1 Corinthians 4:11
Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;
Original Language Analysis
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πεινῶμεν
hunger
G3983
πεινῶμεν
hunger
Strong's:
G3983
Word #:
6 of 14
to famish (absolutely or comparatively); figuratively, to crave
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γυμνητεύομεν,
are naked
G1130
γυμνητεύομεν,
are naked
Strong's:
G1130
Word #:
10 of 14
to strip, i.e., (reflexively) go poorly clad
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Romans 8:35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?Philippians 4:12I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.2 Timothy 3:11Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.Matthew 8:20And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.Acts 23:2And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.Acts 14:19And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.Acts 16:23And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:Job 22:6For thou hast taken a pledge from thy brother for nought, and stripped the naked of their clothing.1 Corinthians 9:4Have we not power to eat and to drink?2 Corinthians 4:8We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
Historical Context
Paul's tentmaking trade (Acts 18:3; 1 Thess 2:9) meant manual labor considered degrading by elite standards. Unlike philosophical sophists who charged fees and enjoyed patronage, Paul supported himself to avoid burdening churches and accusations of profiteering. His itinerant lifestyle, imprisonments, beatings by authorities and mobs (2 Cor 11:23-27), and chronic material insecurity fulfilled Jesus's prediction that apostles would face persecution (John 15:20).
Questions for Reflection
- What material comforts or securities are you unwilling to sacrifice for gospel ministry or kingdom priorities?
- How does Paul's voluntary embrace of deprivation challenge contemporary prosperity theology and comfort-seeking Christianity?
- In what ways might God be calling you to experience 'hunger, thirst, and homelessness' (literal or metaphorical) to more fully identify with Christ and advance His mission?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace. The phrase achri tēs arti hōras (ἄχρι τῆς ἄρτι ὥρας, "until this very hour") emphasizes the ongoing, not merely past, nature of apostolic hardship. Paul lists five deprivations: peinōmen (πεινῶμεν, "we hunger"), dipsōmen (διψῶμεν, "we thirst"), gymnēteuo men (γυμνητεύομεν, "we are poorly clothed/naked"), kolaphizometha (κολαφιζόμεθα, "we are beaten/struck with fists"), astatoumen (ἀστατοῦμεν, "we are homeless/wandering").
These present-tense verbs create visceral contrast with Corinthian affluence (v. 8). The catalog echoes Jesus's warnings about discipleship costs (Matt 8:20; 10:9-10) and His Beatitudes blessing the hungry and persecuted (Luke 6:21, 22). Paul's willingness to endure such deprivation validates his apostleship more convincingly than eloquence or miracles. His suffering conforms to Christ's pattern—the Servant who had "nowhere to lay his head" (Matt 8:20).