1 Corinthians 4:7
For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?
Original Language Analysis
τί
it why
G5101
τί
it why
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 19
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
γάρ
For
G1063
γάρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
διακρίνει
maketh
G1252
διακρίνει
maketh
Strong's:
G1252
Word #:
4 of 19
to separate thoroughly, i.e., (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from, or (by implication) oppose; figuratively, to discriminate (by implication,
τί
it why
G5101
τί
it why
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
5 of 19
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ἔχεις
hast thou
G2192
ἔχεις
hast thou
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
7 of 19
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ὃ
that
G3739
ὃ
that
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
8 of 19
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
λαβών
if thou hadst
G2983
λαβών
if thou hadst
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
10 of 19
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
καὶ
now
G2532
καὶ
now
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λαβών
if thou hadst
G2983
λαβών
if thou hadst
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
14 of 19
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
τί
it why
G5101
τί
it why
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
15 of 19
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
17 of 19
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
Cross References
John 3:27John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.James 1:17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.1 Peter 4:10As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.Romans 12:6Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;Proverbs 2:6For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.John 1:16And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.Luke 19:13And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.1 Corinthians 15:10But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.Romans 1:5By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: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.
Historical Context
Greco-Roman culture thrived on honor, status, and competitive achievement. Patronage systems created networks of obligation and prestige. The Corinthians imported these values into church life, boasting about their eloquence, wisdom, spiritual gifts, and preferred teachers. Paul's theology of grace-as-gift undercuts the entire honor-shame system, replacing competition with gratitude and humility.
Questions for Reflection
- What spiritual gifts, achievements, or advantages do you take credit for that are actually undeserved gifts from God?
- How would your relationships change if you truly internalized that every good thing you have is received grace, not earned merit?
- In what subtle ways do you compare yourself to others and feel superior, forgetting that God alone made whatever distinctions exist?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For who maketh thee to differ from another? The verb diakrino (διακρίνω, "to distinguish/make superior") challenges Corinthian claims to special status. Paul's rhetorical question expects the answer: God alone determines distinctions. And what hast thou that thou didst not receive? (ti de echeis ho ouk elabes, τί δὲ ἔχεις ὃ οὐκ ἔλαβες;) The verb lambanō (λαμβάνω, "receive") emphasizes grace—every gift, ability, and opportunity comes from God.
Now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? The logic is devastating: boasting about received gifts is irrational, like a beggar boasting about his benefactor's generosity. Kauchaomai (καυχάομαι, "boast/glory") was the Corinthians' characteristic vice. True Christian boasting glories only in the Lord (1:31; 2 Cor 10:17). This verse demolishes all grounds for human pride—in salvation, spiritual gifts, or any achievement. Grace leaves no room for self-congratulation.