1 Corinthians 4:3

KJV

But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} with me {G1698} it is {G2076} a very small thing {G1519}{G1646} that {G2443} I should be judged {G350} of {G5259} you {G5216}, or {G2228} of {G5259} man's {G442} judgment {G2250}: yea {G235}, I judge {G350} not {G3761} mine own self {G1683}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And it matters very little to me how I am evaluated by you or by any human court; in fact, I don’t even evaluate myself.

Berean Standard Bible

I care very little, however, if I am judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself.

American Standard Version

But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul articulates a profound indifference to human judgment regarding his ministry and character, declaring such assessments as "a very small thing." He extends this principle even to himself, acknowledging the limitations of self-assessment and implicitly deferring ultimate judgment to a higher, divine authority. This verse serves as a foundational statement on the nature of true accountability for those serving God, emphasizing faithfulness to Christ over the fleeting opinions of others.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial section of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, specifically [chapters 3 and 4](/1_corinthians/3 "1 Corinthians 3 - Divisions and True Wisdom") where he addresses the severe problem of factionalism and pride within the Corinthian church. The believers were dividing themselves based on human leaders, saying, "I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas" ([1 Corinthians 1:12](/1_corinthians/1-12 "1 Corinthians 1:12 - Divisions in the Church")). Paul had just completed an argument in [1 Corinthians 3](/1_corinthians/3 "1 Corinthians 3 - God's Building and Temple") that church leaders are merely servants through whom God works, and that God alone gives the increase. Now, in [chapter 4](/1_corinthians/4 "1 Corinthians 4 - Apostles as Servants"), he shifts to discuss the nature of apostleship and ministry, particularly how ministers should be regarded. He introduces the idea that ministers are "stewards of the mysteries of God" ([1 Corinthians 4:1](/1_corinthians/4-1 "1 Corinthians 4:1 - Stewards of God's Mysteries")), and that faithfulness is the primary requirement. His dismissal of human judgment in [1 Corinthians 4:3](/1_corinthians/4-3 "1 Corinthians 4:3 - Paul's Indifference to Human Judgment") directly counters the Corinthians' tendency to evaluate spiritual leaders by worldly standards and to elevate some above others, thereby creating discord.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was located in a major Roman port city, a hub of commerce, diverse philosophies, and a strong emphasis on rhetoric and social status. In this environment, public opinion, reputation, and eloquent speech were highly valued. Leaders, including philosophers and rhetoricians, were often judged by their persuasive abilities, their followers' numbers, and their perceived wisdom. Paul, who often preached in a manner that seemed "unimpressive" by Corinthian standards ([1 Corinthians 2:1-5](/1_corinthians/2-1-5 "1 Corinthians 2:1-5 - Paul's Preaching Not with Eloquence")), was likely facing scrutiny and criticism from some within the church who preferred the more polished styles of other teachers. His apostolic authority and methods were being questioned, and his perceived lack of worldly wisdom or rhetorical flair might have led some to diminish his standing. Paul's statement in [1 Corinthians 4:3](/1_corinthians/4-3 "1 Corinthians 4:3 - Paul's Indifference to Human Judgment") is a direct challenge to these cultural norms, asserting that divine approval, not human applause, is the true measure of a servant of Christ.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes woven throughout [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "The Book of 1 Corinthians"). Firstly, it underscores the theme of **divine accountability versus human judgment**. Paul consistently redirects the Corinthians' focus from superficial human assessments to God's ultimate and righteous evaluation, a point he reiterates in [1 Corinthians 4:5](/1_corinthians/4-5 "1 Corinthians 4:5 - God's Judgment"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **true wisdom versus worldly wisdom**. The Corinthians were valuing human wisdom and eloquence, leading to divisions; Paul, however, presents a wisdom that is "not of this world" ([1 Corinthians 2:6](/1_corinthians/2-6 "1 Corinthians 2:6 - God's Hidden Wisdom")) and grounds his ministry in God's power, not human approval. Thirdly, the verse touches upon **humility in leadership**. By dismissing both external and internal judgment, Paul models a humility that trusts God alone to discern motives and reward faithfulness, rather than seeking self-vindication or validation from others. This stands in stark contrast to the pride and self-exaltation evident among some in the Corinthian church.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **judged (Greek, _anakrínō'_):** This verb means "to scrutinize, investigate, interrogate, determine." It implies a thorough examination, often in a legal or judicial sense. Paul uses it to refer to the process of evaluation or assessment, whether by others or by oneself. His dismissal of such judgment signifies that he considers human scrutiny of his motives and ministry to be ultimately irrelevant in the grand scheme of divine accountability.
* **very small thing (Greek, _eláchistos'_):** This is the superlative form of "small" or "little," meaning "least" or "smallest." Paul's use of this word emphatically conveys his utter disregard for human opinion. It's not just a small thing, but the *very least* significant concern for him, highlighting his profound conviction that human assessment pales in comparison to God's ultimate judgment.
* **man's judgment (Greek, _anthrōpinēs hēmeras'_):** This phrase literally translates to "human day" or "man's day." The word _hēmera_ (day) often refers to a period of time, but in biblical contexts, it frequently denotes a "day of judgment" or a significant eschatological event, such as "the day of the Lord." By using "man's day," Paul creates a stark contrast with "the day of the Lord" ([1 Corinthians 1:8](/1_corinthians/1-8 "1 Corinthians 1:8 - The Day of the Lord Jesus Christ")). He emphasizes that human judgment is temporal, limited, and fallible, confined to the brief "day" of human understanding, as opposed to God's eternal and perfect judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But with me it is a very small thing":** Paul begins with a strong adversative ("But"), signaling a contrast to the Corinthians' preoccupation with human evaluation. He asserts that the opinions of others hold minimal weight for him. The phrase "very small thing" (Greek: _eláchistos_) emphasizes the utter insignificance he attaches to such judgments. His focus is not on pleasing people but on pleasing God.
* **"that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment":** This clause specifies the source of the judgment Paul dismisses. "Of you" refers to the Corinthian believers themselves, who were scrutinizing his apostleship and ministry. "Or of man's judgment" (literally "human day") broadens the scope to include any human assessment, whether from within the church or from the wider world. Paul views all such human evaluations as limited, flawed, and ultimately irrelevant to his true standing before God.
* **"yea, I judge not mine own self":** This crucial addition demonstrates Paul's humility and his consistent deferral to God's ultimate authority. He is not claiming infallibility or an inability to recognize his own faults. Rather, he acknowledges the inherent bias and limitations even in self-assessment. He understands that his own heart can be deceptive ([Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitful Heart")) and that true motives are known only to God. Therefore, he refrains from making a final judgment on his own spiritual state or ministry, leaving that to the Lord who "will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts" ([1 Corinthians 4:5](/1_corinthians/4-5 "1 Corinthians 4:5 - God's Judgment of Hearts")).

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several **literary devices** to convey his message with force and clarity. The use of **hyperbole** in "a very small thing" (Greek: _eláchistos_) underscores the extreme lack of importance Paul places on human judgment, contrasting it sharply with the Corinthians' apparent obsession with such evaluations. He also utilizes **antithesis** by juxtaposing "man's judgment" (literally "human day") with the implied "day of the Lord" or God's ultimate judgment, thereby highlighting the temporal, fallible nature of human assessment against the eternal, perfect judgment of God. This creates a powerful **contrast** that serves to reorient the Corinthians' perspective from earthly standards to divine ones. Furthermore, Paul's statement "yea, I judge not mine own self" functions as a form of **self-deprecation** or **humility**, demonstrating that his dismissal of external judgment is not born of arrogance but of a profound recognition that only God possesses perfect knowledge and righteous judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's declaration in [1 Corinthians 4:3](/1_corinthians/4-3 "1 Corinthians 4:3 - Paul's Indifference to Human Judgment") is deeply rooted in a theology of divine sovereignty and ultimate accountability to God alone. It asserts that human opinions, whether positive or negative, are fleeting and fallible, whereas God's judgment is perfect, comprehensive, and final. This perspective frees believers from the burden of people-pleasing and self-vindication, allowing them to focus solely on faithfulness to Christ. It reminds us that our true audience is God, who sees not only our actions but also the deepest intentions of our hearts. Therefore, our ultimate validation and reward come from Him, not from the applause or criticism of others. This theological truth serves as a bulwark against pride, discouragement, and the temptation to compromise one's convictions for human approval.

* [Romans 14:10](/romans/14-10 "Romans 14:10 - All Stand Before God's Judgment Seat")
* [Galatians 1:10](/galatians/1-10 "Galatians 1:10 - Paul Not Seeking Man's Approval")
* [Jeremiah 17:9-10](/jeremiah/17-9-10 "Jeremiah 17:9-10 - The Deceitful Heart and God's Knowledge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Corinthians 4:3](/1_corinthians/4-3 "1 Corinthians 4:3 - Paul's Indifference to Human Judgment") offers profound liberation for believers in a world obsessed with external validation and public opinion. Paul's radical indifference to human judgment encourages us to cultivate a primary audience of One: God Himself. This does not mean we ignore constructive criticism or refuse to learn from others, but it means our sense of worth, our motivation for service, and our ultimate peace are not contingent on what others think or say about us. When we are striving to live faithfully and serve God with integrity, the fleeting praise or harsh criticism of others becomes "a very small thing." Furthermore, Paul's refusal to even judge himself is a powerful reminder of our own limitations; we often lack the objectivity to fully discern our own motives or to see the full impact of our actions. This humility calls us to trust God's perfect knowledge and righteous judgment, resting in the truth that He sees all and will ultimately make all things clear. It frees us from self-condemnation and the endless cycle of trying to prove ourselves, allowing us to simply be faithful stewards, knowing that our true reward comes from the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you find yourself most concerned with human judgment or approval?**
* **How might adopting Paul's perspective—that human judgment is "a very small thing"—change your approach to ministry, work, or relationships?**
* **What does it mean to "judge not mine own self," and how can this principle protect us from both self-righteousness and undue self-condemnation?**

### FAQ
**Does Paul's statement mean Christians should never care about what others think or ignore all criticism?**

Answer: Not at all. Paul's statement in [1 Corinthians 4:3](/1_corinthians/4-3 "1 Corinthians 4:3 - Paul's Indifference to Human Judgment") is primarily about ultimate accountability and the source of one's validation, especially in ministry. He is dismissing the *finality* and *authority* of human judgment over his apostolic calling and character. He is not advocating for an arrogant disregard of all opinion. Elsewhere, Paul encourages believers to live honorably "in the sight of all men" ([Romans 12:17](/romans/12-17 "Romans 12:17 - Live Peaceably with All")) and to consider others' consciences ([1 Corinthians 10:32-33](/1_corinthians/10-32-33 "1 Corinthians 10:32-33 - Do All for God's Glory")). Constructive criticism can be valuable for growth, and maintaining a good testimony is important for the gospel's sake. However, Paul's point is that our ultimate judge is God, and His approval is the only one that truly matters. We are freed from the burden of people-pleasing when our primary focus is on God's will and faithfulness to Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 4:3](/1_corinthians/4-3 "1 Corinthians 4:3 - Paul's Indifference to Human Judgment") finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person of Jesus Christ. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently demonstrated a profound indifference to human judgment, whether it was the praise of the crowds or the condemnation of the religious elite. He did not seek the applause of men ([John 5:41](/john/5-41 "John 5:41 - Jesus Does Not Receive Glory from Men")), nor was He swayed by their criticisms or attempts to trap Him ([Matthew 22:15-22](/matthew/22-15-22 "Matthew 22:15-22 - Paying Taxes to Caesar")). His sole focus was on fulfilling the will of His Father ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Father's Will")). Even when facing the ultimate human judgment of crucifixion, He remained silent before His accusers, knowing that His true vindication would come from God ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - Silent Before His Shearers")). Jesus perfectly embodies the principle of deferring all judgment to the Father, ultimately being "declared to be the Son of God with power... by the resurrection from the dead" ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Jesus Declared Son of God")). His life and resurrection are the ultimate testament that divine judgment, not human opinion, is the only true measure of worth and righteousness. As believers, we are called to follow His example, fixing our eyes on Him, the "author and finisher of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking Unto Jesus")), knowing that our ultimate judge and rewarder is the Lord Himself.

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 2:15

But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

John 7:24

Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

1 Corinthians 3:13

Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

1 Samuel 16:7

But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.