1 Corinthians 4:8
Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.
Original Language Analysis
ἐπλουτήσατε
ye are rich
G4147
ἐπλουτήσατε
ye are rich
Strong's:
G4147
Word #:
5 of 17
to be (or become) wealthy (literally or figuratively)
χωρὶς
without
G5565
χωρὶς
without
Strong's:
G5565
Word #:
6 of 17
at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὄφελόν
I would to God
G3785
ὄφελόν
I would to God
Strong's:
G3785
Word #:
10 of 17
i ought (wish), i.e., (interjection) oh that!
Cross References
Revelation 5:10And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.Proverbs 13:7There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.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 Corinthians 5:6Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?1 Corinthians 1:5That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;2 Corinthians 13:9For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.Luke 6:25Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.Galatians 6:3For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
Historical Context
Corinth's wealth and strategic location bred prosperity consciousness. Some scholars detect early "proto-gnostic" influences—an over-realized eschatology that emphasized present spiritual enlightenment over future bodily resurrection. Paul's irony recalls Jesus's Beatitudes, which pronounced blessing on the poor, persecuted, and mourning—not the self-satisfied rich (Luke 6:20-26). The apostolic suffering catalog that follows (vv. 9-13) provides devastating contrast to Corinthian complacency.
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways does contemporary Western Christianity mirror the Corinthians' triumphalism—emphasizing prosperity, comfort, and spiritual "victory" while minimizing costly discipleship?
- How have you confused spiritual blessings or emotional experiences with the kingdom's final consummation?
- What would it look like for you to embrace the "already/not yet" tension—grateful for Christ's inaugurated victory while still bearing your cross in a fallen world?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us. Paul unleashes biting irony. The three assertions—kekoresmenoi (κεκορεσμένοι, "you are satiated"), eploutēsate (ἐπλουτήσατε, "you have become rich"), ebasilensate (ἐβασιλεύσατε, "you have reigned as kings")—mock their realized eschatology. They acted as if the kingdom had fully arrived, enjoying its benefits while apostles still suffered. The perfect tenses suggest they viewed their spiritual prosperity as a settled achievement.
And I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you. The optative ophelon (ὄφελον, "would that") expresses unfulfilled desire. Paul sarcastically wishes their delusion were reality—if the kingdom had truly arrived, apostolic suffering would also cease. Instead, the "already/not yet" tension means believers currently share Christ's suffering before sharing His glory (Rom 8:17). The Corinthians' triumphalism betrayed theological confusion, mistaking spiritual gifts for eschatological fulfillment.