King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 4:3 Mean?

1 Corinthians 4:3 in the King James Version says “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 sel... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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. judgment: Gr. day

1 Corinthians 4:3 · KJV


Context

1

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

2

Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

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. judgment: Gr. day

4

For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. know: or, I am not conscious of any fault

5

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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 Questions

  1. How much emotional energy do you expend worrying about others' opinions of your ministry or spiritual life?
  2. What would change in your decision-making if you truly believed that only God's evaluation ultimately matters?
  3. How can you distinguish between healthy accountability to spiritual leaders and unhealthy bondage to human approval?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
ἐμοὶ1 of 17

with me

G1698

to me

δὲ2 of 17

But

G1161

but, and, etc

εἰς3 of 17

a very small thing

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἐλάχιστόν4 of 17
G1646

used as equivalent to g3398; least (in size, amount, dignity, etc.)

ἐστιν5 of 17

it is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἵνα6 of 17

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ὑπὸ7 of 17

of

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

ὑμῶν8 of 17

you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἀνακρίνω9 of 17

I judge

G350

properly, to scrutinize, i.e., (by implication) investigate, interrogate, determine

10 of 17

or

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ὑπὸ11 of 17

of

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

ἀνθρωπίνης12 of 17

man's

G442

human

ἡμέρας·13 of 17

judgment

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ἀλλ'14 of 17

yea

G235

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

οὐδὲ15 of 17

not

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

ἐμαυτὸν16 of 17

mine own self

G1683

of myself so likewise the dative case ?????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-to'"/>, and accusative case ??????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-ton'"/>

ἀνακρίνω17 of 17

I judge

G350

properly, to scrutinize, i.e., (by implication) investigate, interrogate, determine


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 4:3 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 4:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study