1 Corinthians 4:15
For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
Original Language Analysis
ἐὰν
though
G1437
ἐὰν
though
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
1 of 21
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
παιδαγωγοὺς
instructors
G3807
παιδαγωγοὺς
instructors
Strong's:
G3807
Word #:
4 of 21
a boy-leader, i.e., a servant whose office it was to take the children to school; (by implication, (figuratively) a tutor ("paedagogue"))
ἔχητε
ye have
G2192
ἔχητε
ye have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
5 of 21
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἀλλ'
yet
G235
ἀλλ'
yet
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
8 of 21
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
οὐ
have ye not
G3756
οὐ
have ye not
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
9 of 21
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
πολλοὺς
many
G4183
πολλοὺς
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
10 of 21
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
πατέρας·
fathers
G3962
πατέρας·
fathers
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
11 of 21
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
13 of 21
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
15 of 21
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
διὰ
through
G1223
διὰ
through
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
16 of 21
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 3:10According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.Galatians 4:19My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,1 Corinthians 9:23And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.1 Corinthians 9:14Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
Historical Context
In Corinth's philosophical marketplace, itinerant teachers competed for students. The Corinthians treated Christian leaders like rival philosophers, forgetting that Paul uniquely brought them the gospel that saved them. His paternal claim isn't arrogant but factual—he planted the church (3:6). This father-child metaphor appears elsewhere (1 Thess 2:11; Phlm 10; 1 Tim 1:2; Titus 1:4) for those Paul evangelized or mentored.
Questions for Reflection
- Who served as your spiritual father or mother—the person who first brought you the gospel or discipled you in early faith?
- How do you honor those who spiritually 'begot' you, versus more recent teachers who have instructed your established faith?
- Are you actively seeking to 'beget' spiritual children through evangelism and discipleship, or merely consuming teaching from others?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers. Myrioi paidagōgoi (μυρίοι παιδαγωγοί, "ten thousand guardians/tutors") uses hyperbole. Paidagōgos referred to the household slave who supervised children, escorted them to school, and enforced discipline—a custodian, not primarily a teacher (Gal 3:24-25). Paul contrasts numerous such functionaries with pateras (πατέρας, "fathers")—one has many tutors but few fathers.
For in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. The aorist egennēsa (ἐγέννησα, "I begat/fathered") describes Paul's evangelistic ministry that birthed the Corinthian church (Acts 18:1-11). Dia tou euangeliou (διὰ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου, "through the gospel") identifies the means—spiritual paternity occurs through gospel proclamation. This unique relationship grounds Paul's authority: he's not merely a teacher among many but their founding apostle. While others build on his foundation (3:10), none can claim the same generative role.