1 Corinthians 4 · Verse 6

1 Corinthians 4:6

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.
1 Corinthians 4:6, King James Version

1 Corinthians 4:6 in other translations

BSBBrothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written. Then you will not take pride in one man over another.
WEBNow these things, brothers, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that in us you might learn not to think beyond the things which are written, that none of you be puffed up against one another.
ASVNow these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes; that in us ye might learn not to go beyond the things which are written; that no one of you be puffed up for the one against the other.
YLTAnd these things, brethren, I did transfer to myself and to Apollos because of you, that in us ye may learn not to think above that which hath been written, that ye may not be puffed up one for one against the other,
DARBYNow these things, brethren, I have transferred, in their application, to myself and Apollos, for your sakes, that ye may learn in us the lesson of not letting your thoughts go above what is written, that ye may not be puffed up one for such a one against another.
BBEMy brothers, it is because of you that I have taken Apollos and myself as examples of these things, so that in us you might see that it is not wise to go farther than what is in the holy Writings, so that no one of you may be lifted up against his brother.
WebsterAnd these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself, and to Apollos, for your sakes; that ye may learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you on account of one, may be puffed up against another.

What does 1 Corinthians 4:6 mean?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
6. And--"Now," marking transition. in a figure transferred to myself--that is, I have represented under the persons of Apollos and myself what really holds good of all teachers, making us two a figure or type of all the others. I have mentioned us two, whose names have been used as a party cry; but under our names I mean others to be understood, whom I do not name, in order not to shame you [Estius]. not to think, &c.--The best manuscripts omit "think." Translate, "That in us (as your example) ye might learn (this), not (to go) beyond what is written." Revere the silence of Holy Writ, as much as its declarations: so you will less dogmatize on what is not expressly revealed (De 29:29). puffed up for one--namely, "for one (favorite minister) against another." The Greek indicative implies, "That ye be not puffed up as ye are."

Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain

Barnes' Notes
Verse 6. And these things. The things which I have written respecting religious teachers, 1Cor 2:5,6, and the impropriety of forming sects called after their names.

I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos. The word here used, μετεσχηματισα denotes, properly, to put on another form or figure; to change, Php 3:21, "who shall change our vile body;" to transform, 2Cor 11:13, "transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ;" and then to apply in the way of a figure of speech. This may mean that neither Paul, Apollos, nor Peter, were set up among the Corinthians as heads of parties; but that Paul here made use of their names to show how improper it would be to make them the head of a party, and hence how improper it was to make any religious teacher the head of a party; or Paul may mean to say that he had mentioned himself and Apollos particularly, to show the impropriety of what had been done; since, if it was improper to make them heads of parties, it was much more so to make inferior teachers the leaders of factions. Locke adopts the former interpretation. The latter is probably the true interpretation; for it is evident, from 1Cor 1:12,13, that there were parties in the church at Corinth that were called by the names of Paul, and Apollos, and Peter; and Paul's design here was to show the impropriety of this by mentioning himself, Apollos, and Peter, and thus by transferring the whole discussion from inferior teachers and leaders to show the impropriety of it. He might have argued against the impropriety of following other leaders. He might have mentioned their names. But this would have been invidious and indelicate. It would have excited their anger. He therefore says that he had transferred it all to himself and Apollos; and it implied that if it were improper to split themselves up into factions with them as leaders, much more was it improper to follow others; i.e., it was improper to form parties at all in the church. "I mention this of ourselves; out of delicacy I forbear to mention the names of others." And this was one of the instances in which Paul showed great tact in accomplishing his object, and avoiding offence.

For your sakes. To spare your feelings; or to show you in an inoffensive manner what I mean. And particularly by this that you may learn not to place an inordinate value on men.

That ye might learn in us. Or by our example and views.

Not to think, etc. Since you see the plan which we desire to take; since you see that we who have the rank of apostles, and have been so eminently favoured with endowments and success, do not wish to form parties, that you may also have the same views in regard to others.

Above that which is written. Probably referring to what he had said in 1Cor 3:5-9,21, 4:1. Or it may refer to the general strain of Scripture, requiring the children of God to be modest and humble.

That no one of you be puffed up. That no one be proud or exalted in self-estimation above his neighbour. That no one be disposed to look upon others with contempt, and to seek to depress and humble them. They should regard themselves as brethren, and as all on a level. The argument here is, that if Paul and Apollos did not suppose that they had a right to put themselves at the head of parties, much less had any of them a right to do so. The doctrine is,

(1.) that parties are improper in the church;

(2.) that Christians should regard themselves as on a level; and,

(3.) that no one Christian should regard others as beneath him, or as the object of contempt.

Albert Barnes, 1834 · public domain

Adam Clarke's Commentary
Verse 6 These things - Which I have written, 1Cor 3:5, etc. I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos - I have written as if myself and Apollos were the authors of the sects which now prevail among you; although others, without either our consent or knowledge, have proclaimed us heads of parties. Bishop Pearce paraphrases the verse thus: "I have made use of my own and Apollos' name in my arguments against your divisions, because I would spare to name those teachers among you who are guilty of making and heading parties; and because I would have you, by our example, not to value them above what I have said of teachers in general in this epistle; so that none of you ought to be puffed up for one against another." Doubtless there were persons at Corinth who, taking advantage of this spirit of innovation among that people, set themselves up also for teachers, and endeavored to draw disciples after them. And perhaps some even of these were more valued by the fickle multitude than the very apostles by whom they had been brought out of heathenish darkness into the marvellous light of the Gospel. I have already supposed it possible that Diotrephes was one of the ringleaders in these schisms at Corinth. See on 1Cor 1:14 (note).

Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:1-6

Apostles were no more than servants of Christ, but they were not to be undervalued. They had a great trust, and for that reason, had an honourable office. Paul had a just concern for his own reputation, but he knew that he who chiefly aimed to please men, would not prove himself a faithful servant of Christ. It is a comfort that men are not to be our final judges. And it is not judging well of ourselves, or…

Read the full comment on 1 Corinthians 4:1-6 →

1 Corinthians 4:6 in the original Greek

Word-by-word with transliteration, English gloss and Strong's number. Tap a number for the full definition and every place the word is used.

ΤαῦταTautaThese thingsG3778
δέ,denow,G1161
ἀδελφοί,adelphoibrothers,G80
μετεσχημάτισαmeteschēmatisaI have appliedG3345
εἰςeistoG1519
ἐμαυτὸνemautonmyselfG1473
καὶkaiandG2532
ἈπολλῶνApollōnApollosG625
δι᾽di᾽on account ofG1223
ὑμᾶς,humasyou,G4771
ἵναinaso thatG2443
ἐνeninG1722
ἡμῖνhēminusG3165
μάθητεmathēteyou may learnG3129
τὸto<the>G3588
μὴmēnotG3361
ὑπὲρhuperbeyondG5228
ἃhawhat [things]G3739
γέγραπταιgegraptaihas been writtenG1125
ἵναinathatG2443
μὴmēnotG3361
εἷςheisoneG1520
ὑπὲρhuperforG5228
τοῦtou<the>G3588
ἑνὸςhenosoneG1520
φυσιοῦσθεphusioustheyou be puffed upG5448
κατὰkataoverG2596
τοῦtoutheG3588
ἑτέρου.heterouother.G2087

Source: STEPBible TAHOT/TAGNT (Tyndale House, CC BY 4.0).

Cross references for 1 Corinthians 4:6

  • 2 Corinthians 11:4

    For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:19

    Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:6

    For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.

  • Colossians 2:18

    Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

  • Romans 12:3

    For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

  • 1 Thessalonians 1:5

    For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

  • John 3:26-27

    And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:23

    And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:4-7

    For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

  • 1 Corinthians 8:1

    Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

  • Psalms 8:4

    What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

  • 1 Corinthians 3:21

    Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;

Ranked by reader votes · OpenBible.info cross references (CC BY).

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
these.
1:12; 3:4-7; 2Co 10:7,12,15; 11:4,12-15
for.
9:23; 2Co 4:15; 12:19; 1Th 1:5; 2Ti 2:10
that ye.
Job 11:11,12; Ps 8:4; 146:3; Isa 2:22; Jer 17:5,6; Mt 23:8-10
Ro 12:3; 2Co 12:6
be puffed.
18,19; 3:21; 5:2,6; 8:1; 13:4; Nu 11:28,29; Joh 3:26,27; Col 2:18

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (Samuel Bagster, c. 1836) · public domain

Context

  • 1 Corinthians 4:5

    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.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:6

    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.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:7

    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?

Read all of 1 Corinthians 4

1 Corinthians 4:6 in other languages

Spanish
Reina-Valera 1909		Esto empero, hermanos, he pasado por ejemplo en mí y en Apolos por amor de vosotros; para que en nosotros aprendáis á no saber más de lo que está escrito, hinchándoos por causa de otro el uno contra el otro.
French
Bible J.N. Darby 1885		Or, frères, j’ai tourné ceci sur moi et sur Apollos, à cause de vous, afin qu’en nous, vous appreniez à ne pas élever vos pensées au-dessus de ce qui est écrit, afin que vous ne vous enfliez pas pour l’un contre un autre.
German
Elberfelder 1871		Dies aber, Brüder, habe ich auf mich und Apollos gedeutet um euretwillen, auf daß ihr an uns lernet, nicht über das hinaus zu denken,was geschrieben ist, auf daß ihr euch nicht aufblähet für den einen, wider den anderen.
Latin
Clementine Vulgate		Hæc autem, fratres, transfiguravi in me et Apollo, propter vos: ut in nobis discatis, ne supra quam scriptum est, unus adversus alterum infletur pro alio.