1 Corinthians 4:3
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.
Original Language Analysis
εἰς
a very small thing
G1519
εἰς
a very small thing
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
3 of 17
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἐλάχιστόν
G1646
ἐλάχιστόν
Strong's:
G1646
Word #:
4 of 17
used as equivalent to g3398; least (in size, amount, dignity, etc.)
ὑπὸ
of
G5259
ὑπὸ
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
7 of 17
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
ἀνακρίνω
I judge
G350
ἀνακρίνω
I judge
Strong's:
G350
Word #:
9 of 17
properly, to scrutinize, i.e., (by implication) investigate, interrogate, determine
ὑπὸ
of
G5259
ὑπὸ
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
11 of 17
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
ἡμέρας·
judgment
G2250
ἡμέρας·
judgment
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
13 of 17
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
ἀλλ'
yea
G235
ἀλλ'
yea
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
14 of 17
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
Historical Context
The forensic language reflects Corinthian obsession with evaluating and ranking teachers. As a sophisticated Greek city with Roman legal infrastructure, Corinth valued rhetorical contests and public judgments. Paul's indifference to such tribunals was countercultural. He faces his accusers' verdict with equanimity because he answers to a higher court—the bema (judgment seat) of Christ (2 Cor 5:10).
Questions for Reflection
- How much emotional energy do you expend worrying about others' opinions of your ministry or spiritual life?
- What would change in your decision-making if you truly believed that only God's evaluation ultimately matters?
- How can you distinguish between healthy accountability to spiritual leaders and unhealthy bondage to human approval?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment. The phrase eis elachiston (εἰς ἐλάχιστον, "into smallest thing") indicates utter insignificance. Paul treats human verdict—anthropines hemeras (ἀνθρωπίνης ἡμέρας, literally "man's day")—as trivial compared to divine assessment. The legal terminology continues: anakrino (ἀνακρίνω, "examine/judge") was used for preliminary hearings before a trial.
Yea, I judge not mine own self. Paul refuses even self-examination as the final court. This isn't license for carelessness but recognition that human perspective—even one's own conscience—lacks ultimate authority. The conscience can be misinformed or seared (1 Tim 4:2). Only God's omniscient scrutiny reveals true motives and the full measure of faithfulness. Paul's liberation from human opinion (including his own self-assessment) frees him for radical obedience.