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1 Corinthians 4:12

1 Corinthians 4:12 in Multiple Translations

We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;

And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:

and we toil, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure;

And with our hands we do the hardest work: when they give us curses we give blessings, when we undergo punishment we take it quietly;

We struggle on doing manual work. When people curse us, we bless them. When they persecute us, we put up with it.

And labour, working with our owne handes: we are reuiled, and yet we blesse: we are persecuted, and suffer it.

and labour, working with [our] own hands; being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer;

We toil, working with our own hands. When people curse us, we bless. Being persecuted, we endure.

And labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it;

And we labour, working with our own hands: we are reviled, and we bless; we are persecuted, and we suffer it.

We work very hard to earn a living. When we are cursed by people {When people curse us}, we ask God to bless them. When we are persecuted {When people cause us to suffer}, we endure it.

We have to work hard all the time to get money for food. Some people swear at us and ask bad spirits to hurt us, but we just ask God to be good to them. If people are hard on us, we just put up with it.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 4:12

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1 Corinthians 4:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK και κοπιωμεν εργαζομενοι ταις ιδιαις χερσιν λοιδορουμενοι ευλογουμεν διωκομενοι ανεχομεθα
και kai G2532 and Conj
κοπιωμεν kopiaō G2872 to labor Verb-PAI-1P
εργαζομενοι ergazomai G2038 to work Verb-PNP-NPM
ταις ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DPF
ιδιαις idios G2398 one's own/private Adj-DPF
χερσιν cheir G5495 hand Noun-DPF
λοιδορουμενοι loidoreō G3058 to revile Verb-PPP-NPM
ευλογουμεν eulogeō G2127 to praise/bless Verb-PAI-1P
διωκομενοι diōkō G1377 to pursue Verb-PPP-NPM
ανεχομεθα anechō G430 to endure Verb-PNI-1P
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Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 4:12

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.
κοπιωμεν kopiaō G2872 "to labor" Verb-PAI-1P
To labor or work hard, often feeling tired or weary, as seen in Matthew 11:28 and John 4:6.
Definition: κοπιάω, -ῶ (κόπος), [in LXX chiefly for יָגַע ;] __1. (as in cl.) to grow weary: Mat.11:28, Jhn.4:6, Rev.2:3 (cf. Isa.40:31). __2. Hence, in LXX and NT, to work with effort, to toil: absol., Mat.6:23, Luk.5:5 12:27, Jhn.4:38, Act.20:35, 1Co.4:12, Eph.4:28, 2Ti.2:5; with accusative of thing(s), Jhn.4:38; frequently in Paul. Epp., of ministerial labour: 1Co.15:10 16:16; before ἐν, Rom.16:12, 1Th.5:12 (see M, Th., in l), 1Ti.5:17; εἰς, Rom.16:6, Gal.4:11, Php.2:16, Col.1:29, 1Ti.4:10.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 21 NT verses. KJV: (bestow) labour, toil, be wearied See also: 1 Corinthians 4:12; Galatians 4:11; Revelation 2:3.
εργαζομενοι ergazomai G2038 "to work" Verb-PNP-NPM
This word means to work or labor, often implying physical or mental effort. In the Bible, it is used to describe various tasks, such as working for pay or trading. Jesus used it to teach about working for spiritual rewards.
Definition: ἐργάζομαι (ἔργον), [in LXX for עָבַד, פָּעַל, עָשָׂה, etc. ;] __1. intrans., __(a) to work, labour: Mat.21:28, Luk.13:14, Jhn.5:17 9:4 b, Act.18:3, 1Co.9:6, 2Th.3:10-12; τ. χερσίν, 1Co.4:12, 1Th.4:11; νυκτὸς κ. ἡαέρας, 1Th.2:9, 2Th.3:8; of working for pay, Mat.21:28; for reward, Rom.4:4-5; __(b) to work at a trade or business, to trade: before Iv (Dem.), Mat.25:16. __2. Trans., __(a) to work, work out, do, produce, perform: with accusative, 2Co.7:10, Col.3:23, 2Th.3:11, Jas.1:20, 2Jn.8, before εἰς, III Jn 5; ἔργον, Act.13:41 (LXX); id. before εἰς, Mat.26:10; ἐν, Mrk.14:6; ἔργα, Jhn.3:21; τὰ ἔ. τ. θεοῦ, Jhn.6:28 9:4; τὸ ἔ. κυρίου, 1Co.16:10; τ. ἀγαθόν, Rom.2:10, Eph.4:28 (see AR, Eph.) 190); id. before πρός, Gal.6:10; κακόν, before dative of person(s) (more frequently dupl. accusative, in cl.), Rom.13:10; δικαιοσύνην, Act.10:35, Heb.11:33; ἀνομίαν, Mat.7:23; ἁμαρτίαν, Jas.2:9; σημεῖον, Jhn.6:30; τ. ἱερά, 1Co.9:13; τ. θάλασσαν (work the sea, i.e. make one's living from it), Rev.18:17; __(b) to work for, earn by working (cl.): Jhn.6:27 (cf. κατ-, περι-, προσ-εργάζομαι; Cremer, 258; on the force of the aorist of this verb, see M, Pr., 116).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 37 NT verses. KJV: commit, do, labor for, minister about, trade (by), work See also: 1 Corinthians 4:12; Hebrews 11:33; James 2:9.
ταις ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DPF
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.
ιδιαις idios G2398 "one's own/private" Adj-DPF
Something that is one's own is private or personal, like in Matthew where Jesus is alone with his disciples.
Definition: ἴδιος, -α, -ον (in Attic usually -ος, -ον), [in LXX chiefly for of person(s) suff., also for לָהֶם, etc.; (τὰ ἴ.) בֵּיתוֹ ;] __1. one's own; __(a) of that which is private and personal (in cl. opposite to κοινός, δημόσιος; cf. infr. 3); __(b) of property, friends, home, country, etc. (in cl. opposite to ἀλλότριος; in late writers often, like ἑαυτοῦ, with weakened sense, see M, Pr., 87ff.; Deiss., BS, 123f.): Luk.6:41, Jhn.1:42 5:43, Act.2:6 20:28, 1Co.11:21, Gal.6:5, 2Ti.1:9, Heb.7:27, Ju 6, al.; πράσσειν τὰ ἴ., 1Th.4:11; κατὰ τὰς ἰ. ἐπιθυμίας, 2Ti.4:3; οἱ ἴδιοι, Jhn.1:11 (M, Pr., 90f.; Field, Notes, 84) 13:1, Act.4:23, 1Ti.5:8; τὰ ἴδια, one's home (Field, Notes, l.with), Luk.18:28, Jhn.1:11 16:32 19:27. __2. peculiar, distinct, appropriate, proper: τὸ ἴ. σῶμα, 1Co.15:38; ἐν τ. ἰ. τάγματι, 1Co.15:23; εἰς τ. τόπον τ. ἴ., Act.1:25; = αὐτοῦ (see Deiss., ut. supr.), Mat.22:5, Jhn.1:42 (cf. Wis.10:1). __3. Adverbially (see supr., 1 (a); and cf. WM, 739:2); __(a) ἰδίᾳ, severally, separately: 1Co.12:11; __(b) κατ᾽ ἰδίαν, apart, privately, in private: Mat.14:13, 23 20:17, Mrk.4:34 7:33, Luk.10:23, Act.23:19, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 109 NT verses. KJV: X his acquaintance, when they were alone, apart, aside, due, his (own, proper, several), home, (her, our, thine, your) own (business), private(-ly), proper, severally, their (own) See also: 1 Corinthians 3:8; Galatians 6:5; 1 Peter 3:1.
χερσιν cheir G5495 "hand" Noun-DPF
The word for hand in Greek can be literal or figurative, referring to power or instrument, as seen in Matthew 3:12 and 1 Corinthians 16:21. It is often used to describe a means of action or a symbol of authority, and is sometimes used in phrases that are similar to Hebrew constructions.
Definition: χείρ, genitive, χειρος (accusative, χεῖραν, 1Pe.5:6 T), ἡ, [in LXX chiefly for יָד ;] the hand: Mat.3:12, Mrk.3:1, Luk.6:6, al. mult.; ἡ χ., acting subject, Luk.22:21; pl., Act.17:25 20:34, 1Jn.1:1; τ. ἔργα τῶν χ., Act.7:41, Rev.9:20; ὁ ἀσπασμὸς τ. ἐμῇ χ., 1Co.16:21, Col.4:18, 2Th.3:17; prepositional phrases, esp. those without art., similar to Heb. constructions (Bl., §32, 4; 40, 9; 46, 9), ἐν χ.; with genitive (Lft., in l.), Gal.3:19; σὺν χ. ἀγγέλου, Act.7:35; διὰ (τῶν) χειρῶν (διὰ χειρός), Mrk.6:2, Act.5:12 7:25, al.; ἐπὶ χειρῶν, Mat.4:6, Luk.4:11; ellipse of χ. (ἡ δεξία, ἀριστερα; Bl., §44, 1), Mat.6:3, al. By meton., for the power or activity of an individual, Mat.17:22, Mrk.9:31, Luk.9:31, Jhn.10:39, Act.12:11, al.; metaphorically, of the activity or power of God: Luk.1:66 23:46, Jhn.10:29, Act.11:21 13:11, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 168 NT verses. KJV: hand See also: 1 Corinthians 4:12; Luke 4:11; 1 Peter 5:6.
λοιδορουμενοι loidoreō G3058 "to revile" Verb-PPP-NPM
To revile means to insult or speak badly about someone, like in John 9:28. It's a strong word for verbal abuse or mockery.
Definition: λοιδορέω, -ῶ (λοίδορος) [in LXX chiefly for רִיב ;] to abuse, revile: with accusative of person(s), Jhn.9:28, Act.23:4; pass., 1Co.4:12, 1Pe.2:23 (cf. ἀντι-λοιδορέω).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: revile See also: 1 Corinthians 4:12; Acts 23:4; 1 Peter 2:23.
ευλογουμεν eulogeō G2127 "to praise/bless" Verb-PAI-1P
To praise or bless someone means to speak well of them, like in Luke 1:64 where Zechariah praises God. It's about thanking or invoking a blessing on someone.
Definition: εὐλογέω, -ῶ [in LXX chiefly for בָּרַךְ pi. ;] __1. to speak well of, praise (cl.; LXX Deu.8:10, al.): τ. θεόν, Luk.1:64 2:28 24:51, 53 (αἰνοῦντες, T, WH, mg.), Jas.3:9; absol., to give praise, Mat.14:19 26:26 (see Swete on Mrk.14:22), Mrk.6:41 14:22 (see Swete, in l), Luk.24:30, 1Co.14:16. __2. As in LXX (= בָּרַךְ pi.); __(a) to bless, invoke blessings on (Gen.24:60, Num.23:20, al.): absol., 1Co.4:12, 1Pe.3:9; with accusative of person(s), Luk.2:34 6:28 24:50-51, Rom.12:14, Heb.7:1, 6-7 11:20-21; εὐλογημένος (= בָּרַךְ; see Lft., Notes, 310; DCG, i, 189), blessed, Mat.21:9 23:39" (LXX), Mrk.11:9-10, Luk.13:35 19:38" (LXX), Jhn.12:13; with accusative of thing(s), Mrk.8:7, Luk.9:16, 1Co.10:16; __(b) with God as subject (Psa.44:3, al.), to bless, prosper, bestow blessings on: with accusative of person(s), Act.3:26, Gal.3:9, Eph.1:3 (Lft., Notes, 311), Heb.6:14; εὐλογημένος, Luk.1:28 (WH, tit., R, tit., omit) Luk.1:42; εὐλογημένοι τ. πατρός (cf. Isa.61:9), Mat.25:34; pass. Act.3:25 (cf. ἐν-, κατ-ευλογέω).† SYN.: see: αἰνέω, and cf. DCG, i, 189, 211; Cremer, 766 (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 40 NT verses. KJV: bless, praise See also: 1 Corinthians 4:12; Luke 6:28; 1 Peter 3:9.
διωκομενοι diōkō G1377 "to pursue" Verb-PPP-NPM
To pursue or follow someone, which can be done with or without hostile intent, as seen in Matthew 5:10-12 and Luke 17:23. It can also mean to persecute, as in Acts 26:11 and Revelation 12:13. This word is used to describe chasing after something or someone.
Definition: διώκω [in LXX chiefly for רָדַף ;] __1. to put to flight, drive away: Mat.23:34. __2. to pursue; __(a) of persons; with accusative, without hostility, to follow after: Luk.17:23; with hostile purpose: Act.26:11, Rev.12:13. Hence, to persecute: Mat.5:10-12, 44 10:23, Luk.11:49 21:12, Jhn.5:16 15:20, Act.7:52 9:4-5 22:4, 7-8 26:14-15 Rom.12:14, 1Co.4:12 15:9, 2Co.4:9, Gal.1:13, 23 4:29 5:11 6:12, Php.3:6, 2Ti.3:12; __(b) metaphorically, with accusative of thing(s), of seeking eagerly after: Rom.9:30, 1Ti.6:11, 2Ti.2:22; νόμον δικαιοσύνης, Rom.9:31; τ. φιλοξενίαν, Rom.12:13; εἰρήνην, Heb.12:14, 1Pe.3:11; τὰ τῆς εἰ., Rom.14:19; τ. ἀγάπην, 1Co.14:1; τὸ ἀγαθόν, 1Th.5:15; absol., to follow on, drive, or speed on (Æsch.), Php.3:12, 14.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 43 NT verses. KJV: ensue, follow (after), given to, (suffer) persecute(-ion), press forward See also: 1 Corinthians 4:12; Galatians 5:11; 1 Peter 3:11.
ανεχομεθα anechō G430 "to endure" Verb-PNI-1P
To endure means to put up with something difficult, like in Matthew 17:17 and 2 Corinthians 11:1. It's about bearing with people or situations, even when it's hard.
Definition: ἀν-έχω [in LXX chiefly for אָפַק hithp. ;] to hold up; in NT always mid., to bear with, endure: in cl. most frequently with accusative, but in NT with genitive of person(s), Mat.17:17, Mrk.9:19, Luk.9:41, 2Co.11:1 11:19, Eph.4:2, Col.3:13; before μικρόν τι, with genitive of person(s) and with genitive of thing(s), 2Co.11:1; with dative of thing(s), 2Th.1:4 (v M, Th., in l); before εἴ τις, 2Co.11:20; absol., 1Co.4:12, 2Co.11:4; to bear with = to listen to, with genitive of person(s), Act.18:14; with genitive of thing(s), 2Ti.4:3, Heb.13:22 (cf. προσανέχω and MM, VGT, see word).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 14 NT verses. KJV: bear with, endure, forbear, suffer See also: 1 Corinthians 4:12; Acts 18:14; Hebrews 13:22.

Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 4:12

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Peter 3:9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
2 Matthew 5:11 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
3 1 Peter 4:12–14 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
4 Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse.
5 Luke 6:28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
6 Romans 12:20 On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
7 Acts 18:3 and he stayed and worked with them because they were tentmakers by trade, just as he was.
8 1 Peter 2:23 When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.
9 Luke 23:34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.
10 1 Peter 3:14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be shaken.”

1 Corinthians 4:12 Summary

This verse, 1 Corinthians 4:12, reminds us that as Christians, we are called to work hard and be self-sufficient, while also trusting in God's provision and care for us. When we face criticism or persecution, we are to respond with kindness and love, just as Jesus did. This means blessing those who hurt us, rather than seeking revenge or retaliation, as seen in Matthew 5:44. By following Jesus' example and trusting in God's power, we can endure any challenge or hardship that comes our way, knowing that He is with us and will provide for us, as promised in Philippians 4:13.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to work hard with our own hands as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 4:12?

This means to be diligent and self-sufficient in our labor, trusting in God's provision, as seen in 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12, where we are encouraged to work and not be idle.

How can we bless when we are vilified, as the verse instructs?

Blessing when vilified means responding with kindness and love, rather than anger or retaliation, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:44, to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.

What is the significance of enduring persecution in 1 Corinthians 4:12?

Enduring persecution with patience and faith, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 4:12, demonstrates our trust in God's sovereignty and our commitment to following Jesus, as He endured suffering for our sake, as seen in Hebrews 12:2-3.

How does this verse relate to our everyday lives as Christians?

This verse reminds us that as followers of Christ, we are called to live a life of humility, hard work, and love, even in the face of adversity, just as Jesus did, and to trust in God's power and provision, as promised in Philippians 4:13.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can apply the principle of working hard with my own hands in my daily life, and how can I trust God to provide for my needs?
  2. How can I respond with blessing when faced with criticism or ridicule, and what does this reveal about my heart and my relationship with God?
  3. In what ways am I currently experiencing persecution or hardship, and how can I endure it with patience and faith, looking to Jesus as my example?
  4. What does it mean to 'endure' in the context of 1 Corinthians 4:12, and how can I cultivate this quality in my own life, especially when faced with challenges or opposition?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 4:12

And labour, working with our own hands,.... As the apostle did at Corinth, Acts 18:3 and elsewhere; partly to minister to his own necessities, and those of others; and partly that he might not be

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 4:12

And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: Working with our own hands - namely, "even unto this present hour" (1 Corinthians 4:11): so continuous are my hardships.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:12

And labour, working with our hands; we do not only labour in the word and doctrine, but we labour with our hands, that we might not be burdensome to the church, our hands ministering to our necessities, ; though, as he saith, , they had a power to eat and drink, that is, a right to have demanded meat and drink of them, and might have forbore working; for who goeth a warfare at his own charges? ,7. Whence we may observe, that though the ministers of Christ ought to be maintained by the churches to which they relate, and they sin if they neglect it; yet where this either is not done through men’ s sinful neglect of them, or cannot be done through the poverty of the members of such churches, it is lawful for them to labour with their hands. Being reviled, we bless; we are reviled and spoken ill of, but we do not revile others, but speak well of them, and wish well to them. Being persecuted, we suffer it; though we be hunted and pursued to the endangering of our lives and liberties, yet we do make no resistance, but patiently suffer it. By this the apostle showeth them the duty of Christians, as well as their lot and portion in this life; and also tacitly reflecteth on them and their teachers, who were some of those that thus reviled the apostles; and though they did not, it may be, smite them with their hands, yet they persecuted them with their tongues; and leaves it to their consideration, whether the apostles or they lived more up to the rule of Christianity given by Christ, .

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:12

12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: Ver. 12. And labour, working, &c.] Whereas they might object, Are you hungry, thirsty, naked? It is because you are idle. No, saith he, "we labour, working with our hands" (a shame for you to suffer it), and yet can hardly sweat out a poor living. This one example of Paul is much pleaded in these times by men of perverse minds to dispute God out of his own. One apostle works with his hands, or two, now and then at pleasure; all the rest live upon the Church (for could those fishermen catch fish in the forests, deserts, or streets?), yet one Paul is set against all the rest of the apostles; yea, set together by the ears with himself; anything to save their purses.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:12

(12) And labour.—While at Ephesus, whence this letter was written, the Apostle supported himself by working with Aquila and Priscilla at tent-making. This labour was no recreation or pastime with St. Paul, it was hard and earnest work. (See 1 Thessalonians 2:8-9; 2 Thessalonians 3:8.) That this labour was rendered more excessive from the Apostle’s characteristic generosity to others, we may conclude from the expression used in his farewell to the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:17-38), “Ye yourselves know that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.” Being reviled, we bless.—A striking contrast to the way in which the Corinthians would act under similar circumstances, and yet a literal obedience to the teaching of the Master (Matthew 5:39; Matthew 5:44). Thus the Apostle became in the eyes of the world, “a fool” for Christ’s sake.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:12

Verse 12. Working with our own hands] They were obliged to labour in order to supply themselves with the necessaries of life while preaching the Gospel to others. This, no doubt, was the case in every place were no Church had been as yet formed: afterwards, the people of God supplied their ministers, according to their power, with food and raiment. Being reviled, we bless, c.] What a most amiable picture does this exhibit of the power of the grace of Christ! Man is naturally a proud creature, and his pride prompts him always to avenge himself in whatever manner he can, and repay insult with insult. It is only the grace of Christ that can make a man patient in bearing injuries, and render blessing for cursing, beneficence for malevolence, &c. The apostles suffered an indignities for Christ's sake for it was on his account that they were exposed to persecutions, &c.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 4:12

12. and labour, working with our own hands] Consult Paley, Horae Paulinae, 1st Ep. to Corinthians, No. vi, for a full discussion of the remarkable coincidence between this passage and the speech to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:34, where, though the words were spoken on a different occasion, and are related by a different author, we find statements exactly corresponding. St Paul, in this Epistle written from Ephesus, and in that speech spoken at Ephesus, states that he laboured with his own hands there, and in both cases the remark is dropped undesignedly. The coincidence is the best proof possible of the genuineness both of Epistle and narrative. See also ch. 1 Corinthians 9:6 and Acts 18:3; 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:8.being reviled, we bless] Compare St Matthew 5:5; Matthew 5:38-45; St Luke 23:34; St John 18:23; 1 Peter 2:23.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 4:12

And labour ... - This Paul often did. See the note at Acts 18:3; compare Acts 20:34; 1 Thessalonians 2:9. 2 Thessalonians 3:8. Being reviled - That they were often reviled or reproached, their history everywhere shows.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:12

12. Working… hands—Not only at Corinth at first, (Acts 18:3,) but in Ephesus now. Acts 20:34. Reviled… bless—The words, perhaps, indicate that St. Paul had read the Gospel of Matthew. See Matthew 5:39; Matthew 5:44.

Sermons on 1 Corinthians 4:12

SermonDescription
Ian Paisley Earthquaking the Way Into the Evangelisation of a Continent by Ian Paisley In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of the Jailer from the Bible. The Jailer was a hard and wicked man who took pleasure in the suffering of prisoners. However, one n
George Verwer Power for the Christian Life by George Verwer In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of young college men receiving a specific message. He highlights the need for discipline, warfare, self-denial, and unity amon
Frank W. Boreham The Church Is Persecuted by Frank W. Boreham Frank W. Boreham preaches on the eighth beatitude, emphasizing that persecution for righteousness' sake is a universal experience for all Christians throughout history. He highligh
St. Benedict of Nursia The Fourth Degree of Humility by St. Benedict of Nursia St. Benedict of Nursia preaches about the fourth degree of humility, emphasizing the importance of holding fast to patience with a silent mind in obedience, even in the face of dif
T. Austin-Sparks The Servant's Hands by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the hands in spiritual service, illustrating how they symbolize our inner disposition and commitment to God. He draws parallels betw
Bill McLeod A House of Prayer by Bill McLeod In this sermon, the preacher shares various anecdotes and experiences to emphasize the importance of committing our causes to God. He tells a story about a preacher from Argentina
Otto Koning The Surprising Ways of God by Otto Koning In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares his personal testimony of searching for God and finding hope in Jesus Christ. He reflects on his experiences during World War II and t

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