1 Corinthians 4:5

Authorized King James Version

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὥστε

G5620

Therefore

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

μὴ

G3361

nothing

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

πρὸ

G4253

before

"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to

καιροῦ

G2540

the time

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

τι

G5100

some or any person or object

κρίνετε

G2919

judge

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

ἕως

G2193

until

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

ἂν

G302

whatsoever

ἔλθῃ

G2064

come

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#10

ὁ

G3588

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

#11

κύριος

G2962

the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

#12

ὃς

G3739

who

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#13

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#14

φωτίσει

G5461

will bring to light

to shed rays, i.e., to shine or (transitively) to brighten up (literally or figuratively)

#15

τὰ

G3588

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

#16

κρυπτὰ

G2927

the hidden things

concealed, i.e., private

#17

τοῦ

G3588

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

#18

σκότους

G4655

of darkness

shadiness, i.e., obscurity (literally or figuratively)

#19

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#20

φανερώσει

G5319

will make manifest

to render apparent (literally or figuratively)

#21

τὰς

G3588

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

#22

βουλὰς

G1012

the counsels

volition, i.e., (objectively) advice, or (by implication) purpose

#23

τῶν

G3588

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

#24

καρδιῶν·

G2588

of the hearts

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

#25

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#26

τότε

G5119

then

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

#27

ὁ

G3588

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

#28

ἔπαινος

G1868

praise

laudation; concretely, a commendable thing

#29

γενήσεται

G1096

have

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

#30

ἑκάστῳ

G1538

shall every man

each or every

#31

ἀπὸ

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

#32

τοῦ

G3588

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

#33

θεοῦ

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Corinthians. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within pastoral letter addressing practical Christian living issues to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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 systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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

Topics

Love