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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In this verse, the Apostle Paul employs biting irony to expose the profound disparity between the self-perception of the Corinthian believers and the reality of his own apostolic ministry. This verse serves as a powerful rhetorical device, deliberately juxtaposing the Corinthians' perceived wisdom, strength, and honor with the apostles' self-sacrificial existence, marked by suffering, weakness, and contempt, all endured for the advance of the Gospel. It underscores the paradoxical nature of Christian service and challenges the church to re-evaluate its worldly values in light of Christ's kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [1 Corinthians 4:10](/1_corinthians/4-10 "1 Corinthians 4:10 KJV") is situated within Paul's broader defense of his apostolic authority and integrity, spanning [1 Corinthians 4:1-13](/1_corinthians/4-1-13 "1 Corinthians 4:1-13 - Paul's Apostolic Ministry"). The Corinthian church, plagued by divisions and spiritual immaturity, had begun to judge Paul and other apostles based on worldly criteria such as eloquence, social status, and perceived power, rather than on faithfulness to Christ and the suffering inherent in true discipleship. Paul begins this chapter by asserting that apostles are merely "servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God" ([1 Corinthians 4:1](/1_corinthians/4-1 "1 Corinthians 4:1 - Stewards of God's Mysteries")), emphasizing faithfulness over human approval. He then contrasts his own humble, suffering existence with the Corinthians' inflated sense of spiritual prosperity, culminating in the stark imagery of apostles as "spectacles to the world, to angels, and to men" ([1 Corinthians 4:9](/1_corinthians/4-9 "1 Corinthians 4:9 - Apostles as Spectacles")), setting the stage for the pointed ironies of [1 Corinthians 4:10](/1_corinthians/4-10 "1 Corinthians 4:10 KJV").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, prosperous Roman colony, a hub of trade and culture, deeply influenced by Greek philosophical traditions and a strong emphasis on rhetoric, wisdom, and public honor (Greek: *timē*). In this environment, public speakers (sophists) were highly esteemed for their eloquence and perceived wisdom, often enjoying significant social status and material wealth. The Corinthian Christians, many of whom were from lower social strata but aspiring to upward mobility, had absorbed these cultural values. They admired outward displays of power, wisdom, and spiritual giftedness, leading them to disdain Paul's seemingly unimpressive appearance, lack of rhetorical flair, and the hardships he endured. Paul's ministry, characterized by suffering, manual labor, and lack of worldly prestige ([1 Corinthians 4:11-12](/1_corinthians/4-11-12 "1 Corinthians 4:11-12 - Apostolic Hardships")), directly contradicted their cultural ideals of success and honor, making his ironic statements in [1 Corinthians 4:10](/1_corinthians/4-10 "1 Corinthians 4:10 KJV") a direct challenge to their ingrained worldview.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 4:10](/1_corinthians/4-10 "1 Corinthians 4:10 KJV") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Corinthians. Firstly, it highlights the **Paradox of the Gospel**, where God's wisdom often appears as foolishness to the world, and His strength is manifested through weakness. This echoes Paul's foundational argument in [1 Corinthians 1:18-31](/1_corinthians/1-18-31 "1 Corinthians 1:18-31 - The Foolishness of God's Wisdom"), particularly the declaration that God "chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong" ([1 Corinthians 1:27](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27 - God Chooses the Weak")). Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Suffering for Christ and Apostolic Authenticity**. Paul consistently portrays suffering not as a sign of divine disfavor, but as an essential mark of genuine discipleship and apostolic ministry, mirroring the path of Christ Himself. This suffering is a testament to the authenticity and self-sacrificial nature of their service, contrasting sharply with the Corinthians' pursuit of comfort and worldly acclaim. Finally, it addresses the pervasive issue of **Humility versus Pride** within the Corinthian church. By sarcastically elevating the Corinthians' self-perceived virtues while highlighting the apostles' despised state, Paul aims to deflate their spiritual arrogance and call them to a more humble, Christ-like posture, recognizing that true spiritual maturity is found in self-denial and faithfulness, not worldly status or intellectual pride.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fools (Greek, _mōrós'_):** This term signifies being dull, stupid, or heedless, often implying moral blockheadedness or apparent absurdity. In the context of [1 Corinthians 4:10](/1_corinthians/4-10 "1 Corinthians 4:10 KJV"), Paul uses *mōrós* to describe how the world, and perhaps the Corinthians themselves, perceived the apostles. Their message and lifestyle, which embraced suffering and rejected worldly wisdom, were considered utterly irrational and nonsensical by the prevailing Greco-Roman culture.
* **wise (Greek, _phrónimos'_):** While *phrónimos* can denote sagacious or discreet thought, implying a cautious character, Paul uses it here with heavy irony. In contrast to the apostles' perceived foolishness, the Corinthians considered themselves *phrónimos*, possessing practical skill and acumen, perhaps even conceited in their own spiritual and intellectual achievements. This term highlights their self-assuredness and adherence to worldly standards of wisdom, which Paul seeks to subvert.
* **despised (Greek, _átimos'_):** This word means "unhonoured" or "dishonoured," signifying a state of being without public esteem or respect. Paul uses *átimos* to describe the apostles' social degradation in the eyes of the world, a direct consequence of their commitment to Christ and the Gospel. It stands in stark opposition to the Corinthians' desire for *éndoxos* (honorable) status, emphasizing the social cost of authentic Christian witness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"We are fools for Christ's sake":** Paul, identifying with the apostles, declares their perceived status as "fools." This is not a confession of actual idiocy, but a sarcastic acknowledgment of how they are viewed by the world and the Corinthians, whose values are antithetical to the Gospel. Their "foolishness" is "for Christ's sake," meaning it is a direct result of their allegiance to and proclamation of Jesus Christ, whose message of a crucified Messiah was considered absurd by both Jews and Greeks ([1 Corinthians 1:23](/1_corinthians/1-23 "1 Corinthians 1:23 - Christ Crucified, a Stumbling Block and Foolishness")).
* **"but ye are wise in Christ":** This is a sharp, ironic jab at the Corinthians. Paul implies that they consider themselves "wise," not merely in a worldly sense, but even "in Christ," suggesting they believe they have achieved a superior spiritual wisdom or enlightenment that exempts them from the suffering and humility characteristic of apostolic ministry. This highlights their spiritual pride and misunderstanding of true Christian wisdom.
* **"we are weak":** Paul continues the antithesis by describing the apostles as "weak." This weakness refers to their lack of worldly power, influence, and perhaps even physical suffering and exhaustion endured in ministry. It contrasts with the Corinthian ideal of strength and self-sufficiency.
* **"but ye are strong":** Again, Paul's irony is evident. The Corinthians saw themselves as "strong," perhaps in their spiritual gifts, their intellectual prowess, or their social standing. Paul challenges this self-perception, implying that their "strength" is a worldly one, not rooted in the power of God made perfect in weakness.
* **"ye are honourable":** The Corinthians pursued and valued honor (*timē*), social prestige, and public respect. Paul sarcastically concedes that they have attained this in their own eyes and perhaps in the eyes of the world, contrasting it with the apostles' lack of such esteem.
* **"but we are despised":** The final and most poignant contrast. Paul and the apostles are "despised," meaning they are without honor, disgraced, and held in contempt. This statement encapsulates the profound social cost of their ministry and serves as a stark rebuke to the Corinthians' pursuit of worldly honor within the church.

#### Literary Devices
The dominant literary device in [1 Corinthians 4:10](/1_corinthians/4-10 "1 Corinthians 4:10 KJV") is **Irony**. Paul's statements are not meant to be taken literally; rather, he uses exaggerated praise for the Corinthians and self-deprecation for the apostles to expose the Corinthians' misguided values and spiritual pride. This irony is amplified through **Antithesis** (or juxtaposition), where Paul repeatedly sets up stark contrasts between the apostles' reality ("fools," "weak," "despised") and the Corinthians' self-perception ("wise," "strong," "honorable"). This creates a powerful rhetorical effect, highlighting the chasm between worldly standards and God's kingdom values. The verse also embodies **Paradox**, as what is considered foolish and weak by human standards is precisely what God uses and values in His economy. The very "despised" state of the apostles is, in fact, a mark of their authentic service and Christ-likeness, revealing the upside-down nature of God's wisdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Corinthians 4:10](/1_corinthians/4-10 "1 Corinthians 4:10 KJV") profoundly articulates the counter-cultural nature of the Christian faith and true discipleship. It reveals that God's kingdom operates on principles fundamentally opposed to worldly wisdom and values. While the world esteems strength, honor, and intellectual prowess, God often chooses to work through weakness, humility, and what appears foolish to human eyes. This divine paradox is not merely a theological concept but a lived reality for those who faithfully proclaim and embody the Gospel. The suffering and perceived degradation of the apostles are not signs of failure but rather authentic marks of their identification with Christ, who Himself was despised and rejected. This verse challenges believers to embrace a radical reorientation of values, prioritizing faithfulness to Christ and His mission, even when it leads to social marginalization or personal hardship, understanding that true honor and strength are found in God alone.

* [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27-29 "God Chooses the Weak and Lowly")
* [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "Paul's Strength in Weakness")
* [Matthew 5:10-12](/matthew/5-10-12 "Blessed are the Persecuted")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Corinthians 4:10](/1_corinthians/4-10 "1 Corinthians 4:10 KJV") serves as a timeless mirror for the church, challenging us to critically examine our own values and priorities in light of the Gospel. In a world that still lionizes success, influence, and outward appearances, are we, like the Corinthians, subtly adopting worldly metrics for spiritual maturity and leadership? Paul's sharp irony forces us to confront whether we are willing to embrace the "foolishness" and "weakness" of Christ for the sake of His kingdom, or if we are more concerned with maintaining our reputation, comfort, and social standing. Genuine faith often calls us to a path of humility, self-denial, and even hardship, where our strength is found not in human achievements but in our dependence on God. This verse encourages us to find our true identity and worth in Christ, rather than in the fleeting accolades or criticisms of the world, and to joyfully endure whatever "despised" status may come from faithfully following Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or ministry do I prioritize worldly wisdom, strength, or honor over the "foolishness" and "weakness" of Christ?**
* **How does my pursuit of comfort or acceptance hinder my willingness to embrace the potential "despised" status that may come with radical obedience to the Gospel?**
* **What specific steps can I take to cultivate a more humble, Christ-like posture that values faithfulness and suffering for His sake above all else?**

### FAQ
**Why does Paul use such harsh, ironic language in this verse?**

Answer: Paul's use of harsh, ironic language in [1 Corinthians 4:10](/1_corinthians/4-10 "1 Corinthians 4:10 KJV") is a deliberate rhetorical strategy designed to shock the Corinthian believers into self-reflection. He is not literally calling them "wise" or "strong" in a positive sense, nor is he truly admitting to being a "fool" or "despised" as a failure. Instead, he is sarcastically mirroring their own self-perception and the world's judgment of the apostles, thereby exposing the profound disconnect between their worldly values and the true nature of Christ-centered ministry. This biting irony serves as a powerful rebuke to their spiritual pride and a call for them to align their understanding of success and honor with God's paradoxical kingdom values. It's a pastoral attempt to humble them and correct their misguided priorities, much like a loving but firm parent might use exaggeration to make a point.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 4:10](/1_corinthians/4-10 "1 Corinthians 4:10 KJV") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself, who perfectly embodied the "foolishness," "weakness," and "despised" status for the sake of God's redemptive plan. While the Corinthians sought worldly wisdom and honor, Christ, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humiliation")). He was born in humble circumstances, lived a life of self-denial, and embraced the path of suffering, becoming "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - The Suffering Servant")), despised and rejected by men. The cross, the ultimate symbol of weakness and foolishness to the world, became the very power and wisdom of God for salvation ([1 Corinthians 1:18](/1_corinthians/1-18 "1 Corinthians 1:18 - The Foolishness of the Cross")). Jesus, the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), willingly endured shame, weakness, and the ultimate form of being despised—crucifixion—to secure eternal honor and strength for those who believe. Thus, the apostles' experience of being "fools for Christ's sake" and "despised" is a direct participation in the suffering and humility of their Lord, demonstrating that true glory in God's kingdom is found not in worldly acclaim, but in conformity to the humble, self-sacrificial pattern of Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.