is using the term rod in this context to refer to his apostolic authority to discipline those who have become arrogant in the Corinthian church and have attempted to undermine his ministry (cf. 4:18-19).