King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 4:15 Mean?

1 Corinthians 4:15 in the King James Version says “For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

1 Corinthians 4:15 · KJV


Context

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.

17

For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers. Myrioi paidagōgoi (μυρίοι παιδαγωγοί, "ten thousand guardians/tutors") uses hyperbole. Paidagōgos referred to the household slave who supervised children, escorted them to school, and enforced discipline—a custodian, not primarily a teacher (Gal 3:24-25). Paul contrasts numerous such functionaries with pateras (πατέρας, "fathers")—one has many tutors but few fathers.

For in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. The aorist egennēsa (ἐγέννησα, "I begat/fathered") describes Paul's evangelistic ministry that birthed the Corinthian church (Acts 18:1-11). Dia tou euangeliou (διὰ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου, "through the gospel") identifies the means—spiritual paternity occurs through gospel proclamation. This unique relationship grounds Paul's authority: he's not merely a teacher among many but their founding apostle. While others build on his foundation (3:10), none can claim the same generative role.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In Corinth's philosophical marketplace, itinerant teachers competed for students. The Corinthians treated Christian leaders like rival philosophers, forgetting that Paul uniquely brought them the gospel that saved them. His paternal claim isn't arrogant but factual—he planted the church (3:6). This father-child metaphor appears elsewhere (1 Thess 2:11; Phlm 10; 1 Tim 1:2; Titus 1:4) for those Paul evangelized or mentored.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who served as your spiritual father or mother—the person who first brought you the gospel or discipled you in early faith?
  2. How do you honor those who spiritually 'begot' you, versus more recent teachers who have instructed your established faith?
  3. Are you actively seeking to 'beget' spiritual children through evangelism and discipleship, or merely consuming teaching from others?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
ἐὰν1 of 21

though

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

γὰρ2 of 21

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

μυρίους3 of 21

ten thousand

G3463

ten thousand; by extension, innumerably many

παιδαγωγοὺς4 of 21

instructors

G3807

a boy-leader, i.e., a servant whose office it was to take the children to school; (by implication, (figuratively) a tutor ("paedagogue"))

ἔχητε5 of 21

ye have

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἐν6 of 21

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Χριστῷ7 of 21

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

ἀλλ'8 of 21

yet

G235

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

οὐ9 of 21

have ye not

G3756

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

πολλοὺς10 of 21

many

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

πατέρας·11 of 21

fathers

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ἐν12 of 21

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

γὰρ13 of 21

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

Χριστῷ14 of 21

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Ἰησοῦ15 of 21

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

διὰ16 of 21

through

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦ17 of 21
G3588

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

εὐαγγελίου18 of 21

the gospel

G2098

a good message, i.e., the gospel

ἐγὼ19 of 21

I

G1473

i, me

ὑμᾶς20 of 21

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἐγέννησα21 of 21

have begotten

G1080

to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate


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 4:15 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 4:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study