1 Corinthians 4 12

1 Corinthians 4:12 kjv

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

1 Corinthians 4:12 nkjv

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

1 Corinthians 4:12 niv

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

1 Corinthians 4:12 esv

and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure;

1 Corinthians 4:12 nlt

We work wearily with our own hands to earn our living. We bless those who curse us. We are patient with those who abuse us.

1 Corinthians 4 verses

1 Corinthians 4 12 Meaning

In 1 Corinthians 4:12, the apostle Paul addresses the believers in Corinth, describing their daily activities and societal standing, contrasting it with the apostles' suffering for Christ. It emphasizes enduring hardship and insults for the Gospel, and clarifies the Corinthians' position in this shared experience of Christ's suffering.

1 Corinthians 4 12 Context

First Corinthians chapter 4 continues Paul's corrective instruction to the church at Corinth, which was experiencing internal divisions and factions based on loyalty to different spiritual leaders, including Paul, Apollos, Cephas, and Christ. Paul's intent is to re-center their focus on Christ and the true nature of apostolic ministry, which is characterized by service, suffering, and faithfulness, rather than human wisdom or prestige. In this specific verse, Paul contrasts the apostles' lifestyle and treatment with that of the Corinthians, highlighting the arduous and often dishonorable nature of their ministry.

1 Corinthians 4 12 Word Analysis

• ἀκακοῦργοι (akakourgoi): This Greek word translates to "workers of no evil" or "harmless." In this context, Paul uses it to describe himself and the other apostles as those who diligently work and conduct themselves with integrity, not engaging in wicked deeds or causing harm.
• κοπιῶμεν (kopiōmen): This verb means "to labor," "to toil," or "to become weary." It signifies strenuous, hard work, often implying significant effort and exertion, highlighting the demanding nature of their ministry.
• ἰδοὺ (idou): An interjection, translated as "behold," "lo," or "see." It serves to draw attention, to point out something significant or remarkable, in this case, the stark reality of their mistreatment.
• ἀτιμαζόμενοι (atimazomenoi): This is the present passive participle of the verb "atimazō," meaning "to dishonor," "to disgrace," or "to treat with contempt." It describes the state of being subjected to insult and disrespect.
• εὐλογοῦμεν (eulogoumen): The present active indicative of "eulogeō," meaning "to speak well of," "to bless," or "to praise." Paul states that even when reviled, they respond with blessings.
• διωκόμενοι (diōkomenoi): The present passive participle of "diōkō," meaning "to pursue," "to persecute," or "to chase." This denotes being actively and relentlessly pursued with malice.
• ἀνέχομεν (anechomen): The present active indicative of "anechō," meaning "to endure," "to bear patiently," or "to tolerate." It conveys steadfast perseverance in the face of persecution.

Word Group Analysis

• "we labor, working with our own hands": This phrase emphasizes the practical, often manual labor undertaken by the apostles, directly contrasting with any perception of idleness or reliance on the generosity of others without contributing. It reflects the ethos of dignity in labor, not relying on status or inherited privilege.
• "When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure": This pairing presents a principle of non-retaliation and active, positive response to negative actions. The apostles mirror Christ's own attitude, responding to hostility with good and to persecution with steadfastness.

1 Corinthians 4 12 Bonus Section

The concept of "working with our own hands" also connects to Jewish vocational traditions, where many rabbis were trained in a trade to avoid being a financial burden on the community. Paul’s embrace of manual labor (as seen also in Acts 18:3 with tentmaking) demonstrates his commitment to self-sufficiency and avoiding any potential for misrepresenting his ministry as mercenary. His approach to suffering, "blessing when reviled and enduring when persecuted," is a direct imitation of Christ's example on the cross.

1 Corinthians 4 12 Commentary

Paul reveals the practical realities of apostolic life—hard work and enduring hardship. The Corinthians, likely enjoying a more comfortable existence, are reminded that the spiritual leaders they follow are not seeking ease but are committed to service and enduring persecution. The contrast is stark: the apostles suffer, but they respond with blessing and endurance, reflecting the character of Christ and the transformative power of the Gospel. This sets a high standard for perseverance and sacrificial love in the face of opposition.