King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 4:11 Mean?

1 Corinthians 4:11 in the King James Version says “Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingpla...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;”

1 Corinthians 4:11 · KJV

Context

9

For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. spectacle: Gr. theatre

10

We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.

11

Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;

12

And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:

13

Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.

Read 1 Corinthians 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace. The phrase achri tēs arti hōras (ἄχρι τῆς ἄρτι ὥρας, "until this very hour") emphasizes the ongoing, not merely past, nature of apostolic hardship. Paul lists five deprivations: peinōmen (πεινῶμεν, "we hunger"), dipsōmen (διψῶμεν, "we thirst"), gymnēteuo men (γυμνητεύομεν, "we are poorly clothed/naked"), kolaphizometha (κολαφιζόμεθα, "we are beaten/struck with fists"), astatoumen (ἀστατοῦμεν, "we are homeless/wandering").

These present-tense verbs create visceral contrast with Corinthian affluence (v. 8). The catalog echoes Jesus's warnings about discipleship costs (Matt 8:20; 10:9-10) and His Beatitudes blessing the hungry and persecuted (Luke 6:21, 22). Paul's willingness to endure such deprivation validates his apostleship more convincingly than eloquence or miracles. His suffering conforms to Christ's pattern—the Servant who had "nowhere to lay his head" (Matt 8:20).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's tentmaking trade (Acts 18:3; 1 Thess 2:9) meant manual labor considered degrading by elite standards. Unlike philosophical sophists who charged fees and enjoyed patronage, Paul supported himself to avoid burdening churches and accusations of profiteering. His itinerant lifestyle, imprisonments, beatings by authorities and mobs (2 Cor 11:23-27), and chronic material insecurity fulfilled Jesus's prediction that apostles would face persecution (John 15:20).

Reflection Questions

  1. What material comforts or securities are you unwilling to sacrifice for gospel ministry or kingdom priorities?
  2. How does Paul's voluntary embrace of deprivation challenge contemporary prosperity theology and comfort-seeking Christianity?
  3. In what ways might God be calling you to experience 'hunger, thirst, and homelessness' (literal or metaphorical) to more fully identify with Christ and advance His mission?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
ἄχρι1 of 14

“Even”

G891

(of time) until or (of place) up to

τῆς2 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄρτι3 of 14

“unto this present”

G737

just now

ὥρας4 of 14

“hour”

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

καὶ5 of 14

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πεινῶμεν6 of 14

“hunger”

G3983

to famish (absolutely or comparatively); figuratively, to crave

καὶ7 of 14

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

διψῶμεν8 of 14

“thirst”

G1372

to thirst for (literally or figuratively)

καὶ9 of 14

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

γυμνητεύομεν,10 of 14

“are naked”

G1130

to strip, i.e., (reflexively) go poorly clad

καὶ11 of 14

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

κολαφιζόμεθα12 of 14

“are buffeted”

G2852

to rap with the fist

καὶ13 of 14

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀστατοῦμεν14 of 14

“have no certain dwellingplace”

G790

to be non-stationary, i.e., (figuratively) homeless

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 4:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 4:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 8:352 Corinthians 11:23-27Philippians 4:12Matthew 8:202 Timothy 3:112 Corinthians 6:4-5

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Corinthians 4 with CommentaryAll 1 Corinthians ChaptersComplete 1 Corinthians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes