1 Corinthians 4:13
Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
Original Language Analysis
βλασφημούμενοι
Being defamed
G987
βλασφημούμενοι
Being defamed
Strong's:
G987
Word #:
1 of 11
to vilify; specially, to speak impiously
παρακαλοῦμεν·
we intreat
G3870
παρακαλοῦμεν·
we intreat
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
2 of 11
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
3 of 11
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
περικαθάρματα
the filth
G4027
περικαθάρματα
the filth
Strong's:
G4027
Word #:
4 of 11
something cleaned off all around, i.e., refuse (figuratively)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμου
of the world
G2889
κόσμου
of the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
6 of 11
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
ἐγενήθημεν
we are made
G1096
ἐγενήθημεν
we are made
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
7 of 11
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
περίψημα
and are the offscouring
G4067
περίψημα
and are the offscouring
Strong's:
G4067
Word #:
9 of 11
something brushed all around, i.e., off-scrapings (figuratively, scum)
Historical Context
Greek cities occasionally practiced pharmakos rituals, expelling or killing marginalized individuals (criminals, slaves, deformed persons) to avert divine wrath. Whether Paul directly references this or simply uses metaphorical language, his point is clear: apostles occupy the lowest social stratum, bearing vicarious shame for the gospel. This stark imagery climaxes the suffering catalog (vv. 9-13) before Paul pivots to paternal affection (v. 14).
Questions for Reflection
- Are you willing to be considered 'scum and refuse' by the world—or even by other Christians—for the sake of gospel faithfulness?
- How does this verse challenge prosperity gospel promises and Christian pursuit of cultural influence and respectability?
- What 'slander' or 'defamation' might you face if you more boldly proclaimed unpopular biblical truths, and how can you prepare to respond with gracious entreaty rather than defensive anger?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day. Dysphēmoumenoi parakaloumen (δυσφημούμενοι παρακαλοῦμεν, "being slandered, we exhort/encourage")—Paul responds to malicious speech with gracious appeal. The final two metaphors are shocking: perikatharmata (περικαθάρματα, "filth/scum/refuse") and peripsēma (περίψημα, "offscouring/scrapings")—terms for garbage swept away or scapegoats bearing community sins.
These words may allude to a pagan custom where criminals or outcasts were expelled or killed during disasters to purify the city—human pharmakoi (scapegoats). Paul embraces this imagery: apostles are treated as expendable pollution, society's trash. Yet this very degradation fulfills Christ's example, who "became sin for us" (2 Cor 5:21) and died outside the camp, bearing our shame (Heb 13:12-13). The phrase heōs arti (ἕως ἄρτι, "until now") reiterates ongoing reality—not past tribulation but present experience.