1 Corinthians 4:14 kjv
I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.
1 Corinthians 4:14 nkjv
I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you.
1 Corinthians 4:14 niv
I am writing this not to shame you but to warn you as my dear children.
1 Corinthians 4:14 esv
I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children.
1 Corinthians 4:14 nlt
I am not writing these things to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children.
1 Corinthians 4 14 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Cor 4:14 | "I do not write these things to shame you..." | Warning against self-exaltation |
| Prov 3:11-12 | "My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord..." | Discipline as a sign of love |
| Heb 12:5-6 | "...whom the Lord loves He chastens..." | God's fatherly discipline |
| Prov 22:6 | "Train up a child in the way he should go..." | Nurturing in godliness |
| Gal 4:19 | "My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you..." | Apostolic concern for spiritual birth |
| 2 Tim 3:16 | "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God..." | The purpose of God's Word |
| Eph 6:4 | "And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." | Parental duty to nurture |
| 1 Thes 2:7 | "But we were gentle among you, as a nurse tending her own children," | Paul's gentle approach |
| Phil 2:3 | "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself." | Avoiding arrogance |
| 1 Cor 1:10 | "Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ..." | Call for unity |
| Rom 12:10 | "Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love..." | Brotherly love |
| Col 3:21 | "Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they be discouraged." | Avoiding discouragement |
| John 13:34-35 | "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another..." | Commandment of love |
| 1 John 4:7-8 | "Beloved, let us love one another..." | Love from God |
| 1 Peter 4:8 | "And above all things have fervent love for one another..." | Fervent love |
| Rom 15:1-2 | "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of those who are weak..." | Bearing weaknesses |
| 2 Cor 10:8 | "For even if I boast somewhat more about our authority..." | Apostolic authority balanced |
| 1 Cor 11:1 | "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." | Paul as an example |
| 1 Cor 3:1-3 | "And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal..." | Addressing spiritual immaturity |
| 2 Cor 13:10 | "Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness..." | Prudent use of authority |
| Ps 23:4 | "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil..." | God's presence in difficulty |
1 Corinthians 4 verses
1 Corinthians 4 14 Meaning
This verse speaks to a parental-like admonition, aiming for spiritual growth and character building rather than condemnation. It emphasizes a fatherly love that guides and disciplines for the ultimate good of the beloved. The intention is not shame but spiritual correction and maturity, akin to a father guiding his child towards righteousness.
1 Corinthians 4 14 Context
In 1 Corinthians chapter 4, Paul is addressing divisions within the Corinthian church. He contrasts the attitudes of different factions who were boasting in their spiritual leaders (Paul, Apollos, Cephas). Paul reasserts his apostolic authority and the foundational role of Christ. He calls them to humility and maturity, warning against pride and division. This specific verse (14) comes after Paul has been discussing the potential for believers to misunderstand or misapply his teachings, perhaps leading to a harsh or self-righteous attitude towards one another. He clarifies his intent is corrective, not condemnatory.
1 Corinthians 4 14 Word Analysis
"ou": (οὐ) - a Greek particle used for negative assertion, meaning "not". It negates the following verb.
"graphō": (γράφω) - "I write". Present active indicative of γράφω, a fundamental verb for communication and recording.
"tauta": (ταῦτα) - "these things". Neuter plural demonstrative pronoun, referring to the preceding discourse or Paul's intended correction.
"hina": (ἵνα) - a Greek conjunction introducing a purpose clause, meaning "in order that", "so that", or "to".
"entrepō": (ἐντρέπω) - "to cause shame", "to bring to shame", "to be put to shame". First person singular subjunctive active of ἐντρέπω. The subjunctive mood indicates the intended outcome Paul is trying to avoid.
"hyma(": (ὑμᾶς) - "you" (accusative plural). The direct object of the verb "entrepō".
"alla": (ἀλλὰ) - A strong adversative conjunction, meaning "but", "rather". It introduces a contrasting thought or a correction.
"hōs": (ὡς) - A comparative particle, meaning "as", "like".
"paideia": (παιδεία) - "child-training", "discipline", "instruction". This word carries the idea of teaching and correcting, especially in the sense of guiding and shaping character. It's not punitive but educational.
"agapēta": (ἀγαπητὰ) - "beloved", "dear". This is the neuter plural of the adjective ἀγαπητός, used substantively. It refers to "beloved children" or "beloved ones". This highlights the paternal affection Paul feels.
Words Group Analysis
- "ou graphō tauta hina entrepō hyma(": This entire phrase establishes the motivation behind Paul's writing. It is explicitly a declaration that his purpose is not to humiliate or disgrace the Corinthians. The present tense of "graphō" and the subjunctive "entrepō" work together to convey that the ongoing act of writing is intended to prevent a specific negative outcome (shame).
- "alla hōs paideia agapēta": This contrasts with the first part. Paul's true intention is presented as a form of discipline. The use of "paideia" strongly suggests instruction and correction meant for growth, aligning with a father’s loving guidance. The term "agapēta" (beloved) underscores the affectionate and parental tone, showing that this discipline comes from a place of deep love and care for their spiritual well-being, not from anger or a desire to humiliate.
1 Corinthians 4 14 Bonus Section
The word "paideia" (παιδεία) is significant. It is used in other biblical contexts for divine discipline and instruction (Hebrews 12:5-11). It encompasses teaching, correction, and training. Paul’s use of "agapēta" (ἀγαπητὰ - beloved ones) reveals his deep emotional investment and paternal affection for the Corinthians, despite their shortcomings and the issues he addresses. This parental analogy helps to contextualize the nature of apostolic leadership as being deeply relational and concerned with the spiritual well-being of those entrusted to their care.
1 Corinthians 4 14 Commentary
Paul clarifies that his stern words in the preceding verses are not aimed at shaming the Corinthians. Instead, he is speaking as a spiritual father who disciplines his children out of love. His intention is their spiritual formation and growth ("paideia") into Christ-likeness. This discipline is corrective and aims to guide them toward spiritual maturity, just as a father would guide his beloved children. It's a form of tough love intended for their ultimate good and conformity to Christ, not to cause disgrace.