1 Corinthians 4:10

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1 Corinthians 4:10 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored.

King James Version KJV

We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.

American Standard Version ASV

We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye have glory, but we have dishonor.

Bible in Basic English BBE

We are made to seem foolish for Christ, but you are wise in Christ; we are feeble, but you are strong; you have glory, but we have shame.

Free Bible Version FBV

We're Christ's fools, but you are so wise in Christ! We're the weak ones, but you are so strong! You have the glory, but we are despised!

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

We are fooles for Christes sake, and ye are wise in Christ: we are weake, and ye are strong: ye are honourable, and we are despised.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

we [are] fools because of Christ, and ye wise in Christ; we [are] ailing, and ye strong; ye glorious, and we dishonoured;

World English Bible WEB

We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You have honor, but we have dishonor.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honorable, but we are despised.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are honourable, but we without honour.

Translation for Translators T4T

Many people consider us to be [IRO] fools because we preach about Christ, but you proudly think [IRO] that you are wise because ◄of your close relationship with/you belong to► Christ. Many people consider us [IRO] to be unimpressive, but you proudly think that you impress others. People respect you, but they do not respect us.

Plain English Version PEV

They see that we work for Jesus Christ, and lots of people think we are fools. But you mob reckon you are different from us. You reckon you are really smart because you know Jesus Christ. Yes, everyone thinks we are weak, but you reckon you are strong. You reckon everyone has to respect you, but you don’t care if they respect us or not.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 4:10

BAB

Word Study

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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Corinthians 4:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK ημεις μωροι δια χριστον υμεις δε φρονιμοι εν χριστω ημεις ασθενεις υμεις δε ισχυροι υμεις ενδοξοι ημεις δε ατιμοι

ημεις egō G1473 I/we Pron-1NP

μωροι mōros G3474 foolish Adj-NPM

δια dia G1223 through/because of Prep

χριστον Christos G5547 Christ Noun-ASM

υμεις su G4771 you Pron-2NP

δε de G1161 then Conj

φρονιμοι phronimos G5429 thoughtful Adj-NPM

εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep

χριστω Christos G5547 Christ Noun-DSM

ημεις egō G1473 I/we Pron-1NP

ασθενεις asthenēs G772 weak Adj-NPM

υμεις su G4771 you Pron-2NP

δε de G1161 then Conj

ισχυροι ischuros G2478 strong Adj-NPM

υμεις su G4771 you Pron-2NP

ενδοξοι endoxos G1741 honored Adj-NPM

ημεις egō G1473 I/we Pron-1NP

δε de G1161 then Conj

ατιμοι atimos G820 dishonored Adj-NPM

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 4:10

ημεις egō G1473 "I/we" Pron-1NP

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.

μωροι mōros G3474 "foolish" Adj-NPM

A foolish person is someone who is dull or stupid, like the fool in Matthew 7:26. It describes someone who is heedless or lacking in good sense, often in a moral or spiritual way.

Definition: μωρός, -ά, -όν [in LXX for נָבָל, etc.; frequently in Sir. ;] __1. prop., of the nerves, dull, sluggish (Hipp., Arist.). __2. Of the mind, dull, stupid, foolish: Mat.5:22 (see Field, Notes, 3 ff.) Mat.7:26 23:17, 19 (T, WH, txt., R, om.) Mat.25:2-3, 8, 1Co.3:18 4:10; of things, παράδοσις, Mrk.7:13 (T, WH, txt., R, om.) : ζητήσεις, 2Ti.2:23, Tit.3:9; τὸ μ. τ. θεοῦ, 1Co.1:25; τὰ μ. τ. κόσμου, 1Co.1:27.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 13 NT verses. KJV: fool(-ish, X -ishness) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:25; Matthew 7:26; Titus 3:9.

δια dia G1223 "through/because of" Prep

Means through or because of, like in Matthew 2:12 where the wise men left by another route. It shows cause or occasion, as in 1 Corinthians 3:15, being saved through fire. It can also describe a state or condition, like in Romans.

Definition: διά (before a vowel δ᾽, exc. Rom.8:10, 2Co.5:7, and in (Proper name)s; Tdf., Pr., 94), prep. with genitive, accusative, as in cl.; __1. with genitive, through; __(i) of Place, after verbs of motion or action: Mat.2:12 12:43, Mrk.2:23, Luk.4:30, Jhn.4:4, 2Co.11:33, al.; σώζεσθαι (διας-) δ. πυρός, ὕδατος, 1Co.3:15, 1Pe.3:20; βλέπειν δ. ἐσόπτρου, 1Co.13:12; metaphorically, of a state or condition: Rom.14:20, 2Co.2:4 5:7, 10; δ. γράμματος, ἀκροβυστίας (Lft., Notes, 263, 279), Rom.2:27 4:11; δι ̓ὑπομενῆς, Rom.8:25. __(ii) Of Time; __(a) during which: Mat.26:61, Mrk.14:58, Luk.5:5; δ. παντὸς τοῦ ζῆν, Heb.2:15; δ. παντός (διαπαντός in Mrk.5:5, Luk.24:53), always, continually, Mat.18:10, Act.2:25" (LXX) 10:2 24:16, Rom.11:10" (LXX), 2Th.3:16, Heb.9:6 13:15. __(b) within which: Act.1:3; δ. νυκτός, Act.5:19 16:9 17:10 23:31; __(with) after which (Field, Notes, 20; Abbott, JG, 255f.): Mrk.2:1, Act.24:17, Gal.2:1. __(iii) Of the Means or Instrument; __(1) of the efficient cause (regarded also as the instrument): of God, Rom.11:36, 1Co.1:9, Gal.4:7, Heb.2:10 7:21; of Christ, Rom.1:8 5:1, 17, 1Co.15:21, 1Pe.4:11, al.; δ. τ. ὑμῶν δεήσεως, Rom.1:12, 2Co.1:4, Gal.4:23, al.; __(2) of the agent, instrument or means; __(a) with genitive of person(s), Mat.11:2, Luk.1:70, Jhn.1:17, Act.1:16, Rom.2:16, 1Co.1:21, Eph.1:5, Heb.2:14, Rev.1:1, al.; ὑπὸ τ. κυρίου δ. τ. προφήτου (δ. τ. κυρίου, 1Th.4:2 (M, Th., in l.); Lft., Rev., 121f.), Mat.1:22 2:15, Rom.1:2; δ. ἐπιστολῆς ὡς δ. ἡμῶν (Field, Notes, 202), 2Th.2:2; δ. Σ. (NTD, 22), 1Pe.5:12; __(b) with genitive of thing(s) (where often the simple dative is used in cl.; Jannaris, Gr., 375), Jhn.11:4, Act.5:12; δ. τ. πίστεως, Rom.3:30; δ. λόγου θεοῦ, 1Pe.1:23; δ. παραβολῆς, Luk.8:4; δουλεύειν δ. τ. ἀγάπης, Gal.5:13; δ. ἐπαγγελίας, Gal.3:18, __2. C. accusative; __(i) rarely, as with genitive, through (Hom), δ. μέσον Σαμαρίας (ICC, in l.; Bl., §42, 1; Robertson, Gr., 581), Luk.17:11. __(ii) by reason of, because of, for the sake of; __(a) with accusative of person(s) (M, Pr., 105), Mrk.2:27, Jhn.6:57 11:42, Rom.8:20; __(b) with accusative of thing(s), δ. φθόνον, Mat.27:18, Mrk.15:10; δ. φόβον, Jhn.7:13 20:19; δ. ἀγάπην, Eph.2:4; δ. τοῦτο, freq., for this cause, therefore, Mat.6:25, Mrk.6:14, Luk.11:49, Jhn.6:65, al.; id. before ὅτι, Jhn.5:16 10:17, al.; δ. τί, why, Mat.9:11, 14 Mrk.2:18, Jhn.7:45, al.; δ. τό, with inf., Mrk.5:4, Luk.9:7, Jas.4:2. __3. In composition, __(1) through, as in διαβαίνω; __(2) of separation, asunder, as in διασπάω; __(3) of distribution, abroad, as in διαγγέλλω; __(4) of transition, as διαλλάσσω; __(5) of "perfective" action (M, Pr., 112f., 115f.), as διαφύγω, διακαθαρίζω. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 603 NT verses. KJV: after, always, among, at, to avoid, because of (that), briefly, by, for (cause) … fore, from, in, by occasion of, of, by reason of, for sake, that, thereby, therefore, X though, through(-out), to, wherefore, with (-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 8:8; 1 Peter 1:3.

χριστον Christos G5547 "Christ" Noun-ASM

Christ means anointed, referring to Jesus as the Messiah, as seen in Luke 2:11 and John 1:41.

Definition: χριστός (Χρ-), -ή, -όν (χρίω), [in LXX for מָשִׁיחַ and cogn. forms ;] __1. 1. as adj., __(a) of things, anointing, to be used as ointment (Æsch., Eur., al.; τ. ἔλαιον τὸ χ., Lev.21:10); __(b) of persons, anointed (ὁ ἰερεὺς ὁ χ., Lev.4:5; οἱ χ. ἰευρεῖς, 2Ma.1:10): ὁ χ. τοῦ κυρίου or Θεοῦ (1Ki.2:10, Psa.2:2, al.), of the Messiah (Aram., מְשִׁיחָא; cf. Dalman, Words, 289 ff.), Luk.2:11, 26 Jhn.1:41, Act.2:36 4:26, al. __2. As subst., ὁ Χριστός, the Messiah, the Christ: Mat.2:4, Mrk.8:29, Luk.2:11, Jhn.1:20, Act.2:31, Rom.7:4, al.; Ἰησοῦς, Mrk.1:1, Jhn.1:17, Act.2:38, al.; Χ. Ἰησοῦς, Mat.1:18, WH, mg. Act.5:42, Rom.6:3, al.; Χ. κύριος, Luk.2:11; Ἰησοῦς Χ. ὁ κύριος, Act.15:26, Rom.1:7, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 525 NT verses. KJV: Christ See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Timothy 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1.

υμεις su G4771 "you" Pron-2NP

This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.

Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

φρονιμοι phronimos G5429 "thoughtful" Adj-NPM

Being thoughtful means being wise and discreet, like in Matthew 10:16 where Jesus tells his disciples to be wise as serpents. It involves being cautious and having good judgment.

Definition: φρόνιμος, -ον (φρονέω), [in LXX for בִּין, חָכָם etc. ;] practically wise, sensible, prudent: Mat.10:16 24:45, Luk.12:42, 1Co.10:15; opposite to μωρός, Mat.7:24 25:2, 4 25:8-9, 1Co.4:10; to ἄφρων, 2Co.11:19; φ. παρ᾽ ἑαυτῷ (EV, wise in one's own conceit), Rom.11:25 12:16 (cf. Pro.3:7); compar., -ώτερος, Luk.16:8.† SYN.: see: σοψός (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 14 NT verses. KJV: wise(-r) See also: 1 Corinthians 4:10; Matthew 24:45; Romans 11:25.

εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep

This word is a preposition that means in, on, or among something. It's used in many places, like Matthew 7:3 and Luke 7:37, to describe a location or relationship. It can also mean by, with, or during.

Definition: ἐν, prep, (the most frequently of all in NT), with dative (= Heb. בְּ, Lat. in, with abl.). __I. Of place, with dative of thing(s), of person(s), in, within, on, at, by, among: ἐν τ. πόλει, Luk.7:37; τ. οφθαλμῷ, Mat.7:3; τ. κοιλίᾳ, Mat.12:40; τ. ὄρει, 2Pe.1:18; τ. θρόνῳ, Rev.3:21; τ. δεξιᾷ τ. θεοῦ, Rom.8:34; ἐν ἡμῖν Abbott-Smith has ὑμῖν., Luk.1:1; of books, ἐν τ. βιβλίῳ, Gal.3:10; τ. νόμῳ, Mat.12:5, al.; ἐν τοῖς τ. Πατρός, in my Father's house (RV; cf. M, Pr., 103), Luk.2:49; trop., of the region of thought or feeling, ἐν τ. καρδίᾳ (-αις), Mat.5:28, 2Co.4:6, al.; τ. συνειδήσεσιν, 2Co.5:11; after verbs of motion, instead of εἰς (constructio praegnans, a usage extended in late Gk. beyond the limits observed in cl.; cf. Bl., §41, 1; M, Th., 12), ἀποστέλλω . . . ἐν, Mat.10:16. δέδωκεν ἐν τ. χειρί (cf. τιθέναι ἐν χερσί, Hom., Il., i, 441, al.), Jhn.3:35; id. after verbs of coming and going (not in cl.), εἰσῆλθε, Luk.9:46; ἐξῆλθεν, Luk.7:17. __II. Of state, condition, form, occupation, etc.: ἐν ζωῇ, Rom.5:10; ἐν τ. θανάτῳ, 1Jn.3:14; ἐν πειρασμοῖς, 1Pe.1:6; ἐν εἰρήνῃ, Mrk.5:25; ἐν δόξῃ, Php.4:19; ἐν πραΰτητι, Jas.3:13; ἐν μυστηρίῳ, 1Co.2:7; ἐν τ. διδαχῇ, Mrk.4:2; of a part as contained in a whole, ἐν τ. ἀμπέλῳ, Jhn.15:4; ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι, Rom.12:4; of accompanying objects or persons (simple dative in cl.), with, ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:25; ἐν δέκα χιλιάσιν, Luk.14:31 (cf. Ju 14, Act.7:14); similarly (cl.), of clothing, armour, arms, ἐν στολαῖς, Mrk.12:38; ἐν ἐσθῆτι λαμπρᾷ, Jas.2:2; ἐν μαξαίρῃ, Luk.22:49; ἐν ῥάβδῳ, 1Co.4:21 (cf. ἐν τόξοις, Xen., Mem., 3, 9, 2); of manner (cl.), ἐν τάχει (= ταχέως), Luk.18:8 (cf. Bl., §41, 1); of spiritual influence, ἐν πνεύματι, Rom.8:9; ἐν π. ἀκαθάρτῳ, Mrk.1:23; of the mystical relation of the Christian life and the believer himself, to God and Christ (cf. ICC, Ro., 160f.; Mayor on Ju 1; M, Pr., 103): ἐν Χριστῷ, Rom.3:24, 6:11, 1Co.3:1, 4:10, 2Co.12:2, Gal.2:17, Eph.6:21, Col.4:7, 1Th.4:16, al. __III. Of the agent, instrument or means (an extension of cl. ἐν of instr.—see LS, see word Ill—corresponding to similar use of Heb. בְּ), by, with: ἐν ὑμῖν κρίνεται ὁ κόσμος (= cl. παρά, C. dative), 1Co.6:2; ἐν τ. ἄρχοντι τ. δαιμονίων, Mat.9:34; ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:22; ἐν ὕδατι, Mat.3:11, al.; ἐν μαχαίρᾳ ἀποκτενεῖ (cf. the absol. ἐν μ., ἐν ῥάβδῳ, supr., II, which some would classify here), Rev.13:10 (cf. 6:8). Allied to this usage and distinctly Semitic are the following: ἠγόρασας . . . ἐν τ. αἵματι σου (cf. BDB, see word בְּ, III, 3), Rev.5:9; ὁμολογεῖν ἐν (= Aram. אודי בּ; cf. McNeile on Mt, I.with; M, Pr., 104), Mat.10:32, Luk.12:8; ὀμνύναι ἐν (= cl. accusative, so Jas.5:12), Mat.5:34, al.; also at the rate of, amounting to, Mrk.4:8 (WH; vv. ll., εἰς, ἒν), Act.7:14 (LXX). __IV. Of time, __(a) in or during a period: ἐν τ. ἡμέρᾳ (νυκτί), Jhn.11:9, al.; ἐν σαββάτῳ, Mat.12:2, al.; ἐν τῷ μεταξύ, meanwhile, Jhn.4:31; __(b) at the time of an event: ἐν τ. παρουσίᾳ, 1Co.15:23; ἐν τ. ἀναστάσει, Mat.22:28; __(with) with art. inf., __(α) present (so sometimes in cl., but not as in NT = ἕως; V. M, Pr., 215), while: Mat.13:4, Mrk.6:48, Gal.4:18, al.; __(β) aor., when, after: Luk.9:36, al.; __(d) within (cl.): Mat.27:40, __V. In composition: (1) meaning: (a) with adjectives, it signifies usually the possession of a quality, as ἐνάλιος, ἐν́δοξος; (b) with verbs, continuance in (before ἐν) or motion into (before εἰς), as ἐμμένω, ἐμβαίνω. (ii) Assimilation: ἐν becomes ἐμ- before β, μ, π, φ, ψ; ἐγ- before γ, κ, ξ, χ; ἐλ- before λ. But in the older MSS of NT, followed by modern editions, assimilation is sometimes neglected, as in ἐνγράφω, ἐγκαινίζω, etc. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2120 NT verses. KJV: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 15:17; 1 Peter 1:2.

χριστω Christos G5547 "Christ" Noun-DSM

Christ means anointed, referring to Jesus as the Messiah, as seen in Luke 2:11 and John 1:41.

Usage: Occurs in 525 NT verses. KJV: Christ See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Timothy 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1.

ημεις egō G1473 "I/we" Pron-1NP

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.

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

ασθενεις asthenēs G772 "weak" Adj-NPM

This word describes someone or something that is weak or feeble, lacking physical or moral strength, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:27 and 2 Corinthians 10:10.

Definition: ἀσθενής -ές (ἀ- neg., σθένος, strength), [in LXX for עָנִי, etc. ;] without strength, weak, feeble: 1Co.1:27 4:10 12:22, 2Co.10:10, Gal.4:9, 1Th.5:14, Heb.7:18, 1Pe.3:7. Rhetorically, τό ἀ. τ. θεοῦ, God's action of apparent weakness: 1Co.1:25; of bodily debility, sick, sickly: Mat.25:39 (Rec.) Mat.25:43-44, Luk.9:2 (Rec.) Luk.10:9, Act.4:9 5:15-16 In moral and spiritual sense (MM, see word; Cremer, 526), Mat.26:41, Mrk.14:38, Rom.5:6, 1Co.8:7 8:9-10 9:22 11:30.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 23 NT verses. KJV: more feeble, impotent, sick, without strength, weak(-er, -ness, thing) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:25; Acts 4:9; 1 Peter 3:7.

υμεις su G4771 "you" Pron-2NP

Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

ισχυροι ischuros G2478 "strong" Adj-NPM

Strong refers to someone or something with great power or force, like a mighty person or a powerful storm, as seen in Matthew 12:29 and Revelation 5:2. It can also describe God's power and strength.

Definition: ἰσχυρός, -ά, -όν (ἰσχύω), [in LXX for אֵל, גִּבּוֹר, עָצוּם, חָזַק, etc. ;] strong, mighty, powerful; __(a) of persons, as to body or spirit: Mat.12:29, Mrk.3:27, Luk.11:21-22, 1Co.4:10 (opposite to ἀσθενής), Heb.11:34 (ἐν πολέμῳ), Rev.5:2 10:1 18:21 19:18; οἱ πλούσιοι κ. οἱ ἰ, Rev.6:15; τὰ ἰ. = oἱ ἰ. (cf. 4Ki.24:15), 1Co.1:27; of God (cf. Deu.10:17), Rev.18:8; compar., Mat.3:11, Mrk.1:7, Luk.11:22, 1Co.1:25 (τὸ ἀσθενὲς τ. θεοῦ) 1Co.10:22; __(b) of things: λιμός, Luk.15:14; ἐπιστολαί ( βαρεῖαι κ. ἰ.), 2Co.10:10; κραυγή, Heb.5:7; φωνή, Rev.18:2; παράκλησις, Heb.6:18; πόλις, Rev.18:10; βρονταί, Rev.19:6.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 27 NT verses. KJV: boisterous, mighty(-ier), powerful, strong(-er, man), valiant See also: 1 Corinthians 1:25; Mark 1:7; Hebrews 5:7.

υμεις su G4771 "you" Pron-2NP

Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.

ενδοξοι endoxos G1741 "honored" Adj-NPM

This word means honored or glorious, and is used to describe things that are noble and splendid, like the church in Ephesians 5:27. It can also describe actions or clothing that are impressive. In 1 Corinthians 4:10, it describes the apostles' honorable reputation.

Definition: ἔνδοξος, -ον (δόξα [in LXX for כָּבַד, etc. ;] __1. held in honour, of high repute: 1Co.4:10. __2. glorious, splendid: of deeds, τά ἔ., Luk.13:17; of clothing, Luk.7:25. Metaphorical, ἐκκλησία, Eph.5:27 (cf. παράδοξος).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: glorious, gorgeous(-ly), honourable See also: 1 Corinthians 4:10; Luke 7:25; Luke 13:17.

ημεις egō G1473 "I/we" Pron-1NP

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.

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

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

ατιμοι atimos G820 "dishonored" Adj-NPM

In the Bible, this word means to be without honor or respect, often due to being despised or dishonored, as seen in Matthew 13:57 and 1 Corinthians 4:10.

Definition: ἄτιμος, -ον (τιμή), [in LXX: Isa.3:5 (קָלָה ni.), Isa.53:3 (בָּזָה), Job.30:4, 8 (שֵׁם בְּלִי), שֵׁם בְּלִי), Wis.5:1-23, Sir.1:1-30 * ;] without honour, dishonoured, despised: Mat.13:57, Mrk.6:4, 1Co.4:10; comp., 1Co.12:23.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: despised, without honour, less honourable (comparative degree) See also: 1 Corinthians 4:10; Mark 6:4; Matthew 13:57.

Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 4:10

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Corinthians 4:10 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 4:10
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 4:10
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:10
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:10
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:10
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:10
Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 4:10
Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 4:10
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:10
Sermons on 1 Corinthians 4:10

Context — Servants of Christ

8Already you have all you want. Already you have become rich. Without us, you have become kings. How I wish you really were kings, so that we might be kings with you! 9For it seems to me that God has displayed us apostles at the end of the procession, like prisoners appointed for death. We have become a spectacle to the whole world, to angels as well as to men.

10We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored.

11To this very hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. 12We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Corinthians 2:3	I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.
2	Acts 26:24	At this stage of Paul’s defense, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, “You are insane, Paul! Your great learning is driving you to madness!”
3	1 Corinthians 3:18	Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise.
4	Acts 17:18	Some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others said, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was proclaiming the good news of Jesus and the resurrection.
5	2 Corinthians 13:9	In fact, we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong, and our prayer is for your perfection.
6	1 Peter 4:14	If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
7	2 Corinthians 11:19	For you gladly tolerate fools, since you are so wise.
8	Hosea 9:7	The days of punishment have come; the days of retribution have arrived— let Israel know it. The prophet is called a fool, and the inspired man insane, because of the greatness of your iniquity and hostility.
9	Luke 18:9	To some who trusted in their own righteousness and viewed others with contempt, He also told this parable:
10	Isaiah 53:3	He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.

1 Corinthians 4:10 Summary

This verse means that as Christians, we may look foolish or weak to the world, but that's okay because our strength and honor come from God, not from what others think of us (1 Corinthians 4:10, Proverbs 29:23). The Apostle Paul is saying that he and the other apostles are willing to look foolish for the sake of following Jesus, and that's something we can learn from. By trusting in God's strength and honor, we can find true wisdom and power, even in the midst of weakness or ridicule (2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Matthew 5:11).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be a 'fool for Christ'?

To be a 'fool for Christ' means to be willing to look foolish or be ridiculed by the world for the sake of following Jesus Christ, as seen in 1 Corinthians 4:10. This is similar to what Jesus said in Matthew 5:11, where He taught that we are blessed when we are persecuted for His sake.

Why does the Apostle Paul contrast the Corinthians' strength with his own weakness?

The Apostle Paul contrasts the Corinthians' strength with his own weakness to highlight the difference between their perceived self-sufficiency and his reliance on God, as seen in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. This contrast is meant to remind the Corinthians that true strength comes from God, not from human abilities.

How can we be 'honored' or 'dishonored' as Christians?

As Christians, we can be 'honored' or 'dishonored' based on how we are perceived by the world, but our true honor comes from being faithful to God, as seen in 1 Samuel 2:30. The Apostle Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 4:10 is meant to remind us that our honor should come from God, not from human recognition.

What is the relationship between being 'weak' and being 'strong' in Christ?

Being 'weak' and being 'strong' in Christ are not mutually exclusive, as seen in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. In fact, it is often in our weakness that God's strength is most evident, and it is through our dependence on Him that we find true strength, as seen in Philippians 4:13.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can be a 'fool for Christ' in my daily life, and how can I trust God to use those experiences for His glory?
How do I respond when I am ridiculed or persecuted for my faith, and what can I learn from the Apostle Paul's example in this verse?
In what ways do I seek to be 'strong' or 'honored' in my own abilities, rather than relying on God's strength and honor?
How can I cultivate a greater awareness of my own weakness and dependence on God, and what are some practical ways that I can trust Him to be my strength in those areas?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 4:10

We are fools for Christ's sake,.... They were so in the esteem of men, for their close attach merit to a crucified Christ; and for preaching the doctrine of salvation by him; and for enduring so much

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 4:10

We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised. Irony. How much your lot (supposing it to be real) is to be envied, and ours to be pitied!

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:10

We are accounted fools for Christ’ s sake by the wise men of the world, and we are willing to be so accounted; but you think yourselves wise, and yet in Christ. We are weak in the opinion of men, we suffer evil, and do not resist; but ye account yourselves, and are by the world accounted, strong: ye are accounted noble and honourable, but we are despised and contemptible.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:10

10 We are fools for Christ’ s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised. Ver. 10. We are fools, &c.] Not to the world only, but in your account too. For these Corinthians undervalued and depressed Paul under their silly shallow headed verbalists, not worthy to carry his books after him for sound and substantial learning.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:10

(10) We are fools.—This verse is charged with irony. Our connection with Christ, as His Apostles and preachers, may make us fools; you are, on the contrary, “wise Christians; we are weak Christians, ye strong; ye are glorified, made leaders of factions and churches, we are despised.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:10

Verse 10. We are fools for Christ's sake] Here he still carries on the allusion to the public spectacles among the Romans, where they were accustomed to hiss, hoot, mock, and variously insult the poor victims. To this Philo alludes, in his embassy to Caius, speaking of the treatment which the Jews received at Rome: ὡσπεργαρενθεατρῳκλωσμοσυριττοντων, καταμωκωμενων, αμετραχλευαζοντων· "For, as if exhibited upon a theatre, we are hissed, most outrageously hooted, and insulted beyond all bounds." Thus, says the apostle, we are fools on Christ's account; we walk in a conformity to his will, and we bear his cross: and did we walk according to the course of this world, or according to the man-pleasing conduct of some among you, we should have no such cross to bear. Ye are wise in Christ] Surely all these expressions are meant ironically; the apostles were neither fools, nor weak, nor contemptible; nor were the Corinthians, morally speaking, wise, and strong, and honourable. Change the persons, and then the epithets will perfectly apply.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 4:10

10. We are fools for Christ’s sake] Rather, on account of Christ, i.e. on account of His doctrine, which was looked upon as folly (ch. 1 Corinthians 1:23; 1 Corinthians 2:14).ye are wise in Christ] Prudent, Wiclif; prudentes, Vulgate. It is scarcely necessary to explain that this language is ironical. They were unquestionably ‘prudent’ in this, that they spared themselves the labours and anxieties in which St Paul was so ‘abundant’ (2 Corinthians 11:23).

Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 4:10

We are fools - This is evidently ironical. “We are doubtless foolish people, but ye are wise in Christ.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:10

10. Wise… strong… honourable—These were the epithets with which the proud element of the Church puffed themselves and each other up.

Sermons on 1 Corinthians 4:10

	Sermon	Description
	Studies in 1 Corinthians-03 1 Cor 4:1-13 by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on 1 Corinthians chapter 4 and specifically discusses the judgment seat of Christ. He explains that when the Lord comes, there will be a judgme
	First Step to Partake of God's Nature (Kannada) by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of honoring God in our lives to receive His honor in return. It contrasts worldly values with heavenly values, highlighting the need for repen
	God Has Chosen the Foolish Things - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel	This sermon emphasizes God's choice of the foolish and weak things of the world to confound the wise, highlighting the importance of humility, honesty, and dependency on God. It ch
	1 Corinthians 4:10 by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom preaches about the contrast between the worldly wisdom and glory sought by some and the humility and suffering embraced by true followers of Christ. He emphasizes t
	Incarnating Truth by A.W. Tozer	The preacher delves into the concept of 'phronimos,' an adjective describing one who is thoughtful, sagacious, and discreet, emphasizing the importance of combining understanding w
	Christianity - a Process of Transformation by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that Christianity is a continuous process of transformation, urging believers to understand the true nature of their faith amidst confusion and complica
	Epistle 353 by George Fox	George Fox preaches about the importance of seeking the kingdom of God first and the righteousness of His kingdom, emphasizing the need to be heavenly-minded and to believe in the