1 Corinthians 4:6
And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
Original Language Analysis
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
3 of 30
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
μετεσχημάτισα
I have in a figure transferred
G3345
μετεσχημάτισα
I have in a figure transferred
Strong's:
G3345
Word #:
4 of 30
to transfigure or disguise; figuratively, to apply (by accommodation)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 30
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἐμαυτὸν
myself
G1683
ἐμαυτὸν
myself
Strong's:
G1683
Word #:
6 of 30
of myself so likewise the dative case ?????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-to'"/>, and accusative case ??????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-ton'"/>
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δι'
for
G1223
δι'
for
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
9 of 30
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
16 of 30
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
17 of 30
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
ὃ
which
G3739
ὃ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
18 of 30
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
γέγραπται
is written
G1125
γέγραπται
is written
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
19 of 30
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
φρονεῖν,
to think
G5426
φρονεῖν,
to think
Strong's:
G5426
Word #:
20 of 30
to exercise the mind, i.e., entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain d
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
22 of 30
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
24 of 30
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
25 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φυσιοῦσθε
of you be puffed up
G5448
φυσιοῦσθε
of you be puffed up
Strong's:
G5448
Word #:
27 of 30
to inflate, i.e., (figuratively) make proud (haughty)
κατὰ
against
G2596
κατὰ
against
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
28 of 30
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 11:4For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.2 Corinthians 12:6For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.2 Corinthians 12:19Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.Colossians 2:18Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,Romans 12:3For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.1 Thessalonians 1:5For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.1 Corinthians 8:1Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.1 Corinthians 3:19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.1 Corinthians 5:6Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?2 Corinthians 4:15For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
Historical Context
The Corinthian factions (1:12) likely reflected socio-economic and educational divisions. Wealthy, educated members may have preferred Apollos's eloquence (Acts 18:24), while others championed Paul's founding role or claimed superior spirituality through a direct "Christ party." Paul's diplomatic use of himself and Apollos as non-competitive examples models ministerial humility and confronts their celebrity-culture approach to teachers.
Questions for Reflection
- What Christian leaders or traditions are you tempted to champion in ways that divide rather than unify the body of Christ?
- How do you balance appreciation for gifted teachers with the warning not to elevate them "beyond what is written" in Scripture?
- In what areas might you be "puffed up"—proud of your theological camp, spiritual experiences, or preferred ministry style in ways that foster division?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes. The verb meteschēmatisa (μετεσχημάτισα, "I have transformed/applied figuratively") suggests Paul used himself and Apollos as case studies to teach broader principles without naming specific Corinthian offenders. The phrase to mē hyper ha gegraptai (τὸ μὴ ὑπὲρ ἃ γέγραπται, "not beyond what is written") likely refers to Scripture's authority—don't elevate human teachers above biblical boundaries.
That no one of you be puffed up for one against another. The verb physioō (φυσιόω, "to inflate/puff up") appears seven times in 1 Corinthians (4:6, 18, 19; 5:2; 8:1; 13:4), always negatively. It captures the Corinthians' arrogant factionalism. Their partisan boasting (hyper tou henos kata tou heterou, "for one against another") violated the unity Christ purchased. Paul's restraint in using himself and Apollos as examples—men who had no actual rivalry—gently reproves their divisiveness without publicly shaming specific individuals.