1 Corinthians 4:10

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.

We {G2249} are fools {G3474} for {G1223} Christ's {G5547} sake {G1223}, but {G1161} ye {G5210} are wise {G5429} in {G1722} Christ {G5547}; we {G2249} are weak {G772}, but {G1161} ye {G5210} are strong {G2478}; ye {G5210} are honourable {G1741}, but {G1161} we {G2249} are despised {G820}.

For the Messiah’s sake we are fools, but united with the Messiah you are wise! We are weak, but you are strong; you are honored, but we are dishonored.

We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored.

We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye have glory, but we have dishonor.

In 1 Corinthians 4:10, the Apostle Paul employs sharp irony to highlight the stark contrast between his own experiences and those of the Corinthian believers. This verse is a powerful rhetorical device, designed to challenge the Corinthians' pride and worldly values by juxtaposing their perceived wisdom, strength, and honor with the apostles' self-sacrificial and often suffering existence for the sake of the Gospel.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section (1 Corinthians 4:1-13) where Paul defends his apostolic authority and ministry against criticisms and challenges within the Corinthian church. The Corinthians, influenced by Greek philosophical traditions and social status, were often puffed up with pride, judging their spiritual leaders based on worldly standards of eloquence, power, and reputation rather than on faithfulness and suffering for Christ. Paul points out their spiritual immaturity and misguided priorities, reminding them that true Christian leadership often involves humility and hardship, not worldly acclaim. He sets the stage by describing apostles as "spectacles unto the world" in the preceding verse, leading into this stark comparison.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Paradox of the Gospel: The verse powerfully illustrates the paradox at the heart of the Christian faith. What the world considers foolish, weak, and despised, God often uses for His glory. This echoes Paul's earlier teaching on the "foolishness of the cross" and how God chooses the weak things of the world to shame the strong (1 Corinthians 1:27).
  • Suffering for Christ: Paul emphasizes the reality of apostolic suffering and self-denial. True devotion to Christ, especially in ministry, often involves embracing a path that brings scorn, weakness, and dishonor in the eyes of the world. This suffering is not a sign of God's disfavor but a mark of authentic service, mirroring the life of Christ Himself.
  • Humility vs. Pride: The verse serves as a rebuke to the Corinthians' spiritual pride and self-sufficiency. They saw themselves as "wise," "strong," and "honourable," perhaps forgetting that their spiritual blessings came through the apostles' sacrifices. Paul challenges them to adopt a more humble perspective, recognizing the true cost of discipleship and the nature of genuine Christian leadership.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses the bracketed "are" to indicate that these words are supplied for readability and are not explicitly in the original Greek. The Greek word for "fools," mōroi (μωροὶ), is the root of our English word "moron," signifying utter foolishness or idiocy in the eyes of the world. This highlights the perceived lack of wisdom and status of the apostles. The term for "despised," atimos (ἄτιμοι), means "without honor, disgraced, despised." These strong terms underscore the depth of the apostles' social degradation for the sake of Christ, contrasting sharply with the Corinthian's pursuit of worldly timē (τιμή), or honor and respect.

Practical Application

This verse challenges believers today to examine their own values and priorities in the Christian life. Do we prioritize worldly success, approval, and comfort, or are we willing to embrace what might seem foolish or weak to the world for the sake of the Gospel and God's kingdom? Paul's example reminds us that genuine faith often involves embracing humility, enduring hardship, and being content with being "despised" by worldly standards if it means advancing God's purposes. It encourages a focus on eternal values over fleeting earthly accolades, urging us to find our true strength and wisdom in Christ, not in human achievements or social standing, as Paul himself experienced strength perfected in weakness through his trials.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Corinthians 2:3

    And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

  • Acts 26:24

    ¶ And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.

  • Acts 17:18

    Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:18

    ¶ Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

  • 2 Corinthians 13:9

    For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, [even] your perfection.

  • 2 Kings 9:11

    ¶ Then Jehu came forth to the servants of his lord: and [one] said unto him, [Is] all well? wherefore came this mad [fellow] to thee? And he said unto them, Ye know the man, and his communication.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:19

    For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye [yourselves] are wise.

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