King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 4:13 Mean?

1 Corinthians 4:13 in the King James Version says “Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 4:13 · KJV

Context

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.

14

I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.

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.

Read 1 Corinthians 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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).

Reflection Questions

  1. Are you willing to be considered 'scum and refuse' by the world—or even by other Christians—for the sake of gospel faithfulness?
  2. How does this verse challenge prosperity gospel promises and Christian pursuit of cultural influence and respectability?
  3. 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?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
βλασφημούμενοι1 of 11

“Being defamed”

G987

to vilify; specially, to speak impiously

παρακαλοῦμεν·2 of 11

“we intreat”

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

ὡς3 of 11

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

περικαθάρματα4 of 11

“the filth”

G4027

something cleaned off all around, i.e., refuse (figuratively)

τοῦ5 of 11
G3588

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

κόσμου6 of 11

“of the world”

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

ἐγενήθημεν7 of 11

“we are made”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

πάντων8 of 11

“of all things”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

περίψημα9 of 11

“and are the offscouring”

G4067

something brushed all around, i.e., off-scrapings (figuratively, scum)

ἕως10 of 11

“unto”

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

ἄρτι11 of 11

“this day”

G737

just now

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 4:13 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 4:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Lamentations 3:45Acts 22:22

Test Your Knowledge

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

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