King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 4:6 Mean?

1 Corinthians 4:6 in the King James Version says “And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn ... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.

1 Corinthians 4:6 · KJV


Context

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.

6

And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.

7

For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? maketh: Gr. distinguisheth thee

8

Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes. The verb meteschēmatisa (μετεσχημάτισα, "I have transformed/applied figuratively") suggests Paul used himself and Apollos as case studies to teach broader principles without naming specific Corinthian offenders. The phrase to mē hyper ha gegraptai (τὸ μὴ ὑπὲρ ἃ γέγραπται, "not beyond what is written") likely refers to Scripture's authority—don't elevate human teachers above biblical boundaries.

That no one of you be puffed up for one against another. The verb physioō (φυσιόω, "to inflate/puff up") appears seven times in 1 Corinthians (4:6, 18, 19; 5:2; 8:1; 13:4), always negatively. It captures the Corinthians' arrogant factionalism. Their partisan boasting (hyper tou henos kata tou heterou, "for one against another") violated the unity Christ purchased. Paul's restraint in using himself and Apollos as examples—men who had no actual rivalry—gently reproves their divisiveness without publicly shaming specific individuals.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Corinthian factions (1:12) likely reflected socio-economic and educational divisions. Wealthy, educated members may have preferred Apollos's eloquence (Acts 18:24), while others championed Paul's founding role or claimed superior spirituality through a direct "Christ party." Paul's diplomatic use of himself and Apollos as non-competitive examples models ministerial humility and confronts their celebrity-culture approach to teachers.

Reflection Questions

  1. What Christian leaders or traditions are you tempted to champion in ways that divide rather than unify the body of Christ?
  2. How do you balance appreciation for gifted teachers with the warning not to elevate them "beyond what is written" in Scripture?
  3. In what areas might you be "puffed up"—proud of your theological camp, spiritual experiences, or preferred ministry style in ways that foster division?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
Ταῦτα1 of 30

these things

G5023

these things

δέ2 of 30

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀδελφοί3 of 30

brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

μετεσχημάτισα4 of 30

I have in a figure transferred

G3345

to transfigure or disguise; figuratively, to apply (by accommodation)

εἰς5 of 30

to

G1519

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

ἐμαυτὸν6 of 30

myself

G1683

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

καὶ7 of 30

and

G2532

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

Ἀπολλῶ8 of 30

to Apollos

G625

apollos, an israelite

δι'9 of 30

for

G1223

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

ὑμᾶς10 of 30

your sakes

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἵνα11 of 30

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἐν12 of 30

in

G1722

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

ἡμῖν13 of 30

us

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

μάθητε14 of 30

ye might learn

G3129

to learn (in any way)

τὸ15 of 30
G3588

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

μὴ16 of 30

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ὑπὲρ17 of 30

for

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

18 of 30

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

γέγραπται19 of 30

is written

G1125

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

φρονεῖν,20 of 30

to think

G5426

to exercise the mind, i.e., entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain d

ἵνα21 of 30

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μὴ22 of 30

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἑνὸς23 of 30

one

G1520

one

ὑπὲρ24 of 30

for

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

τοῦ25 of 30
G3588

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

ἑνὸς26 of 30

one

G1520

one

φυσιοῦσθε27 of 30

of you be puffed up

G5448

to inflate, i.e., (figuratively) make proud (haughty)

κατὰ28 of 30

against

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τοῦ29 of 30
G3588

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

ἑτέρου30 of 30

another

G2087

(an-, the) other or different


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 4:6 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 4:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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