1 Corinthians 4:4

Authorized King James Version

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For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

Original Language Analysis

οὐδὲν nothing G3762
οὐδὲν nothing
Strong's: G3762
Word #: 1 of 15
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
γὰρ For G1063
γὰρ For
Strong's: G1063
Word #: 2 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐμαυτῷ by myself G1683
ἐμαυτῷ by myself
Strong's: G1683
Word #: 3 of 15
of myself so likewise the dative case ?????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-to'"/>, and accusative case ??????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-ton'"/>
σύνοιδα I know G4894
σύνοιδα I know
Strong's: G4894
Word #: 4 of 15
to see completely; used (like its primary) only in two past tenses, respectively meaning to understand or become aware, and to be conscious or (clande
ἀλλ' yet G235
ἀλλ' yet
Strong's: G235
Word #: 5 of 15
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
οὐκ not G3756
οὐκ not
Strong's: G3756
Word #: 6 of 15
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
ἐν hereby G1722
ἐν hereby
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 7 of 15
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
τούτῳ G5129
τούτῳ
Strong's: G5129
Word #: 8 of 15
to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)
δεδικαίωμαι am I G1344
δεδικαίωμαι am I
Strong's: G1344
Word #: 9 of 15
to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent
ὁ G3588
ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 10 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δὲ but G1161
δὲ but
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 11 of 15
but, and, etc
ἀνακρίνων he that judgeth G350
ἀνακρίνων he that judgeth
Strong's: G350
Word #: 12 of 15
properly, to scrutinize, i.e., (by implication) investigate, interrogate, determine
με me G3165
με me
Strong's: G3165
Word #: 13 of 15
me
κύριός the Lord G2962
κύριός the Lord
Strong's: G2962
Word #: 14 of 15
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἐστιν is G2076
ἐστιν is
Strong's: G2076
Word #: 15 of 15
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

Analysis & Commentary

For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. The phrase ouden gar emautō synoida (οὐδὲν γὰρ ἐμαυτῷ σύνοιδα) literally means "I am conscious of nothing against myself." Paul's clear conscience provides no self-justification (ou dikaioō, οὐ δεδικαίωμαι, "I am not justified/acquitted"). Even an unaware conscience doesn't guarantee innocence—only God's omniscient judgment reveals reality.

He that judgeth me is the Lord (ho de anakrinōn me kyrios estin, ὁ δὲ ἀνακρίνων με κύριος ἐστιν). The present participle emphasizes ongoing divine scrutiny. Kyrios (Lord) likely refers to Christ, who will execute judgment (v. 5; 2 Cor 5:10). This verse demolishes human arrogance—we can't even accurately assess ourselves, much less others. The Corinthians' premature verdicts on apostolic ministry were doubly presumptuous: usurping Christ's prerogative and operating with incomplete evidence.

Historical Context

Paul's clear conscience reflects his rigorous Pharisaic training in self-examination and his post-conversion zeal for gospel purity. Yet he recognizes that sincerity doesn't equal accuracy. The Corinthians' Greco-Roman context valued self-knowledge ("know thyself" was inscribed at Delphi), but Paul subordinates introspection to divine revelation. Only God knows the heart fully (1 Sam 16:7; Jer 17:9-10).

Questions for Reflection

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