1 Corinthians 3 4

1 Corinthians 3:4 kjv

For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?

1 Corinthians 3:4 nkjv

For when one says, "I am of Paul," and another, "I am of Apollos," are you not carnal?

1 Corinthians 3:4 niv

For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not mere human beings?

1 Corinthians 3:4 esv

For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not being merely human?

1 Corinthians 3:4 nlt

When one of you says, "I am a follower of Paul," and another says, "I follow Apollos," aren't you acting just like people of the world?

1 Corinthians 3 verses

1 Corinthians 3 4 Meaning

When one person says, "I follow Paul," and another says, "I follow Apollos," they are speaking in a merely human way, indicating their allegiance to human leaders rather than to Christ.

1 Corinthians 3 4 Context

This verse is found in Paul's letter to the Corinthian church, a community struggling with divisions and factions. Chapter 3 addresses these internal conflicts directly. The Corinthian believers were elevating human leaders like Paul and Apollos to positions of undue prominence, creating a "them vs. us" mentality. Paul is correcting this by reminding them that he and Apollos are merely servants God has used in their spiritual growth, not ultimate objects of allegiance. The focus should be on Christ, the foundation and ultimate authority.

1 Corinthians 3 4 Word Analysis

• ei (G1487): But (This conjunction marks a contrast with a previous thought, though not explicitly stated here, it implies a counterpoint to true spiritual maturity).
• gar (G1063): for (introduces an explanation or reason).
• ti (G5100): a certain one / some one (indicates an indefinite person, referring to a believer in Corinth).
• ekeinoi (G1564): those (plural demonstrative pronoun, referring to Paul and Apollos).
• de (G1161): but / now (particle indicating a transition or contrast; here, setting Apollos apart from Paul).
• legei (G3004): saying (present tense participle, indicates a continuous action or state).
• ego (G1473): I (first-person singular pronoun).
• men (G3303): on the one hand (particle introducing one part of a contrast; implicitly contrasted with "de" in the following clause).
• eimi (G1510): I am (first-person singular present indicative of 'to be').
• Paulou (G3972): of Paul (genitive singular masculine of Paul).
• de (G1161): but / now (connects the second part of the contrast).
• ego (G1473): I.
• Apollos (G1323): Apollos (genitive singular masculine of Apollos).
• de (G1161): but / and (connects Apollos to the statement).
• eimi (G1510): I am.
• legei (G3004): saying.
• ego (G1473): I.
• de (G1161): but / and.
• eimi (G1510): I am.
• Apollou (G1323): of Apollos (genitive singular masculine of Apollos).
• logou (G3056): word / speech / matter (accusative singular masculine; referring to the statement or boast made by individuals).
• kairoi (G2540): human / fleshly / worldly (adjective modifying "logou," highlighting the unspiritual, human origin of their boasting).
• estin (G1510): is (third-person singular present indicative of 'to be').

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "ei gar ti ekelnoi men eimi Paulou de ego Apollos de ego eimi legei ego de eimi Apollou": This structure emphasizes the sharp, divisive "either/or" mentality present in the Corinthian church, highlighting allegiance to human leaders rather than unity in Christ. It's a categorical separation into camps.
• "logou kairoi estin": This phrase directly labels their statements and affiliations as "human" or "worldly," exposing the inadequacy and carnal nature of these divisions. It's a definitive pronouncement on the basis of their boasting.

1 Corinthians 3 4 Bonus Section

The term "kairoi" (G2540) implies something that belongs to man's power or influence, something based on the earthly, temporal realm. It's contrasted with what is divine, eternal, and Christ-centered. Paul, in other passages (like 1 Corinthians 3:21-23), actively redirects any potential boasting towards Christ. He himself declared, "I am the least of the apostles" (1 Corinthians 15:9), and "we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord" (2 Corinthians 4:5). Apollos, too, was known for his eloquent preaching but also for his humble dependence on God's grace, as evidenced in Acts 18. Their followers were unfortunately failing to grasp this foundational truth.

1 Corinthians 3 4 Commentary

This verse reveals the heart of the problem in Corinth: a misplaced loyalty to spiritual leaders instead of Christ. Paul is not offended that they identify with him or Apollos, but rather by the spirit behind it – a competitive allegiance that fractures unity. He declares that any statement of "I am of Paul" or "I am of Apollos" is inherently human, not divine. It indicates a fundamental misunderstanding of the roles of ministers. They are instruments for building up the church, which belongs to Christ, not commodities to be claimed by particular teachers. This distinction is critical for spiritual maturity.