King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 4:14 Mean?

1 Corinthians 4:14 in the King James Version says “I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 4:14 · KJV

Context

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.

16

Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. The verb entrepō (ἐντρέπω, "to shame/humiliate") clarifies Paul's intent—not public humiliation but paternal correction. Nouthetōn (νουθετῶν, "warning/admonishing") combines nous (mind) and tithēmi (to place)—literally "placing in mind," confronting with truth for behavioral change. The term appears in contexts of disciplinary love (Rom 15:14; Col 3:16; 1 Thess 5:12, 14; 2 Thess 3:15).

As my beloved sons (hōs tekna mou agapēta, ὡς τέκνα μου ἀγαπητά) establishes the relationship grounding correction. Agapēta ("beloved") is an affectionate term Paul uses for those dearest to him (Phil 2:12; 4:1). His harsh irony (vv. 8-13) flows from pastoral love, not vindictiveness. Like a father disciplining wayward children, Paul's goal is restoration, not retribution. This paternal metaphor (developed in v. 15) contrasts with the Corinthians' multiple "instructors" (pedagogues), positioning Paul uniquely as spiritual father.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In Greco-Roman households, the paterfamilias wielded authority but also responsibility for children's moral formation. Fathers balanced discipline with affection, correction with encouragement. Paul adopts this framework for apostolic ministry—he founded the Corinthian church (Acts 18:1-18), making him their spiritual progenitor. This familial intimacy distinguishes his relationship from later teachers who merely instructed an already-established community.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you receive correction from spiritual leaders—with defensiveness and resentment, or with trust that it comes from fatherly love?
  2. When you must confront fellow believers, do you lead with judgment or with the kind of affectionate concern Paul models here?
  3. Who are your spiritual 'children'—those you've led to Christ or discipled—and how faithfully are you exercising loving correction when needed?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
Οὐκ1 of 11

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐντρέπων2 of 11

“to shame”

G1788

to invert, i.e., (figuratively and reflexively) in a good sense, to respect; or in a bad one, to confound

ὑμᾶς3 of 11

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

γράφω4 of 11

“I write”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

ταῦτα5 of 11

“these things”

G5023

these things

ἀλλ'6 of 11

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ὡς7 of 11

“as”

G5613

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

τέκνα8 of 11

“sons”

G5043

a child (as produced)

μου9 of 11

“my”

G3450

of me

ἀγαπητὰ10 of 11

“beloved”

G27

beloved

νουθετῶ11 of 11

“I warn”

G3560

to put in mind, i.e., (by implication) to caution or reprove gently

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 4:14 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 4:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 2:113 John 1:41 Corinthians 9:151 Corinthians 4:15Colossians 1:282 Corinthians 12:19

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