1 Corinthians 4:3
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 4:3
3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 4 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of judgment, discipleship, faith. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 4:3
3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.
Analysis
But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment. The phrase eis elachiston (εἰς ἐλάχιστον, "into smallest thing") indicates utter insignificance. Paul treats human verdict—anthropines hemeras (ἀνθρωπίνης ἡμέρας, literally "man's day")—as trivial compared to divine assessment. The legal terminology continues: anakrino (ἀνακρίνω, "examine/judge") was used for preliminary hearings before a trial.
Yea, I judge not mine own self. Paul refuses even self-examination as the final court. This isn't license for carelessness but recognition that human perspective—even one's own conscience—lacks ultimate authority. The conscience can be misinformed or seared (1 Tim 4:2). Only God's omniscient scrutiny reveals true motives and the full measure of faithfulness. Paul's liberation from human opinion (including his own self-assessment) frees him for radical obedience.
Historical Context
The forensic language reflects Corinthian obsession with evaluating and ranking teachers. As a sophisticated Greek city with Roman legal infrastructure, Corinth valued rhetorical contests and public judgments. Paul's indifference to such tribunals was countercultural. He faces his accusers' verdict with equanimity because he answers to a higher court—the bema (judgment seat) of Christ (2 Cor 5:10).
Reflection
- How much emotional energy do you expend worrying about others' opinions of your ministry or spiritual life?
- What would change in your decision-making if you truly believed that only God's evaluation ultimately matters?
- How can you distinguish between healthy accountability to spiritual leaders and unhealthy bondage to human approval?
Cross-References
- Judgment: 1 Corinthians 2:15, John 7:24