1 Corinthians 4:4

KJV

For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} I know {G4894} nothing {G3762} by myself {G1683}; yet {G235} am I {G1344} not {G3756} hereby {G1722}{G5129} justified {G1344}: but {G1161} he that judgeth {G350} me {G3165} is {G2076} the Lord {G2962}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I am not aware of anything against me, but this does not make me innocent. The one who is evaluating me is the Lord.

Berean Standard Bible

My conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. It is the Lord who judges me.

American Standard Version

For I know nothing against myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 4:4, the Apostle Paul profoundly articulates the limits of human self-assessment and the ultimate sovereignty of divine judgment. He declares that while his conscience is clear and he is unaware of any fault in his ministry, this self-perception does not confer justification. Instead, he firmly asserts that the Lord alone possesses the authority and perfect knowledge to truly judge and vindicate him, thereby shifting the focus from human opinion and personal feelings to God's infallible verdict.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's broader defense of his apostolic ministry and the nature of true Christian leadership, which spans the initial chapters of [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians - Divisions, Wisdom, and Apostolic Ministry"). The Corinthian church was plagued by divisions, with factions aligning themselves with different leaders like Paul, Apollos, or Cephas. In [1 Corinthians 4](/1_corinthians/4 "1 Corinthians 4 - Apostles as Servants and Stewards"), Paul directly addresses their tendency to judge and exalt human leaders, often by worldly standards. Immediately preceding this verse, in [1 Corinthians 4:3](/1_corinthians/4-3 "1 Corinthians 4:3 - Paul's Indifference to Human Judgment"), Paul states his indifference to human judgment, whether from the Corinthians or any human court. Verse 4 then extends this principle to his own self-judgment, emphasizing that even his clear conscience is not the final arbiter of his righteousness or fitness for ministry. This sets the stage for the subsequent declaration in [1 Corinthians 4:5](/1_corinthians/4-5 "1 Corinthians 4:5 - God's Ultimate Judgment"), that the Lord will "bring to light the hidden things of darkness and make manifest the counsels of the hearts."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub known for its wealth, diverse population, and a strong emphasis on rhetoric, philosophy, and public perception, heavily influenced by Greek intellectual traditions. This cultural backdrop likely contributed to the Corinthian believers' inclination to evaluate spiritual leaders based on their oratorical skills, philosophical prowess, or outward charisma, rather than on their faithfulness to Christ and the gospel. They were quick to form opinions and pass judgment on their spiritual guides, often leading to pride and division within the church, as highlighted in [1 Corinthians 1:10-17](/1_corinthians/1-10-17 "1 Corinthians 1:10-17 - Divisions in the Church"). Paul's statement in [1 Corinthians 4:4](/1_corinthians/4-4 "1 Corinthians 4:4 - Paul's Conscience and God's Judgment") directly challenges this human-centric, judgmental culture, redirecting their focus to the divine standard of judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Corinthians and Pauline theology. First, it underscores the **Fallibility of Human Judgment**, whether it's the judgment of others or one's own self-assessment. Paul's clear conscience is significant, but it is not sufficient for ultimate justification before God. Second, it highlights the **Sovereignty and Exclusivity of Divine Judgment**. The Lord alone possesses perfect knowledge of motives and hearts, making Him the only true and righteous Judge. This theme is foundational to Christian eschatology and the concept of accountability before Christ, as seen in [Romans 14:10](/romans/14-10 "Romans 14:10 - All will stand before God's judgment seat"). Third, the verse demonstrates Paul's profound **Humility and Integrity** in ministry. Despite his immense apostolic authority and effectiveness, he refuses to boast in his own righteousness or rely on human approval, choosing instead to submit himself entirely to God's final verdict. This aligns with Paul's consistent emphasis on God's wisdom over human wisdom, a central theme throughout [1 Corinthians 1-3](/1_corinthians/1-3 "1 Corinthians 1-3 - Wisdom, Factionalism, and God's Foundation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Greek, _syneídō'_):** This word (G4894) means "to see completely," implying "to understand or become aware," and "to be conscious or (clandestinely) informed of." In this context, Paul uses it to convey that he is "conscious of nothing against myself" or "I find no fault in myself." It refers to his internal awareness and the state of his conscience regarding his conduct and ministry.
* **justified (Greek, _dikaióō'_):** Derived from the word for "righteous" (G1344), this term means "to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent." Paul's declaration that he is "not hereby justified" is crucial. It means that his clear conscience, while personally comforting, does not, in itself, make him righteous or innocent in God's ultimate sight. Justification is a divine act, not a human one.
* **judgeth (Greek, _anakrínō'_):** This word (G350) means "to scrutinize, investigate, interrogate, determine." It implies a thorough and authoritative examination. Paul emphasizes that the Lord is the one who performs this ultimate, decisive scrutiny of his life and ministry, contrasting it with the superficial or limited judgments of humans.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** This term (G2962) signifies "supreme in authority," "controller," or "Master." By identifying the one who judges him as "the Lord," Paul underscores the divine, absolute, and ultimate authority of Christ over all human assessment, including his own.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I know nothing by myself":** This phrase, an archaic English idiom, signifies that Paul has examined his own conscience and conduct and is not aware of any wrongdoing, negligence, or unfaithfulness in his ministry that would warrant the criticisms he faced. His conscience is clear.
* **"yet am I not hereby justified":** Despite his clear conscience and lack of self-perceived fault, Paul immediately qualifies this. He states that his own self-assessment, however positive, does not equate to ultimate justification or vindication before God. Human self-awareness, even when accurate, is not the basis for divine righteousness.
* **"but he that judgeth me is the Lord."**: This is the pivotal assertion. Paul shifts the ultimate authority for judgment from himself or human opinion to the Lord. This declares that only God, with His perfect knowledge of hearts, motives, and deeds, is the true and final arbiter of Paul's righteousness and the integrity of his ministry.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey his profound theological point. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as he sharply juxtaposes human judgment (his own included) with the absolute authority of divine judgment. This contrast highlights the fallibility and limitations of human perception versus the omniscience and righteousness of God. There is also an element of **Apostolic Authority** conveyed through **Humility**. By presenting himself, a preeminent apostle, as subject to God's judgment and not his own, Paul subtly reinforces his authority to teach the Corinthians about the dangers of human judgment. His personal example serves as a powerful illustration of the principle he is advocating for the entire church. Furthermore, the phrase "I know nothing by myself" can be seen as a form of **Understatement**, leading to the much greater and more significant truth that follows, emphasizing that even the best human self-assessment pales in comparison to God's perfect scrutiny.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a profound theological statement on the nature of justification and divine judgment, echoing themes found throughout the New Testament. It teaches that true righteousness and vindication come not from human opinion, self-assessment, or even a clear conscience, but solely from God's sovereign decree. Paul's own example underscores the humility required of all believers, especially those in leadership, to submit themselves to the ultimate scrutiny of the Lord. This perspective guards against both self-righteousness and the despair that can arise from unfair human criticism, anchoring the believer's identity and worth in God's perfect knowledge and righteous judgment. It reminds us that our ultimate accountability is to the Lord, who sees beyond outward appearances and knows the true intentions of the heart.

* [Romans 14:10](/romans/14-10 "Romans 14:10 - All will stand before God's judgment seat")
* [2 Corinthians 5:10](/2_corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ")
* [Galatians 2:16](/galatians/2-16 "Galatians 2:16 - Justification by faith in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's declaration in [1 Corinthians 4:4](/1_corinthians/4-4 "1 Corinthians 4:4 - Paul's Conscience and God's Judgment") offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It calls us to cultivate a clear conscience through diligent self-examination and repentance, striving to live in integrity before God and others. However, it simultaneously warns us against the perilous trap of self-justification or relying on our own feelings of innocence as the ultimate measure of our standing with God. Our internal sense of "rightness" is a gift, but it is not infallible and certainly not the basis for our righteousness. Instead, we are reminded that our ultimate validation, our true justification, comes solely from the Lord. This perspective liberates us from the burden of constantly seeking human approval or being crushed by human criticism, allowing us to serve faithfully with our eyes fixed on the One who truly matters. It fosters humility, encourages perseverance in the face of misunderstanding, and instills a deep trust in God's perfect justice and timing for vindication.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's statement challenge my tendency to rely on my own self-assessment or the opinions of others for validation?**
* **In what areas of my life or ministry am I most tempted to seek human approval or fear human criticism, and how can this verse reorient my focus?**
* **What comfort does it bring to know that the Lord, who knows all things perfectly, is my ultimate Judge?**
* **How should this verse influence my approach to judging others, especially those in leadership?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "I know nothing by myself"?**

Answer: This is an archaic English idiom that means "I am conscious of nothing against myself" or "I find no fault in myself." Paul is stating that, to his knowledge and in his own conscience, he is not aware of any wrongdoing, negligence, or unfaithfulness in his ministry that would warrant the criticisms or judgments he was receiving from the Corinthian church. He has a clear conscience regarding his conduct.

**Does having a clear conscience mean I am justified before God?**

Answer: No, Paul explicitly states in the second part of the verse, "yet am I not hereby justified." While a clear conscience is desirable and indicates a life lived with integrity, Paul clarifies that his own self-assessment, however clear, does not confer ultimate justification or righteousness in God's eyes. True justification is a divine act, freely given by God through faith in Christ, not earned by human works or self-perception. The ultimate Judge is the Lord Himself, who sees and knows all things perfectly, including motives and hidden intentions, as further elaborated in [1 Corinthians 4:5](/1_corinthians/4-5 "1 Corinthians 4:5 - God's Ultimate Judgment").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 4:4](/1_corinthians/4-4 "1 Corinthians 4:4 - Paul's Conscience and God's Judgment") finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul's humble submission to the Lord's judgment foreshadows the truth that Christ Himself is the righteous and ultimate Judge of all humanity. [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father has committed all judgment to the Son") declares that "the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son." Therefore, when Paul says "he that judgeth me is the Lord," he is pointing to Jesus, who possesses perfect knowledge and righteous authority. Furthermore, the concept of "justification" in this verse is profoundly Christ-centered. Paul's clear conscience could not justify him, because true justification comes not from human merit or self-assessment, but from being declared righteous by God through faith in Christ's atoning work. As [Romans 3:24](/romans/3-24 "Romans 3:24 - Justified freely by His grace") states, we "are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Christ is not only the Judge but also the very standard of righteousness by which we are judged, and the means by which we are made righteous. Our hope for vindication and eternal life rests entirely on His perfect life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection, ensuring that when the Lord scrutinizes us, He sees the imputed righteousness of His Son, as Paul beautifully articulates in [Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Righteousness through faith in 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

Psalms 143:2

And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.

1 John 3:20

¶ For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

1 John 3:21

Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, [then] have we confidence toward God.

Psalms 130:3

If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?

Proverbs 21:2

¶ Every way of a man [is] right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.

2 Corinthians 1:12

¶ For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

Psalms 19:12

Who can understand [his] errors? cleanse thou me from secret [faults].