Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; New Living Translation We work wearily with our own hands to earn our living. We bless those who curse us. We are patient with those who abuse us. English Standard Version and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; Berean Standard Bible We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; Berean Literal Bible and we toil, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; King James Bible And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: New King James Version And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; New American Standard Bible and we labor, working with our own hands; when we are verbally abused, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; NASB 1995 and we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; NASB 1977 and we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; Legacy Standard Bible and we labor, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; Amplified Bible We work [for our living], working hard with our own hands. When we are reviled and verbally abused, we bless. When we are persecuted, we take it patiently and endure. Christian Standard Bible we labor, working with our own hands. When we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; Holman Christian Standard Bible we labor, working with our own hands. When we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; American Standard Version and we toil, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; Contemporary English Version We work hard with our own hands, and when people abuse us, we wish them well. When we suffer, we are patient. English Revised Version and we toil, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; GOD'S WORD® Translation We wear ourselves out doing physical labor. When people verbally abuse us, we bless them. When people persecute us, we endure it. Good News Translation we wear ourselves out with hard work. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; International Standard Version We wear ourselves out from working with our own hands. When insulted, we bless. When persecuted, we endure. Majority Standard Bible We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; NET Bible We do hard work, toiling with our own hands. When we are verbally abused, we respond with a blessing, when persecuted, we endure, New Heart English Bible We toil, working with our own hands. When people curse us, we bless. Being persecuted, we endure. Webster's Bible Translation And labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it; Weymouth New Testament Homes we have none. Wearily we toil, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we bear it patiently; World English Bible We toil, working with our own hands. When people curse us, we bless. Being persecuted, we endure. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand labor, working with [our] own hands; being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; Berean Literal Bible and we toil, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; Young's Literal Translation and labour, working with our own hands; being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer; Smith's Literal Translation And we are wearied, working with our own hands: being reviled, we praise; being driven out, we hold up. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd we labour, working with our own hands: we are reviled, and we bless; we are persecuted, and we suffer it. Catholic Public Domain Version And we labor, working with our own hands. We are slandered, and so we bless. We suffer and endure persecution. New American Bible and we toil, working with our own hands. When ridiculed, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; New Revised Standard Version and we grow weary from the work of our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd labor, working with our own hands: being cursed we bless, being persecuted, we endure it; Aramaic Bible in Plain English And we toil as we labor with our hands. They dishonor us and we bless; they persecute us and we endure. NT Translations Anderson New Testamentand labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; Godbey New Testament and we toil working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure it; Haweis New Testament and work hard, labouring with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it; Mace New Testament we are fatigu'd by our manual toil: when reviled, we pray: when persecuted, we don't repine: Weymouth New Testament Homes we have none. Wearily we toil, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we bear it patiently; Worrell New Testament and we toil, laboring with our own hands; being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; Worsley New Testament and we labour working with our own hands. When we are reviled, we bless: when persecuted, we bear it: when defamed, we intreat. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Fools for Christ…11To this very hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. 12 We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; 13when we are slandered, we answer gently. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.… Cross References Acts 18:3 and he stayed and worked with them because they were tentmakers by trade, just as he was. 1 Thessalonians 2:9 Surely you recall, brothers, our labor and toil. We worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to anyone while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 2 Thessalonians 3:8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you. Acts 20:34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions. Ephesians 4:28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need. Philippians 4:12 I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. In any and every situation I have learned the secret of being filled and being hungry, of having plenty and having need. 2 Corinthians 11:27 in labor and toil and often without sleep, in hunger and thirst and often without food, in cold and exposure. 2 Corinthians 6:5 in beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in labor, sleepless nights, and hunger; 2 Corinthians 12:15 And for the sake of your souls, I will most gladly spend my money and myself. If I love you more, will you love me less? 1 Thessalonians 4:11 and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you. Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse. 1 Peter 2:23 When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. Genesis 3:19 By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground—because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” Proverbs 14:23 There is profit in all labor, but mere talk leads only to poverty. Treasury of Scripture And labor, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: labour. 1 Corinthians 9:6 Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? Acts 18:3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. Acts 20:34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. being reviled. Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; Luke 6:28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. being persecuted. Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 1 Peter 3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 1 Peter 4:12-14,19 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: … Jump to Previous Bear Bless Blessings Curse Cursed Curses Endure Hands Hard Hardest Homes Labour Patiently Persecuted Punishment Reviled Suffer Toil Undergo Work WorkingJump to Next Bear Bless Blessings Curse Cursed Curses Endure Hands Hard Hardest Homes Labour Patiently Persecuted Punishment Reviled Suffer Toil Undergo Work Working1 Corinthians 4 1. In what account the apostles ought to be regarded.7. We have nothing which we have not received. 9. The apostles spectacles to the world, angels, and men; 13. the filth and offscouring of the world; 15. yet our fathers in Christ; 16. whom we ought to follow. We work hard with our own hands. Paul emphasizes the value of manual labor, reflecting his own experience as a tentmaker (Acts 18:3). This practice was common among rabbis, who often had a trade to support themselves. In the Greco-Roman world, manual labor was typically looked down upon, but Paul elevates it as a means of self-sufficiency and integrity. This approach also prevented any accusations of exploiting the church for financial gain (1 Thessalonians 2:9). The emphasis on working with one's hands can be seen as a reflection of the creation mandate in Genesis, where humanity is called to steward and work the earth. When we are vilified, we bless; When we are persecuted, we endure it; Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth. Paul is emphasizing his own example of humility and perseverance in ministry. 2. Corinth A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and immorality. The church in Corinth faced many challenges, including divisions and moral issues. 3. Corinthian Church The recipients of Paul's letter, struggling with issues of pride, division, and misunderstanding of Christian leadership. 4. Persecution The context of suffering and opposition faced by early Christians, including Paul, as they spread the Gospel. 5. Manual Labor Paul highlights the dignity of working with one's hands, countering the cultural disdain for manual labor in Greek society. Teaching Points The Dignity of WorkPaul emphasizes the value of working with one's hands, challenging cultural norms that devalue manual labor. Christians are called to see all work as honorable when done for God's glory. Responding to Vilification When faced with insults or slander, believers are encouraged to respond with blessings. This reflects the character of Christ and serves as a powerful witness to others. Enduring Persecution Endurance in the face of persecution is a hallmark of Christian faith. Believers are called to remain steadfast, trusting in God's strength and purpose. Living Counter-Culturally The Christian response to adversity is counter-cultural, emphasizing humility, patience, and love. This distinctiveness sets believers apart and points others to Christ.(12) And labour.--While at Ephesus, whence this letter was written, the Apostle supported himself by working with Aquila and Priscilla at tent-making. This labour was no recreation or pastime with St. Paul, it was hard and earnest work. (See 1Thessalonians 2:8-9; 2Thessalonians 3:8.) That this labour was rendered more excessive from the Apostle's characteristic generosity to others, we may conclude from the expression used in his farewell to the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:17-38), "Ye yourselves know that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me." Being reviled, we bless.--A striking contrast to the way in which the Corinthians would act under similar circumstances, and yet a literal obedience to the teaching of the Master (Matthew 5:39; Matthew 5:44). Thus the Apostle became in the eyes of the world, "a fool" for Christ's sake. . . . Verse 12. - Labour, working with our own hands. St. Paul supported himself by the dreary toil and scant earnings of a tent maker, in the express determination to be no burden upon his converts (Acts 18:3; Acts 20:34; 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:8; 1 Corinthians 9:6; 2 Corinthians 11:7, etc.). Such conduct was the more noble because all mechanical trades were looked down upon by the Greeks as a sort of banausia. And though it was repellent and mechanical work to be handling the strong scented black goats' hair all day, yet by this labour he maintained not only himself but also his brother missionaries (Acts 20:34). Being reviled. The early Christians were falsely accused of the most execrable crimes, so that the very name "Christian" was regarded as equivalent to "malefactor" (1 Peter 4:14, 16). We bless. Herein they obeyed the direct precept of our Lord (Matthew 5:44), as well as his example (Luke 23:44; 1 Peter 2:23; 1 Peter 3:9).Parallel Commentaries ... Greek We work hardκοπιῶμεν (kopiōmen) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural Strong's 2872: From a derivative of kopos; to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard. with [our] ταῖς (tais) Article - Dative Feminine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. own ἰδίαις (idiais) Adjective - Dative Feminine Plural Strong's 2398: Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate. hands. χερσίν (chersin) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural Strong's 5495: A hand. When we are vilified, λοιδορούμενοι (loidoroumenoi) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 3058: To revile a person to his face, abuse insultingly. From loidoros; to reproach, i.e. Vilify. we bless; εὐλογοῦμεν (eulogoumen) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural Strong's 2127: (lit: I speak well of) I bless; pass: I am blessed. From a compound of eu and logos; to speak well of, i.e. to bless. when we are persecuted, διωκόμενοι (diōkomenoi) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 1377: To pursue, hence: I persecute. A prolonged form of a primary verb dio; to pursue; by implication, to persecute. we endure [it]; ἀνεχόμεθα (anechometha) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Plural Strong's 430: To endure, bear with, have patience with, suffer, admit, persist. Links 1 Corinthians 4:12 NIV1 Corinthians 4:12 NLT 1 Corinthians 4:12 ESV 1 Corinthians 4:12 NASB 1 Corinthians 4:12 KJV 1 Corinthians 4:12 BibleApps.com 1 Corinthians 4:12 Biblia Paralela 1 Corinthians 4:12 Chinese Bible 1 Corinthians 4:12 French Bible 1 Corinthians 4:12 Catholic Bible NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 4:12 We toil working with our own hands (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) |
    |