1 Corinthians 4:10 kjv
We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.
1 Corinthians 4:10 nkjv
We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored!
1 Corinthians 4:10 niv
We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored!
1 Corinthians 4:10 esv
We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute.
1 Corinthians 4:10 nlt
Our dedication to Christ makes us look like fools, but you claim to be so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are so powerful! You are honored, but we are ridiculed.
1 Corinthians 4 10 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Corinthians 1:20 | For where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? | Paul's contrast with world's wisdom |
| 1 Corinthians 1:25 | For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. | God's wisdom vs. human wisdom |
| 1 Corinthians 1:27 | But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. | Divine election of the humble |
| 1 Corinthians 3:18 | Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise in this age, you must become fools so that you may become wise. | Becoming a fool to be wise |
| 1 Corinthians 10:5 | Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, since their bodies were scattered in the desert. | God's judgment on the proud |
| 2 Corinthians 11:19 | Being willing to be foolish for Christ, the Corinthian believers sometimes took pride in their own apparent spiritual superiority. | Suffering for Christ, folly for His sake |
| 2 Corinthians 11:21 | No, though as fools I speak, I also am a fool in this boasting. | Paul's rhetorical foolishness |
| 2 Corinthians 12:11 | I have made a fool of myself, but you forced me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing. | Paul asserting his apostleship |
| Galatians 3:29 | And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring and heirs according to the promise. | Unity in Christ |
| Galatians 5:13 | You, my brothers and sisters, have been called to be free. But do not use your freedom as an opportunity for sinful nature, rather, serve one another humbly in love. | Freedom in Christ, servant-heartedness |
| Ephesians 3:4 | When you read this, you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ. | Understanding Christ's mystery |
| Philippians 2:7 | but emptied himself by taking the nature of a servant, by becoming human. | Christ's humility |
| Colossians 1:27 | To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. | Christ in us |
| Hebrews 11:38 | (Of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and in caves and holes in the earth. | Faith and suffering |
| 1 Peter 4:16 | but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed but is to glorify God in this name. | Suffering for Christ's name |
| Genesis 1:27 | So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. | Image of God |
| Exodus 33:18 | And he said, “Please show me your glory.” | Moses asking to see God's glory |
| Psalm 73:22 | I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast toward you. | Recognizing past foolishness |
| Proverbs 3:13 | Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding. | Value of wisdom |
| Romans 1:20 | For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly perceived, being understood through what has been created, so that people are without excuse. | God's nature evident |
1 Corinthians 4 verses
1 Corinthians 4 10 Meaning
In Christ Jesus, we are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are distinguished, but we are disdained.
1 Corinthians 4 10 Context
Chapter 4 of 1 Corinthians addresses the issue of divisions and factions within the Corinthian church. Paul is refuting the idea that any human leader or teacher should be elevated above others, particularly distinguishing between his own apostolic authority and that of the "super-apostles" or false apostles who were causing trouble in Corinth. This verse continues the theme of Paul and his companions deliberately appearing as less significant in the world's eyes, contrasting their humility and suffering with the perceived wisdom, strength, and distinguished status that some Corinthians were chasing after or perhaps identifying with other teachers. The overarching theme is a call to recognize God's values over worldly values, especially in spiritual leadership and community identity.
1 Corinthians 4 10 Word analysis
hama (ἅμα): Adverb meaning "at the same time," "together," "in company with." Indicates the Corinthians' attitude alongside their outward behaviors.
phemēs (φήμης): Noun meaning "rumor," "report," "fame," "saying." Refers to the reputation or status that the Corinthians either possessed or sought.
esmen (ἐσμέν): First-person plural present indicative of eimi (εἰμί), meaning "we are." States the fact of their existence or current condition.
moros (μωροὶ): Noun meaning "foolish," "silly." Describes those who are devoid of good sense, not merely unintelligent, but foolish in their actions or beliefs.
Christou (Χριστοῦ): Genitive singular of Christos (Χριστός), "Christ." Identifies Jesus as the Messiah, the Anointed One.
di hemas (δι’ ἡμᾶς): Prepositional phrase meaning "through us" or "on account of us." Attributes the state of being foolish to their identification with Christ.
hymeis (ὑμεῖς): Second-person plural pronoun, "you." Refers specifically to the Corinthian believers.
phrōnimoı (φρόνιμοι): Adjective meaning "wise," "prudent," "sensible," "understanding." Implies possessing worldly wisdom or practical intelligence.
en (ἐν): Preposition meaning "in," "by," "on." Denotes the sphere or basis of their perceived wisdom.
Christo (Χριστῷ): Dative singular of Christos (Χριστός), "Christ." Specifies the context of their wisdom, found within or related to Christ.
astheneis (ἀσθενεῖς): Adjective meaning "weak," "infirm," "feeble." Denotes a lack of physical, social, or spiritual power.
hymeis (ὑμεῖς): Second-person plural pronoun, "you." Again, emphasizing the Corinthians.
stheneis (σθενοί): Adjective meaning "strong," "powerful," "vigorous." Contrasts with 'astheneis'.
hymeis (ὑμεῖς): Second-person plural pronoun, "you."
timōmeoı (τιμώμενοι): Present passive participle of timao (τιμάω), meaning "to honor," "to value," "to hold in esteem." Denotes being honored or esteemed.
hēmeis (ἡμεῖς): First-person plural pronoun, "we." Referring to Paul and his associates.
atimazomeoı (ἀτιμαζόμενοι): Present passive participle of atimao (ἀτιμάω), meaning "to dishonor," "to disgrace," "to insult," "to treat with contempt." Denotes being held in no esteem, despised.
Group analysis (word-by-word meaning): The phrase "fools for Christ" highlights that their perceived foolishness stemmed from their commitment to the Gospel, a message often considered foolishness by the world. The contrast between "wise" and "fools," and "strong" and "weak," emphasizes the inversion of worldly values that Christianity often entails. The final phrase, "distinguished" (honored) versus "disdained" (dishonored), directly reflects the apostolic experience of rejection and insult for the sake of Christ.
1 Corinthians 4 10 Bonus Section
The concept of "foolishness for Christ" directly aligns with the apologetic style found in Paul's letters. He often defends his apostleship by acknowledging and even embracing the "foolish" perceptions held by some. This paradox is rooted in the foundational message of Christianity – the crucifixion of Jesus, which was seen as a scandal and foolishness by the Greco-Roman world (1 Cor. 1:18, 23). Paul is not advocating for genuine foolishness but for a voluntary embrace of ignominy and weakness in service to Christ, demonstrating that God's glory shines brightest through apparent human frailty. This theme echoes throughout Scripture, from Moses being hesitant to speak (Ex. 4:10) to Gideon's small army (Judg. 7). The contrast also reflects the broader theme of the "upside-down kingdom" of God, where the last are first, and the weak are made strong in Christ.
1 Corinthians 4 10 Commentary
Paul deliberately adopts a posture of humility and perceived weakness to contrast with the Corinthian believers' tendencies to pride themselves on their spiritual status and worldly wisdom. He acknowledges that to the world, he and his fellow apostles appear "fools," "weak," and "dishonored," especially in comparison to the Corinthians' self-perception as "wise," "strong," and "distinguished." This stark contrast underscores Paul's larger argument that true spiritual significance is found not in human achievement or recognition but in embracing the seemingly weak and foolish message of the cross. God's power and wisdom are revealed in paradox, operating through those who are deemed insignificant by the world's standards. This is a call to the Corinthians to re-evaluate their own values and to find their identity not in outward appearances or intellectual superiority, but in their shared calling in Christ, which often involves suffering and humility.
- Practical application: Recognize that worldly recognition and boasting are fleeting and often contrary to God's design. True spiritual strength is often manifested through weakness and humility. Like Paul, be willing to be seen as foolish for the sake of Christ, trusting that God's power is made perfect in our weakness. Value the cross of Christ above all earthly distinctions.