1 Corinthians 4:14
1 Corinthians 4:14 in Multiple Translations
I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children.
I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.
I write not these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children.
I am not saying these things to put you to shame, but so that, as my dear children, you may see what is right.
I'm not writing like this to make you feel ashamed, but to caution you as my children whom I love so much.
I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloued children I admonish you.
Not [as] putting you to shame do I write these things, but as my beloved children I do admonish,
I don’t write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children.
I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you .
I write not these things to confound you; but I admonish you as my dearest children.
I am writing this to you, not to make you feel ashamed, but instead to warn you as though you were my own dear children.
I’m telling you all this to help you see that what you are doing is wrong. I’m not trying to shame you. You see, I love you like you are my own kids, and I want you to live the right way.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 4:14
BAB
Word Study
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1 Corinthians 4:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
GRK
ουκ
εντρεπων
υμας
γραφω
ταυτα
αλλ
ως
τεκνα
μου
αγαπητα
νουθετω
ουκ
ou
G3756
no
Particle-N
εντρεπων
entrepō
G1788
to cause shame
Verb-PAP-NSM
υμας
su
G4771
you
Pron-2AP
γραφω
graphō
G1125
to write
Verb-PAI-1S
ταυτα
ohutos
G3778
this/he/she/it
Dem-APN
αλλ
alla
G235
but
Conj
ως
hōs
G5613
as/when
Adv
τεκνα
teknon
G5043
child
Noun-APN
μου
egō
G1473
I/we
Pron-1GS
αγαπητα
agapētos
G27
beloved
Adj-APN
νουθετω
noutheteō
G3560
to admonish
Verb-PAI-1S
Greek Word Study
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Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 4:14
ουκ
ou
G3756
"no"
Particle-N
This is a strong 'no', used to deny something completely. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 13:29 and John 1:21. It is a negative answer to a question.
Definition: οὐ, before a vowel with smooth breathing οὐκ, before one with rough breathing οὐχ (but improperly οὐχ ἰδού, Act.2:7, WH, mg.; cf. WH, Intr., §409; M, Pr., 44, 244), [in LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,לֹא ;] neg. particle, not, no, used generally with indic, and for a denial of fact (cf . μή); __1. absol. (accented), οὔ, no: Mat.13:29 Jhn.1:21 21:5; οὒ οὕ, Mat.5:37 Jas.5:12. __2. Most frequently negativing a verb or other word, Mat.1:25 10:26, 38, Mrk.3:25 9:37, Jhn.8:29, Act.7:5, Rom.1:16, Php.3:3, al.; in litotes, οὐκ ὀλίγοι (i.e. very many), Act.17:4, al.; οὐκ ἄσημος, Act.21:39; πᾶς . . . οὐ, with verb, (like Heb. כֹּל . . . לֹא), no, none, Mat.24:22, Mrk.13:20, Luk.1:37, Eph.5:5, al.; in disjunctive statements, οὐκ . . . ἀλλά, Luk.8:52 Jhn.1:33 Rom.8:2o, al.; with 2 of person(s) fut. (like Heb. לֹא, with impf.), as emphatic prohibition, Mat.4:7, Luk.4:12, Rom.7:7, al. __3. With another negative, __(a) strengthening the negation: Mrk.5:37, Jhn.8:15 12:19, Act.8:39, al.; __(b) making an affirmative: Act.4:20, 1Co.12:15. __4. With other particles: οὐ μή (see: μή); οὐ μηκέτι, Mat.21:19; with μή interrog., Rom.10:18, 1Co.9:4, 5 11:22. __5. Interrogative, expecting an affirmative answer (Lat. nonne): Mat.6:26, Mrk.4:21, Luk.11:40, Jhn.4:35, Rom.9:21, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1410 NT verses. KJV: + long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but See also: 1 Corinthians 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:32; 1 Peter 1:8.
εντρεπων
entrepō
G1788
"to cause shame"
Verb-PAP-NSM
To cause shame means to make someone feel embarrassed or confused, as in 1 Corinthians 4:14 where Paul writes to the Corinthians.
Definition: ἐν-τρέπω [in LXX for כָּנַע ni., כָּלַם ni., etc. ;] to turn about; metaphorically, put to shame: with accusative, 1Co.4:14; pass., 2Th.3:14, Tit.2:8; mid., to reverence: with accusative of person(s) (cl. with genitive), Mat.21:37, Mrk.12:6, Luk.18:2, 4 20:13, Heb.12:9 (cf. MM, Exp., iii, xiii).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 9 NT verses. KJV: regard, (give) reference, shame See also: 1 Corinthians 4:14; Luke 18:4; Hebrews 12:9.
υμας
su
G4771
"you"
Pron-2AP
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.
γραφω
graphō
G1125
"to write"
Verb-PAI-1S
This verb means to write or record something, like in John 8:6 where Jesus writes on the ground. It can also mean to describe or express something in writing, as seen in Luke 1:63 and Galatians 6:11.
Definition: γράφω, [in LXX chiefly for כּתב ]; __1. to scrape, graze (Hom.), and later (Hdt.) to sketch, draw. __2. to write; __(a) of forming or tracing letters on writing material: Jhn.8:[6], Gal.6:11, 2Th.3:17; __(b) to express in writing, commit to writing, record: Luk.1:63, Jhn.19:21, 22 Rev.1:11, 19 al.; of scripture as a standing authority (Deiss., BS, 112ff.), γέγραπται, it stands written (Luther), Mat.4:4, Mrk.7:6, Luk.4:8, Rom.1:17, 1Co.1:31, al.; id. before ἐν, Mrk.1:2, Act.1:20, al.; with accusative, to write of: Jhn.1:46, Rom.10:5; before περί, Mat.26:24, Mrk.14:21, Jhn.5:46; al.; with dative (WM, §31, 4), Luk.18:31; id. before ἵνα (M, Pr., 207f.), Mrk.12:19, Luk.20:28; κατὰ τ. γεγραμμένον, 2Co.4:13; γεγραμμένον ἐστί, Jhn.2:17; ἐγράφη, Rom.4:24; ἐπ᾽ αὐτῷ γεγραμμένα, Jhn.12:16; __(with) of writing directions or information, with dative of person(s): Rom.15:15, 2Co.7:12, al.; __(d) of that which contains the record or message: βιβλίον, Mrk.10:4, Jhn.21:25, Rev.5:1; τίτλον, Jhn.19:19; ἐπιστολήν, Act.23:25; ἐντολήν, Mrk.10:5 (cf. ἀπο-, ἐγ-, ἐπι-, κατα-, προ-). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 183 NT verses. KJV: describe, write(-ing, -ten) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:19; Luke 1:63; 1 Peter 1:16.
ταυτα
ohutos
G3778
"this/he/she/it"
Dem-APN
This refers to a specific person or thing, like when Jesus says 'this is my body' in Matthew 26:26 and Mark 14:22.
Definition: οὗτος, αὕτη, τοῦτο, genitive, τούτου, ταύτης, τούτου, [in LXX chiefly for זֹאת ,זֶה ;] demonstr. pron. (related to ἐκεῖνος as hic to ille), this; __1. as subst., this one, he; __(a) absol.: Mat.3:17, Mrk.9:7, Luk.7:44, 45, Jhn.1:15, Act.2:15, al.; expressing contempt (cl.), Mat.13:55, 56, Mrk.6:2, 3, Jhn.6:42, al.; εἰς τοῦτο, Mrk.1:38, Rom.14:9; μετὰ τοῦτο (ταῦτα; V. Westc. on Jhn.5:1), Jhn.2:12 11:7, al.; __(b) epanaleptic (referring to what precedes): Mat.5:19, Mrk.3:35, Luk.9:48, Jhn.6:46, Rom.7:10, al.; __(with) proleptic (referring to what follows): before ἵνα (Bl., §69, 6), Luk.1:43, Jhn.3:19 (and freq.) 15:8, Rom.14:9, al.; before ὅτι, Luk.10:11, Jhn.9:3o, Act.24:14, Rom.2:3, al.; ὅπως, Rom.9:17; ἐάν, Jhn.13:35; __(d) special idioms: τοῦτο μὲν . . . τ. δέ (cl), partly . . . partly. Heb.10:33; καὶ τοῦτο (τοῦτον, ταῦτα), and that (him) too, Rom.13:11, 1Co.2:2, Heb.11:12; τοῦτ᾽ ἐστιν, Mat.27:46. __2. As adj., with subst.; __(a) with art. __(α) before the art.: Mat.12:32, Mrk.9:29, Luk.7:44, Jhn.4:15, Rom.11:24, Rev.19:9, al.; __(β) after the noun: Mat.3:9, Mrk.12:16, Luk.11:31, Jhn.4:13, Act.6:13, Rom.15:28, 1Co.1:20, Rev.2:24, al.; __(b) with subst. anarth. (with predicative force; Bl., §49, 4): Luk.1:36 2:2 24:21, Jhn.2:11 4:54 21:14, 2Co.13:1. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1281 NT verses. KJV: he (it was that), hereof, it, she, such as, the same, these, they, this (man, same, woman), which, who See also: 1 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Peter 2:20; 1 Peter 1:11.
αλλ
alla
G235
"but"
Conj
But is a strong opposing word, used in Matthew 5:15 and John 7:16. It shows contrast or surprise, like in the phrase 'but God' in Romans 3:31.
Definition: ἀλλά (ἀλλ᾽ usually bef. α and υ, often bef. ε and η, rarely bef. ο and ω, never bef. ι; Tdf., Pr., 93 f.; WH, App., 146), adversative particle, stronger than δέ; prop. neuter pl. of ἄλλος, used adverbially, with changed accent; hence prop. otherwise, on the other hand (cf. Rom.3:31); __1. opposing a previous negation, but: οὐ (μὴ) . . . ἀ., Mat.5:15, 17 Mrk.5:39, Jhn.7:16, al.; rhetorically subordinating but not entirely negativing what precedes, οὐ . . . ἀ., not so much . . . as, Mrk.9:37, Mat.10:20, Jhn.12:44, al.; with ellipse of the negation, Mat.11:7-9, Act.19:2, 1Co.3:6 6:11 7:7, 2Co.7:1, Gal.2:3, al.; in opposition to a foregoing pos. sentence, ἀ. οὐ, Mat.24:6, 1Co.10:23; οὐ μόνον . . . ἀ. καί, Jhn.5:18, Rom.1:32, al.; elliptically, after a negation, ἀ. ἵνα, Mrk.14:49, Jhn.1:8 9:3, al.; = εἰ μή (Bl., §77, 13; M, Pr., 241; but cf. WM, §iii, 10), Mat.20:23, Mrk.4:22. __2. Without previous negation, to express opposition, interruption, transition, etc., but: Jhn.16:20 12:27, Gal.2:14; before commands or requests, Act.10:20 26:16, Mat.9:18, Mrk.9:22, al.; to introduce an accessory idea, 2Co.7:11; in the apodosis after a condition or concession with εἰ, ἐάν, εἴπερ, yet, still, at least, Mrk.14:29, 1Co.9:2, 2Co.4:16, Col.2:5, al.; after μέν, Act.4:17, Rom.14:20, 1Co.14:17; giving emphasis to the following clause, ἀλλ᾽ ἔρχεται ὥρα, yea, etc., Jhn.16:2; so with neg., ἀλλ᾽ οὐδέ, nay, nor yet, Luk.23:15. __3. Joined with other particles (a practice which increases in late writers; Simcox, LNT, 166), ἀ. γε, yet at least, Luk.24:21, 1Co.9:2; ἄ ἤ., save only, except, Luk.12:51, 2Co.1:13; ἀ. μὲν οὖν, Php.3:8 (on this usage, see MM, VGT, see word). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 603 NT verses. KJV: and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 1 Peter 1:15.
ως
hōs
G5613
"as/when"
Adv
This word means as or when, showing a comparison or timing. It's used in many verses, like Mark 4:26 and 1 Corinthians 3:15, to show how things are done. It helps explain how or when something happens.
Definition: ὡς, adverbial form of the relative pron. ὅς, ἥ, ὅ. __I. As relat. adv. of manner, as, like as, just as, even as; __1. with a demonstrative, like οὕτως, expressed or understood: οὕτως . . . ὡς, Mrk.4:26, 1Co.3:15, Eph.5:28, Jas.2:12, al.; ὡς . . . οὕτως, Act.8:32, 1Co.7:17, al.; elliptically (sc. οὕτως, οὕτω), with nom., Mat.6:29, al.; with accusative, Mat.19:19, Mrk.12:31, al.; with prep., Mat.26:55, Mrk.14:48, Luk.22:52, Jhn.7:10, al.; with verb., Jhn.15:6, 2Co.3:1, Eph.2:3, 1Th.5:6, al.; with ptcp. (the ptcp. however not having the special force wh. it has in cl.; see Bl., §73, 5; 74, 6), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Heb.13:17, al.; freq implying opinion or belief, Rom.9:32; so esp, with genitive absol., 1Co.4:18, 2Co.5:20, 1Pe.4:12, 2Pe.1:3. __2. Before numerals, about, nearly: Mrk.5:13, Jhn.1:40, Act.5:7, al. __3. Before adjectives and adverbs, how: Rom.10:15 11:33, 1Th.2:10; with superl., ὡς τάχιστα, as quickly as possible, Act.17:15. __II. As conjunction; __1. temporal, __(a) as, when, since: Mrk.9:21 14:72, Luk.1:23, Jhn.2:9, al.; __(b) while, when, as long as: Luk.12:58, Jhn.12:36, Gal.6:10 (Field, Notes, 191); ὡς ἄν (M, Pr., 167, and see: ἄν), Rom.15:24, 1Co.11:34, Php.2:23. __2. Final, in order that; with inf., in order to (M, Pr., 204n), Luk.9:52, Act.20:24, Heb.7:9. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 436 NT verses. KJV: about, after (that), (according) as (it had been, it were), as soon (as), even as (like), for, how (greatly), like (as, unto), since, so (that), that, to wit, unto, when(-soever), while, X with all speed See also: 1 Corinthians 3:1; 2 Timothy 1:3; 1 Peter 1:14.
τεκνα
teknon
G5043
"child"
Noun-APN
This word means a child, either male or female, born to parents, as mentioned in Matthew 7:11 and Romans 9:8.
Definition: τέκνον, -ου, τό (τίκτω), [in LXX chiefly for בֵּן, also for יֶלֶד, etc. ;] that which is begotten, born (cf. Scottish bairn), a child of either sex: Mrk.13:12, Luk.1:7, Act.7:5; pl., Mat.7:11, Mrk.7:27, Luk.1:17, Eph.6:1, al.; τέκνα ἐπαγγελίας, Rom.9:8; τ. τῆς σαρκός, ib.; in a wider sense (as Heb. בָּנִים), of posterity, Mat.2:18, Luk.3:8, al.; specif., of a male child, Mat.21:28, Act.21:21, a,l.; in voc. as a form of kindly address from an elder to a junior or from a teacher to a disciple, Mat.9:2 21:28, Mrk.2:5, Luk.2:48; τ. μου (= cl. τ. μοι; see Bl., §37, 5), Gal.4:19 (τεκνία, WH, txt.), 2Ti.2:1. Metaphorical, __(a) of disciples (apart from direct address, see supr.): Phm 10, 1Ti.1:2, Tit.1:4, 3Jo.4; __(b) with reference to the Fatherhood of God (see: πατήρ, γεννάω), τέκνα τ. θεοῦ (cf. Isa.30:1, Wis.16:21): Rom.8:16, Eph.5:1, Php.2:15; and esp. in Johannine bks. (cf. Westc, Epp. Jo., 94, 120), Jhn.1:12, 1Jn.3:1 al.; __(with) of those who imitate others and are therefore regarded as the spiritual offspring of their exemplars: Mat.3:9, Luk.3:8, Jhn.8:39, Rom.9:7, 1Pe.3:6; τ. διαβόλου, 1Jn.3:10; __(d) as in Heb. (LXX, Jol.2:23, Psa.149:2, 1Ma.1:38), of the inhabitants of a city: Mat.23:37, Luk.13:34 19:44, Gal.4:25; __(e) with an adjectival genitive, frequently rendering a Heb. expression, adopted from LXX or formed on the analogy of its language, but sometimes with parallels in Gk. writers (see Deiss., BS, 161ff.): τέκνα φωτός, Eph.5:8; τ. ὑπακοῆς, 1Pe.1:14; κατάρας, 2Pe.2:14; ὀργῆς, Eph.2:3. SYN.: see: παῖς. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 91 NT verses. KJV: child, daughter, son See also: 1 Corinthians 4:14; Luke 1:17; 1 Peter 1:14.
μου
egō
G1473
"I/we"
Pron-1GS
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.
αγαπητα
agapētos
G27
"beloved"
Adj-APN
Beloved means to be loved or cherished by someone, like God or a friend, as seen in Matthew 3:17 and Romans 1:7. This word describes a sense of affection or fondness. It is often translated as 'beloved' or 'dearly loved' in the KJV Bible.
Definition: ἀγαπητός, -ή, -όν (ἀγαπάω), [in LXX chiefly for יָתִיד, יָדִיד ;] beloved (see M, Pr., 221); __(a) by God: of Christ, Mat.3:17; of men, Rom.1:7; __(b) by Christians, of one another: 1Co.4:14; frequently as form of address, ib. 10:14; opposite to ἐχθρός, Rom.11:28 (see AR, Eph., 229; Cremer, 17; MM, VGT, see word). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 61 NT verses. KJV: (dearly, well) beloved, dear See also: 1 Corinthians 4:14; Colossians 4:14; 1 Peter 2:11.
νουθετω
noutheteō
G3560
"to admonish"
Verb-PAI-1S
To admonish means to gently caution or reprove someone, as seen in Acts 20:31 and Romans 15:14. It involves putting something in mind to correct or guide. The KJV translates it as 'admonish' or 'warn'.
Definition: νουθετέω, -ῶ (νοῦς, τίθημι, hence, put in mind), [in LXX: 1Ki.3:13 (כָּהָה pi.), Job.8:1-22 (יָסַר pi., בִּין), Wis.11:10 12:2, 26 * ;] to admonish, exhort: with accusative of person(s), Act.20:31, Rom.15:14, 1Co.4:14, Col.1:28 3:16, 1Th.5:12 5:14, 2Th.3:15.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 8 NT verses. KJV: admonish, warn See also: 1 Corinthians 4:14; Acts 20:31; Romans 15:14.
Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 4:14
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Context — Paul’s Fatherly Warning
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.
14I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children.
15Even if you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. 16Therefore I urge you to imitate me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Thessalonians 2:11 | For you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children— |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 4:15 | Even if you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. |
| 3 | 3 John 1:4 | I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. |
| 4 | 1 Corinthians 9:15 | But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that something be done for me. Indeed, I would rather die than let anyone nullify my boast. |
| 5 | 2 Corinthians 12:19 | Have you been thinking all along that we were making a defense to you? We speak before God in Christ, and all of this, beloved, is to build you up. |
| 6 | Colossians 1:28 | We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. |
| 7 | 1 Thessalonians 5:14 | And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone. |
| 8 | 2 Corinthians 7:3 | I do not say this to condemn you. I have said before that you so occupy our hearts that we live and die together with you. |
| 9 | Acts 20:31 | Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. |
| 10 | 2 Corinthians 11:11 | Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! |
1 Corinthians 4:14 Summary
In 1 Corinthians 4:14, the Apostle Paul is writing to the Corinthian believers as their spiritual father, warning them to live a life that is pleasing to God. He wants them to know that he is coming from a place of love and concern, rather than shame or condemnation, as seen in the example of Jesus in Luke 15:11-24. This verse reminds us that as Christians, we are all 'beloved children' of God, and we should strive to live in a way that honors this relationship, by following God's commands and being open to guidance and correction, as taught in John 14:15 and 1 John 2:3-6. By living in this way, we can demonstrate our love for God and for others, and cultivate a deeper sense of purpose and identity as His children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Apostle Paul's writing in 1 Corinthians 4:14?
The Apostle Paul is writing to warn the Corinthian believers as his beloved children, rather than to shame them, as seen in 1 Corinthians 4:14, with a desire to see them live a life pleasing to God, as encouraged in Ephesians 5:1-2.
How does Paul's tone in this verse relate to his overall ministry?
Paul's tone in 1 Corinthians 4:14 reflects his heart as a spiritual father, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 4:15, where he became their father through the gospel, and demonstrates his desire to guide and correct them in love, similar to the example of Jesus in Matthew 9:36-38.
What does it mean to be 'beloved children' in the context of this verse?
Being 'beloved children' means that the Corinthian believers, and by extension all Christians, are cherished and valued by God and by their spiritual leaders, such as Paul, as seen in 1 John 3:1-2, and are called to live in a way that honors this relationship, as encouraged in Ephesians 5:1-2.
How can we apply the warning in this verse to our own lives?
We can apply the warning in 1 Corinthians 4:14 by being mindful of our actions and attitudes, and making sure they align with God's will, as taught in Romans 12:1-2, and by being open to correction and guidance from spiritual leaders and the Bible, as seen in 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to be warned and corrected, and how can I be more open to guidance from God and others?
- How can I balance the desire to avoid shame with the need to confront and correct my own sinful behaviors, as seen in Psalm 51:1-4?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my love and care for others, as Paul does in this verse, and how can I prioritize building them up in their faith, as encouraged in 1 Thessalonians 5:11?
- What does it mean to live as a 'beloved child' of God, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of identity and purpose in this relationship, as taught in Galatians 3:26-29?
- How can I respond to warnings and corrections from others in a way that is humble and receptive, rather than defensive or dismissive, as seen in Proverbs 12:1?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 4:14
I write not these things to shame you,.... Though they had a great deal of reason to be ashamed of the vain opinion they had of themselves, and that they suffered the faithful ministers of Christ to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 4:14
I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. I write not these things to shame you - for not relieving my needs (1 Corinthians 9:15).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:14
I tell you not of this to make you blush, as having had any hand in these indignities which are put upon us, nor yet to shame you (though possibly you have reason to be ashamed, either for your neglect of us, or for your adding to our affliction); I look upon you as my sons, and sons whom I love: I only write to warn you, both of your duty, to have some respect for us, and of, your sin, if you have neglected us beyond what was your duty to have done.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:14
14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. Ver. 14. To shame you] An innocent person sometimes, upon the fulness of an aspersion, may conceive shame, as David did, Psalms 44:15, yet usually shame is the effect of an evil conscience, and may prove, by God’ s blessing, a means of repentance, 2 Thessalonians 3:14.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:14
(14) I write not these things to shame you.—Better, I write these things not as one making you ashamed, but I am warning you as beloved children. The mingled irony and reproach of the preceding verses here ceases, and from indignant expostulation the writer now turns to make a tender and touching appeal to their better nature and their sympathy. This abrupt and sudden change in style is characteristic of the writings of St. Paul. Similar passages are nowhere to be found in the writings of the other Apostles. The following verses to the end of this chapter soften the severity of this early part of the Epistle by explaining in what spirit he has written, and the right which he has as their “father in the faith” to so address them.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:14
Verse 14. I write not these things to shame you] It is not by way of finding fault with you for not providing me with the necessaries of life that I write thus; but I do it to warn you to act differently for the time to come; and be not so ready to be drawn aside by every pretender to apostleship, to the neglect of those to whom, under God, you owe your salvation.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 4:14
14. I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you] The object of the foregoing passage might be mistaken, and therefore the Apostle refers to the mutual relation between himself and the Corinthian Church. His object is not reproach, but the amendment of their lives. It is the rebuke of a father, not the strong language of a man justly indignant.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 4:14
To shame you - It is not my design to put you to shame by showing you how little you suffer in comparison with us. This is not our design, though it may have this effect.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:14
14. I—Whether he has spoken in the singular or plural heretofore, he has generally meant himself only as a representative, including a constituency. Here he means his own personal self.
Sermons on 1 Corinthians 4:14
| Sermon | Description | |
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Praising God at the Dung Gate by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, Paul, who is writing from prison, urges the believers to walk worthy of their calling. He acknowledges the difficulties and trials they have faced, emphasizing that |
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Studies in 1 Corinthians-04 1 Cor 4:14-5:7 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the issue of the Corinthians becoming followers of men and forming parties around favorite preachers. The preacher emphasizes the importance |
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(The Church Needs to Know) 8. the Church Will Be Confronted by Miki Hardy | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of standing and remaining in sound doctrine. He references 1 Corinthians 4:14, where Paul warns the Corinthians as his beloved |
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The Unclean Person by Frank Knox | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following God's word without questioning or backtalk. He shares a story about a man who claimed to speak for God but didn' |
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(The Full Gospel) 11. Two Types of Backsliders and Two Types of Leaders by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches about the two types of backsliders as described by Jesus in Luke 15 - the lost sheep and the lost son. He emphasizes the importance of shepherds after God's own |
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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 |
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(The New Covenant Servant) 6. Being a Father to Others by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the distinction between being a teacher and a father in the church, highlighting that while it is easy to produce spiritual children, nurturing them to maturi |