1 Corinthians 4:11

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1 Corinthians 4:11 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

To this very hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed, we are brutally treated, we are homeless.

King James Version KJV

Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;

American Standard Version ASV

Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling-place;

Bible in Basic English BBE

Even to this hour we are without food, drink, and clothing, we are given blows and have no certain resting-place;

Free Bible Version FBV

Right up till now we're hungry and thirsty. We have no clothes. We're badly beaten up, and we have no place to call home.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Vnto this houre we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and haue no certaine dwelling place,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

unto the present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and wander about,

World English Bible WEB

Even to this present hour we hunger, thirst, are naked, are beaten, and have no certain dwelling place.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Even to this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling-place;

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Even unto this hour we both hunger and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no fixed abode;

Translation for Translators T4T

Up to this present time we have often been hungry. We have often been thirsty. We have ragged clothes. Often we have been beaten {others have beaten us}. We have traveled so much that we have no regular homes to live in.

Plain English Version PEV

You see, the bad people of this world were always hard on us special workers, and they are still hard on us right up to now. We go hungry, and thirsty, and our clothes are old rags. We haven’t got anywhere to live.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 4:11

BAB

Word Study

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1 Corinthians 4:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK αχρι της αρτι ωρας και πεινωμεν και διψωμεν και γυμνητευομεν και κολαφιζομεθα και αστατουμεν

αχρι achri G891 until Adv

της ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSF

αρτι arti G737 now Adv

ωρας hōra G5610 hour Noun-GSF

και kai G2532 and Conj

πεινωμεν peinaō G3983 to hunger Verb-PAI-1P

και kai G2532 and Conj

διψωμεν dipsaō G1372 to thirst Verb-PAI-1P

και kai G2532 and Conj

γυμνητευομεν gumnēteuō, gumniteuō G1130 be naked Verb-PAI-1P

και kai G2532 and Conj

κολαφιζομεθα kolaphizō G2852 to beat Verb-PPI-1P

και kai G2532 and Conj

αστατουμεν astateō G790 be unsettled Verb-PAI-1P

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 4:11

αχρι achri G891 "until" Adv

Until a certain time or point, like in Acts 3:21 where Jesus will remain in heaven until the time of restoration. This preposition indicates a boundary or limit, either in time or space.

Definition: ἄχρι (and Epic ἄχρις, bef. vowel (see MM, see word), Rom.11:25 T, Gal.3:19 T, WH, mg., Heb.3:13); __1. adv., utterly (Hom.). __2. Prep. with genitive, until, unto, as far as; __(a) of time Act.3:21 22:22, Rom.1:13 5:13, 1Co.4:11, 2Co.3:14, Gal.4:2, Php.1:6; ἄ. καιροῦ, Luk.4:13, Act.13:11; ἄ. ἧς ἡμέρας, Mat.24:38, Luk.1:20 17:27, Act.1:2 (τῆς ἡ. ἧς), Act.1:22; ἄ. ταύτης τ. ἡμέρας (τ. ἡ. ταύτης), Act.2:29 23:1 26:22; ἄ. ἡμερων πέντε, Act.20:6; ἄ. αὐγῆς, Act.20:11; ἄ. τοῦ νῦν, Rom.8:22, Php.1:5; ἄ. τέλους, Heb.6:11, Rev.2:26; __(b) of space: Act.11:5 13:6 20:4 (R, txt., WH, mg.) Act.28:15, 2Co.10:13-14, Heb.4:12, Rev.14:20 18:5; __(with) of measure or degree: ἄ. θανάτου, Act.22:4, Rev.2:10 12:11. __3. As conj., until; __(a) ἄχρι alone: with subj. aor., Gal.3:19 (ἄ. οὗ T, WH, mg.); id. without ἄν (Bl., § 65, 10), Rev.7:3 15:8 20:3, 5; with indic. fut., Rev.17:17; __(b) ἄ. οὗ (i.e. ἄ.. τούτου ᾧ): with indic. aor., Act.7:18; impf., Act.27:33; with subj. aor. (Bl., ut supr.), Luk.21:24, Rom.11:25, 1Co.11:26 15:25, Gal.3:19, T, WH, mg.; id. with ἄν, Rev.2:25; with indic. pres., while, Heb.3:13 (cf. μέχρι).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 50 NT verses. KJV: as far as, for, in(-to), till, (even, un-)to, until, while See also: 1 Corinthians 4:11; Hebrews 3:13; Hebrews 4:12.

της ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

αρτι arti G737 "now" Adv

The word arti means now or at this moment, as used in Matthew 3 and John 13. It emphasizes the present time, contrasting with the past or future. Jesus often used this word to teach about current events and spiritual truths.

Definition: ἄρτι adv., [in LXX: Dan LXX 9:22 10:11 (עַתָּה), al. ;] adv., of coincidence, denoting strictly present time, as contrasted with past or future, just, just now, this moment: Mat.3:15 9:18 26:53, Jhn.13:7, Gal.4:20, 1Th.3:6 (see Lft., Notes, 44; Milligan, in l), Rev.12:10; opposite to past time, Jhn.9:19, 25 13:33, 1Co.16:7, Gal.1:9-10; to future, Jhn.13:37 16:12, 31, 1Co.13:12, 2Th.2:7, 1Pe.1:6 1:8; ἄχρι τῆς ἅ. ὥρας, 1Co.4:11; ἕως ἄ., Mat.11:12, Jhn.2:10 5:17 16:24, 1Co.4:13 8:7 15:6, 1Jn.2:9; ἀπ᾽ ἄ., see: ἀπάρτι (see Rutherford, NPhr., 70 f; MM, see word).† SYN.: νῦν, now, "the objective, immediate present; ἤδη, now, already, " the subjective present, with a suggested reference to some other time or to some expectation". (Thayer, 75.) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 36 NT verses. KJV: this day (hour), hence(-forth), here(-after), hither(-to), (even) now, (this) present See also: 1 Corinthians 4:11; John 9:25; 1 Peter 1:6.

ωρας hōra G5610 "hour" Noun-GSF

An hour or a specific time, like in Matthew 24:36 where Jesus talks about the hour of his return. It can also mean a season or a part of the day.

Definition: ὥρα, -ας, ἡ, [in LXX chiefly for עֵת and in Da for שָׁעָה ;] __1. any time or period fixed by nature, esp. a season (Hom., Hdt., Plat., al.). __2. A part of the day, and esp. a twelfth part of day or night, an hour: Mat.24:36, Mrk.13:32, Act.10:3, al.; accus. in ans. to "when"? (M, Pr., 63, 215; Bl., §34, 8), Jhn.4:52, Act.10:3, 30 1Co.15:30, Rev.3:3; accusative of duration, Mat.20:12 26, Mrk.14:37; inexactly, πρὸς ὥραν, for a season, for a time, Jhn.5:35, 2Co.7:8, Gal.2:5; πρὸς καιρὸν ὥρας, for a short season (ICC, in l.), 1Th.2:17. __3. A definite point of time, time, hour: Mat.26:45; with genitive of thing(s), Luk.1:10 14:17, Rev.3:10, al.; with genitive of person(s), Luk.22:53, Jhn.2:4 7:30, al.; ἡ ἄρτι ὥρα, 1Co.4:11; ἐσχάτη ὥ., 1Jn.2:18; before ὅτε, Jhn.4:21, 23 5:25 16:25; ἵνα, Jhn.12:23, al.; with accusative and inf., Rom.13:11 (cf. DB, ext., 475b 476b). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 99 NT verses. KJV: day, hour, instant, season, X short, (even-)tide, (high) time See also: 1 Corinthians 4:11; Luke 14:17; Revelation 3:3.

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.

πεινωμεν peinaō G3983 "to hunger" Verb-PAI-1P

To hunger means to feel a strong need or craving for food, like when Jesus fasted for 40 days in Matthew 4:2. It can also be used figuratively to describe a deep desire or longing, as in Matthew 5:6 where it refers to hungering and thirsting for righteousness.

Definition: πεινάω, -ῶ [in LXX chiefly for = רָעֵב ;] to hunger, be hungry: Mat.4:2 12:1, 3 21:18 25:35, 37 25:42, 44, Mrk.2:25 11:12, Luk.1:53 4:2 6:3, Rom.12:20" (LXX), 1Co.4:11 11:21 11:34 Php.4:12, Rev.7:16; metaphorically, Mat.5:6, Luk.6:21, 25, Jhn.6:35.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 23 NT verses. KJV: be an hungered See also: 1 Corinthians 4:11; Matthew 4:2; Revelation 7:16.

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.

διψωμεν dipsaō G1372 "to thirst" Verb-PAI-1P

To thirst means to have a strong desire for something, like water or spiritual fulfillment. Jesus used this word to describe those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. It appears in Matthew 5:6 and John 4:14.

Definition: διψάω,-ῶ (δίψα, thirst), [in LXX chiefly for צָמֵא ;] to thirst: absol., Mat.25:35, 37 25:42, 44, Jhn.4:13, 15 19:28, Rom.12:20" (LXX), 1Co.4:11; figuratively, Jhn.4:14 6:35 7:37, Rev.7:16 21:6 22:17; with accusative (= cl. with genitive), τ. δικαιοσύνην, Mat.5:6.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 16 NT verses. KJV: (be, be a-)thirst(-y) See also: 1 Corinthians 4:11; Matthew 25:35; Revelation 7:16.

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.

γυμνητευομεν gumnēteuō, gumniteuō G1130 "be naked" Verb-PAI-1P

This word means to be poorly clad or naked. In 1 Corinthians 4:11 and 2 Corinthians 11:27, Paul talks about being naked and having nothing.

Definition: γυμνιτεύω (Rec. γυμνητ-, V. Tdf ., Pr., 81), to be naked or scantily clad: 1Co.4:11 (cf. ἐν ψύχει κ. γυμνότητι), 2Co.11:27; γυμνοί, Jas.2:15. In κοινή writers, γ. also means to go light-armed.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: be naked See also: 1 Corinthians 4:11.

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.

κολαφιζομεθα kolaphizō G2852 "to beat" Verb-PPI-1P

This word means to beat or strike with the fist, as seen in Matthew 26:67 and Mark 14:65. It involves physical violence, and is often used to describe the suffering of Jesus. The Bible condemns such violent behavior.

Definition: κολαφίζω (κόλαφος = Att.., κόνδυλοι, the knuckles, the closed fist) to strike with the fist, to buffet: Mat.26:67, Mrk.14:65, 2Co.12:7; pass., 1Co.4:11, 1Pe.2:20.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: buffet See also: 1 Corinthians 4:11; 2 Corinthians 12:7; 1 Peter 2:20.

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.

αστατουμεν astateō G790 "be unsettled" Verb-PAI-1P

This word describes being without a stable home or feeling unsettled, like the apostles in 1 Corinthians 4:11 who had no certain dwelling place.

Definition: ἀστατέω, -ῶ (ἄστατος, unstable), [in Aq.: Isa.58:7 (LXX, ἄστεγος)* ;] to be unsettled, be homeless, lead a vagabond life (Cremer, 738 MM, see word): 1Co.4:11 † (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: have no certain dwelling-place See also: 1 Corinthians 4:11.

Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 4:11

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1 Corinthians 4:11 Summary
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Context — Servants of Christ

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; 13when we are slandered, we answer gently. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Romans 8:35	Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
2	2 Corinthians 11:23–27	Are they servants of Christ? I am speaking like I am out of my mind, but I am so much more: in harder labor, in more imprisonments, in worse beatings, in frequent danger of death. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea. In my frequent journeys, I have been in danger from rivers and from bandits, in danger from my countrymen and from the Gentiles, in danger in the city and in the country, in danger on the sea and among false brothers, in labor and toil and often without sleep, in hunger and thirst and often without food, in cold and exposure.
3	Philippians 4:12	I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need.
4	2 Timothy 3:11	my persecutions, and the sufferings that came upon me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.
5	Matthew 8:20	Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.”
6	2 Corinthians 6:4–5	Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities; in beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in labor, sleepless nights, and hunger;
7	Acts 14:19	Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won over the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, presuming he was dead.
8	Acts 23:2	At this, the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth.
9	Acts 16:23	And after striking them with many blows, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to guard them securely.
10	1 Corinthians 9:4	Have we no right to food and to drink?

1 Corinthians 4:11 Summary

In 1 Corinthians 4:11, the apostle Paul describes the hardships and challenges that he and other apostles faced, including hunger, thirst, and mistreatment. This verse shows that following Jesus doesn't mean we will always have everything we need or want, but it does mean that we can trust in God's love and care for us, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28. Even in difficult circumstances, we can choose to respond in a way that honors Jesus, such as blessing those who hurt us and trusting in God's power to help us. By following the apostles' examples, we can learn to trust in God's sovereignty and care, even when things are hard, and to seek to be filled and satisfied in Him, as seen in Psalm 107:9 and John 6:35.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be 'brutally treated' in 1 Corinthians 4:11?

In this verse, being 'brutally treated' refers to the harsh and violent way the apostles were mistreated by others, similar to what Jesus experienced as described in Isaiah 53:3 and what He warned His followers about in Matthew 10:22-23.

How can we be 'poorly clothed' and 'homeless' if we are followers of Jesus, who promises to provide for us?

While Jesus does promise to provide for our needs, as seen in Matthew 6:25-34, the apostles' experiences in 1 Corinthians 4:11 show that this provision may not always mean having abundance or comfort, but rather trusting in God's sovereignty and care, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4 and Hebrews 13:5-6.

Is it normal for Christians to experience hunger, thirst, and other forms of suffering?

According to 1 Corinthians 4:11 and other scriptures like 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 and Philippians 3:7-10, yes, it is normal for Christians to experience various forms of suffering, but these experiences can also be opportunities for spiritual growth and for demonstrating our trust in God's goodness and love, as seen in Romans 5:3-5 and James 1:2-4.

How should we respond to suffering and hardship as Christians?

In response to suffering and hardship, Christians should follow the example of the apostles in 1 Corinthians 4:11-13, blessing those who vilify us, enduring persecution, and answering gently when slandered, trusting in God's power and presence, as seen in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 and 1 Peter 2:20-23.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can demonstrate my trust in God's provision and care, even when I am experiencing physical or emotional needs?
How can I respond to those who mistreat or persecute me, in a way that honors Jesus and reflects His love and character?
What are some areas of my life where I may be experiencing 'hunger' or 'thirst' spiritually, and how can I seek to be filled and satisfied in those areas?
In what ways can I identify with the apostles' experiences in 1 Corinthians 4:11, and how can I learn from their examples of faith and perseverance?
How can I balance my desire for comfort and security with the call to follow Jesus and potentially experience hardship and suffering, as seen in Matthew 16:24-26 and Luke 9:23-25?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 4:11

Even unto this present hour,.... What is about to be related was not what befell the apostles now and then, and a great while ago; but what for a considerable time, and unto the present time, was

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 4:11

Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; (2 Corinthians 11:23-27.) Naked - i:e., insufficiently clad (Romans 8:35; 2 Timothy 4:13).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:11

Our state in the world is low and mean; though you be full, we are hungry and thirsty; though you be richly clothed, yet we are next to naked, clothed with rags; though you be hugged and embraced by the men of the world, yet we are buffeted; though you have rich and famous houses, yet we have no certain dwelling-place. Thus it hath been with us from the beginning of our profession of Christ, and thus it is with us at this day, saith the apostle: from whence he gives these Corinthians and their false teachers a just reason to suspect themselves, whether they were true and sincere professors, yea or no, and to consider how it came to pass, that their lot in the world was so different from the lot of those whom the Lord had dignified with the title and office of his apostles. The condition of the most faithful and able ministers and the most sincere Christians that have been in the world, hath always been a mean and afflicted state and condition.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:11

11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; Ver. 11. Even to this present] Thus he complaineth, not out of impatience (for he was active in his sufferings), but to stain their pride, that permitted it so to be, when it was in their power to have relieved him.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:11

(11) We both hunger.—From the strong irony of the last verse, the Apostle here passes, in the pathethic and sad description which occupies 1 Corinthians 4:11-13, to show how intensely true that last word “despised” was, as expressing his own position, not only in time past, but at the very hour of his writing. Here still there is an implied contrast between their condition (“full,” “rich,” “kings,” of 1 Corinthians 4:8) and that of St. Paul himself. Are naked.—The better reading is, we are in need of sufficient clothing (as 2 Corinthians 11:27). Are buffeted—i.e., are treated like slaves, and not like “kings,” as you are. Have no certain dwellingplace.—To be without a fixed home was a peculiar sign of want and degradation. (See Matthew 8:20; Matthew 10:23.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:11

Verse 11. We both hunger and thirst, &c.] Who would then have been an apostle of Christ, even with all its spiritual honours and glories, who had not a soul filled with love both to God and man, and the fullest conviction of the reality of the doctrine he preached, and of that spiritual world in which alone he could expect rest? See the Introduction, sect. vi. Have no certain dwelling place] We are mere itinerant preachers, and when we set out in the morning know not where, or whether we shall or not, get a night's lodging.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 4:11

11. Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst] The Apostle would point out to his converts the true glory of the Christian minister. Labour and suffering for Christ’s sake are the marks of the servants of God, not self-conceit and self-praise.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 4:11

Even unto this present hour - Paul here drops the irony, and begins a serious recapitulation of his actual sufferings and trials.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:11

11. Even unto this present hour—While I write to you from Ephesus I am the subject of such a life. Buffeted—Struck with the clenched fist. No certain dwellingplace—Without position, or fixed residence.

Sermons on 1 Corinthians 4:11

	Sermon	Description
	Holy Ground by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision of Christ rather than just having ideas. He criticizes the preaching in the country today, stating that it
	A Dark City by Steve Gallagher	This sermon delves into Acts chapter 19, highlighting the intense and sacrificial life of the Apostle Paul during his time in Ephesus. Despite facing afflictions, persecutions, and
	The Victorious Life by George Verwer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of balance in the Christian faith. He encourages the audience to study and memorize Hebrews chapter 11, which contains verses
	(1 Peter - Part 27): Who Is He That Will Harm You? by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher describes the physical deterioration of a man who is nearing death. Despite his weakened state, the preacher emphasizes that the devil and death cannot
	Chopping Wood for Father by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the passion and compassion of God rather than a hard religion that people cannot live up to. He shares that prea
	Crucified With Christ by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker describes a gruesome scene of a man being crucified and then disemboweled, emphasizing the horror and brutality of the cross. The speaker then transitio
	(Biographies) John Bunyan by John Piper	In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a family who recently joined their church. The family had faced difficulties in their previous church but had learned about the sov