1 Corinthians 4:15

Authorized King James Version

For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἐὰν

G1437

though

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

γὰρ

G1063

For

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

μυρίους

G3463

ten thousand

ten thousand; by extension, innumerably many

παιδαγωγοὺς

G3807

instructors

a boy-leader, i.e., a servant whose office it was to take the children to school; (by implication, (figuratively) a tutor ("paedagogue"))

ἔχητε

G2192

ye have

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Χριστῷ

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

ἀλλ'

G235

yet

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

οὐ

G3756

have ye not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#10

πολλοὺς

G4183

many

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

#11

πατέρας·

G3962

fathers

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

#12

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#13

γὰρ

G1063

For

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

#14

Χριστῷ

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

#15

Ἰησοῦ

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

#16

διὰ

G1223

through

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

#17

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#18

εὐαγγελίου

G2098

the gospel

a good message, i.e., the gospel

#19

ἐγὼ

G1473

i, me

#20

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

#21

ἐγέννησα

G1080

have begotten

to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Corinthians, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Corinthians.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Love