1 Corinthians 4:5 kjv
Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
1 Corinthians 4:5 nkjv
Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God.
1 Corinthians 4:5 niv
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.
1 Corinthians 4:5 esv
Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.
1 Corinthians 4:5 nlt
So don't make judgments about anyone ahead of time ? before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.
1 Corinthians 4 5 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Cor 3:13 | Each one's work will become manifest... | Nature of future judgment |
| Rom 14:10 | Why do you judge your brother? We will all stand before the judgment seat of God. | Final accountability before God |
| Gal 5:10 | I have confidence in you through the Lord that you will not have a different mind, but the one who is troubling you will bear his judgment, whoever he is. | God's justice on troublemakers |
| Heb 4:12 | For the word of God is living and active... | God's word discerning thoughts |
| Ps 37:6 | He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noon day sun. | Revelation of righteousness |
| Prov 11:18 | The wicked earns deceptive wages, but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward. | Sowing and reaping of deeds |
| Matt 7:1-2 | "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be justified, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." | Measure of judgment |
| Luke 12:1-2 | "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known." | Hidden hypocrisy revealed |
| John 3:20-21 | For everyone who does wicked things hates the light... | Actions judged by light |
| Rom 2:16 | on the day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus. | Judgment of secrets |
| 2 Cor 5:10 | For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ... | Appearance before Christ |
| Phil 2:16 | ...holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may not have run or labored in vain. | Working out salvation |
| Col 3:24 | knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. Counsel to serve heartily. | Reward of service |
| 1 Thess 4:12 | so that you may walk properly in relation to outsiders and be dependent on no one. | Conduct before unbelievers |
| 2 Tim 4:8 | Henceforth a crown of righteousness is laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day... | Crown of righteousness |
| Rev 22:12 | "Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to pay each one for what he has done." | Christ's return with reward |
| Acts 20:33-35 | ... you yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities... | Paul's example of labor |
| Ps 139:2-4 | You discern my thoughts from afar... Before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. | God's knowledge of thoughts |
| Heb 12:1 | ...let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. | Endurance in Christian life |
| 1 Peter 4:10 | As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another... | Stewardship of gifts |
1 Corinthians 4 verses
1 Corinthians 4 5 Meaning
This verse states that judgment should not be passed until the Lord comes. He will bring hidden things to light and reveal the motives of everyone's heart. At that time, each person will receive their praise from God.
1 Corinthians 4 5 Context
This verse appears in a section of 1 Corinthians where Paul addresses divisions and rivalries within the Corinthian church. Some members were exalting certain leaders (like Apollos or himself) over others, creating an unhealthy factionalism. Paul is rebuking this pride and arrogance, reminding them that true leadership and worth are determined not by human opinion or popularity, but by God Himself. He emphasizes that ultimate judgment and evaluation belong solely to the Lord, who sees the heart and will bring everything into the open at His return. The preceding verses speak of being entrusted with God's mysteries and serving as Christ's representatives.
1 Corinthians 4 5 Word analysis
- "until" (heōs): A conjunction or preposition indicating a limit of time or circumstance. Judgment is deferred until the Lord's return.
- "the Lord" (ho kyrios): Refers to Jesus Christ, asserting His divine authority and role as ultimate judge.
- "comes" (elthē): From the verb erchomai, meaning to come, arrive. The emphasis is on the tangible presence of Christ at His parousia (second coming).
- "who" (ho): A relative pronoun introducing the clause about the Lord's action.
- "will bring to light" (phanerōsei): From the verb phaneroō, meaning to make manifest, reveal, disclose. It signifies the bringing out of obscurity into clear visibility. This action pertains to hidden things.
- "the hidden things" (ta kryphaiōs): The plural neuter adjective kryphaios, meaning hidden, secret, concealed. Refers to things kept secret from human sight.
- "of darkness" (tou skotous): The genitive case of skotos, meaning darkness, gloom. It can be literal darkness but here is metaphorical for sin, ignorance, and that which is opposed to God's light.
- "and" (kai): A conjunction connecting clauses.
- "will reveal" (fōtizei): From the verb phōtizō, meaning to illuminate, enlighten, shine light upon. It signifies making known clearly. This action pertains to the motives of the heart.
- "the motives" (ta kleta): A term used in a general sense for thoughts or intentions. In context, it points to the deep-seated purposes and reasons behind actions.
- "of the heart" (tēs kardias): Kardia refers to the heart as the center of emotions, will, and intellect – the inner self. This emphasizes that God's judgment penetrates to the deepest intentions.
- "and" (kai): Conjunction.
- "then" (tote): An adverb of time, indicating what will happen at that future point.
- "each one" (hō hōtisoun): A distributive pronoun, meaning every individual, without exception.
- "will have" (schei): From the verb echō, to have, hold, possess.
- "his praise" (painon): Noun pైనos, meaning praise, commendation, tribute. This is the reward or acknowledgment given.
- "from" (apo): A preposition indicating origin or source.
- "God" (theou): God, the ultimate source and arbiter of praise.
Grouped Analysis:
- "until the Lord comes": This sets the timeframe for ultimate evaluation. Human judgment is premature; God's definitive judgment is future, linked to Christ's return. This implies patience and restraint in judging others.
- "will bring to light the hidden things of darkness": This refers to exposing deeds or practices concealed in sin and secrecy. These could be sins the church is unaware of, or those done with malicious intent.
- "and reveal the motives of the heart": This goes deeper than outward actions, penetrating the inner life to reveal the true intentions, desires, and affections that drive behavior.
- "and then each one will have his praise from God": This points to vindication and affirmation by God, not by fellow humans. True validation comes from the righteous Judge. This "praise" likely refers to rewards or commendation from Christ for faithful service, rather than self-glory.
1 Corinthians 4 5 Bonus section
This verse addresses the folly of party spirit in the Corinthian church. Paul teaches that superficial distinctions and evaluations among Christians are ultimately meaningless in light of God's future, comprehensive judgment. The "hidden things of darkness" might refer to subtle pride, envy, or self-serving ambitions that could be disguised even within ministry. The "motives of the heart" highlight the interior disposition, suggesting that even outwardly similar actions can stem from vastly different internal sources, which only God can perfectly discern. The "praise from God" contrasts with the applause of men, directing believers toward a higher, divine affirmation. This principle is a foundational aspect of Christian ethics, emphasizing accountability to God and the ultimate transparency that will occur.
1 Corinthians 4 5 Commentary
Paul instructs the Corinthians to refrain from premature judgment of spiritual leaders and one another. He reassures them that human evaluations are incomplete and often inaccurate because only God possesses full knowledge. He emphasizes that God will fully reveal all hidden things and the true intentions behind actions when Christ returns. At that time, God Himself will give each person the appropriate recognition for their faithful service. This is a call to humility, patience, and trust in God's sovereign and perfect justice, rather than relying on the flawed judgments of men. It means focusing on our own walk with God and allowing Him to judge others, trusting He sees and knows all.
- Practical Application: Avoid gossiping or harsh criticism of others, especially fellow believers or leaders. Instead, focus on living faithfully yourself and trusting God to deal with the faults of others. Be aware that your own motives will also be examined.