1 Corinthians 4:3
New International Version
I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself.

New Living Translation
As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don’t even trust my own judgment on this point.

English Standard Version
But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself.

Berean Standard Bible
I care very little, however, if I am judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself.

Berean Literal Bible
But to me, it is the smallest matter that I be examined by you or by a human court. In fact, neither do I examine myself.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself.

New American Standard Bible
But to me it is an insignificant matter that I would be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself.

NASB 1995
But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself.

NASB 1977
But to me it is a very small thing that I should be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself.

Legacy Standard Bible
But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court. In fact, I do not even examine myself.

Amplified Bible
But [as for me personally] it matters very little to me that I may be judged by you or any human court [on this point]; in fact, I do not even judge myself.

Christian Standard Bible
It is of little importance to me that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I don’t even judge myself.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
It is of little importance to me that I should be evaluated by you or by any human court. In fact, I don’t even evaluate myself.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
it doesn't matter to me if I am judged by you or even by a court of law. In fact, I don't judge myself.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
It means very little to me that you or any human court should cross-examine me. I don't even ask myself questions.

Good News Translation
Now, I am not at all concerned about being judged by you or by any human standard; I don't even pass judgment on myself.

International Standard Version
It is a very small thing to me that I should be examined by you or by any human court. In fact, I don't even evaluate myself.

Majority Standard Bible
I care very little, however, if I am judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself.

NET Bible
So for me, it is a minor matter that I am judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself.

New Heart English Bible
But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you, or by man's judgment. Yes, I do not judge my own self.

Webster's Bible Translation
But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you, or by man's judgment: yes, I judge not my own self.

Weymouth New Testament
I however am very little concerned at undergoing your scrutiny, or that of other men; in fact I do not even scrutinize myself.

World English Bible
But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you, or by a human court. Yes, I don’t even judge my own self.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and to me it is for a very little thing that by you I may be judged, or by man’s Day, but I do not even judge myself,

Berean Literal Bible
But to me, it is the smallest matter that I be examined by you or by a human court. In fact, neither do I examine myself.

Young's Literal Translation
and to me it is for a very little thing that by you I may be judged, or by man's day, but not even myself do I judge,

Smith's Literal Translation
And to me it is the least that I be judged by you, or by man's day: but neither do I judge myself.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But to me it is a very small thing to be judged by you, or by man's day; but neither do I judge my own self.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But as for me, it is such a small thing to be judged by you, or by the age of mankind. And neither do I judge myself.

New American Bible
It does not concern me in the least that I be judged by you or any human tribunal; I do not even pass judgment on myself;

New Revised Standard Version
But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. I do not even judge myself.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But as for me, it is of little importance that I am judged by you or by any one else: because I do not judge myself.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But to me this is a slight matter that I am judged by you or by any man. I do not even judge myself.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But with me, it matters very little, that I should be judged by you, or by the judgment of men: indeed, I do not judge myself.

Godbey New Testament
But to me it is the smallest matter, that I may be judged by you, or by human day: but I do not judge myself.

Haweis New Testament
But it is my least consideration that I should be judged by you, or by human opinion: yea I decide not respecting myself.

Mace New Testament
as for me, it is a matter of no great concern that I should be called to account by you, or any human authority; not that I am my own judge;

Weymouth New Testament
I however am very little concerned at undergoing your scrutiny, or that of other men; in fact I do not even scrutinize myself.

Worrell New Testament
But, with me, it is a very small thing, that I should be judged by you, or by man's day; yea, I do not even judge myself.

Worsley New Testament
But to me it is of very small moment to be judged by you, or by any man's judgement; nor indeed do I judge myself:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Servants of Christ
2Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 3I care very little, however, if I am judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4My conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. It is the Lord who judges me.…

Cross References
Matthew 7:1-2
“Do not judge, or you will be judged. / For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Romans 14:4
Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

James 4:11-12
Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. And if you judge the law, you are not a practitioner of the law, but a judge of it. / There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?

Galatians 1:10
Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

1 Corinthians 2:15
The spiritual man judges all things, but he himself is not subject to anyone’s judgment.

1 Corinthians 9:3
This is my defense to those who scrutinize me:

2 Corinthians 10:18
For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

Romans 2:1
You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on another. For on whatever grounds you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.

John 5:44
How can you believe if you accept glory from one another, yet do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?

1 Thessalonians 2:4
Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts.

Luke 6:37
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Matthew 23:28
In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

Romans 14:10
Why, then, do you judge your brother? Or why do you belittle your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.

1 Samuel 16:7
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”

Isaiah 11:3
And He will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what His eyes see, and He will not decide by what His ears hear,


Treasury of Scripture

But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yes, I judge not my own self.

it is.

1 Corinthians 2:15
But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

1 Samuel 16:7
But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

John 7:24
Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

judgment.

1 Corinthians 3:13
Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

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Care Concerned Court Examined Fact However Human Judge Judged Judging Judgment Little Matter Scrutinize Scrutiny Self Small Smallest Undergoing
1 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.














I care very little
The phrase "I care very little" reflects the Apostle Paul's attitude towards human judgment. The Greek word used here is "elachistos," which means "least" or "smallest." Paul is emphasizing the insignificance he places on human opinions compared to divine judgment. This reflects a deep trust in God's ultimate authority and a call for believers to prioritize God's perspective over human approval.

if I am judged
The Greek word for "judged" is "anakrino," which means to examine or scrutinize. Paul is addressing the Corinthians' tendency to evaluate and critique his ministry. This word choice underscores the idea that human judgment is often superficial and limited, lacking the divine insight that only God possesses. Paul encourages believers to seek God's discernment rather than relying on fallible human assessments.

by you
Here, "by you" refers to the Corinthian church. Paul is directly addressing the community he founded, which had become divided and critical of his apostleship. This highlights the relational dynamics within the early church and serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and humility among believers. Paul's message is timeless, urging Christians to focus on God's mission rather than internal disputes.

or by any human court
The phrase "or by any human court" expands the scope of judgment beyond the Corinthian church to include all human institutions. The Greek term "anthropines hemeras" can be translated as "human day," implying temporal and earthly judgment. Paul contrasts this with God's eternal judgment, reminding believers that human institutions are transient and flawed, whereas God's justice is perfect and everlasting.

in fact
The phrase "in fact" serves as a transition, emphasizing Paul's personal conviction. It introduces a deeper level of introspection, as Paul shifts from external judgments to his own self-assessment. This transition invites readers to consider their own perspectives and the importance of aligning them with God's truth.

I do not even judge myself
Paul's statement "I do not even judge myself" is profound, reflecting his understanding of human limitations in self-assessment. The Greek word "krino" means to judge or decide, and Paul acknowledges that even self-judgment can be flawed. This humility is rooted in his faith in God's omniscience and grace. Paul encourages believers to trust in God's evaluation, which is based on truth and love, rather than relying solely on their own understanding.

(3) But with me it is a very small thing . . .--As, however, the Corinthians had actually "judged" various of their teachers, the Apostle assures them that their judgment--or the judgment of the world generally--is to him "a very small matter"--nay, no earthly judgment is of any concern to him. He does not even judge himself as worthy and faithful because he is not conscious of any unfaithfulness; yet that is no justification to him--his only judge is the Lord.

Man's judgment.--The literal translation is man's day. Some have thought they saw in it a provincialism or a Hebraism. Probably, however, the explanation is that St. Paul lived with the idea of the day of the Lord as the judgment day so constantly before him, that he uses the words as synonymous. (Comp. also 1Corinthians 3:13, "the day shall declare it.")

Verse 3. - But. The Corinthians might have expected that the conclusion of St. Paul's remarks would be a recognition of their right to sit in judgment on his faithfulness; but it is, on the contrary, an expression of his complete indifference to their shallow and unfair estimate, and an appeal to the approval of his own conscience and to the judgment of the Lord. It is a very small thing; literally, it is for the least. That I should be judged of you; rather, that I should be examined by you (anakritho). Technically the word anakrisis means "an examination preliminary to trial." Or of man's judgment; literally, of man's day. The brief day of human life is bounded by too narrow an horizon for accurate judgments. Many of the greatest and best men have felt, like Lord Bacon, that they must leave to other generations the right estimate of their characters, views, and actions. St. Jerome reckons the expression "day" for "judgment" among the "Cilicisms" of St. Paul (Jeremiah, 'Ad Algas.,' 10), i.e. the expressions due to his early training in Cilicia. More probably (as Grotius thinks) there is a reference to the "day" fixed for earthly trials (diem dicere, equivalent to "to impeach"), and to the phrase "the day of judgment" - "the woeful day" of Jeremiah 17:16. The word "day" in all languages and idioms signifies "judgment" (Hammond). From dies, a day, comes the phrase "a diet." A "daysman" means an arbitrator. Yea, I judge not mine own self. Here, as in the previous clause and in 1 Corinthians 6:4, the verb is not krino, I judge, but anakrino, I examine. Thus the verse discourages all morbid self introspection. It also shows that St. Paul is not arrogantly proclaiming himself superior to the opinion of the Corinthians, but is pointing out the necessary inadequacy of all human judgments. The heart is too liable to self deceit (Jeremiah 17:9, 10) to enable it to pronounce a judgment with unerring accuracy. Hence neither a man's contemporaries nor the man himself can form any final estimate of him or of his fitting position, because their knowledge is too imperfect. History often reverses the decision of contemporaries.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
I
Ἐμοὶ (Emoi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

care very little,
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

however,
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

if
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

I am judged
ἀνακριθῶ (anakrithō)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 350: From ana and krino; properly, to scrutinize, i.e. investigate, interrogate, determine.

by
ὑφ’ (hyph’)
Preposition
Strong's 5259: A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).

you
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

or
(ē)
Conjunction
Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.

by
ὑπὸ (hypo)
Preposition
Strong's 5259: A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).

any human
ἀνθρωπίνης (anthrōpinēs)
Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 442: Belonging to human beings (especially as contrasted with God), human (as contrasted with divine). From anthropos; human.

court.
ἡμέρας (hēmeras)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.

In fact,
ἀλλ’ (all’)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

I do not even judge
ἀνακρίνω (anakrinō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 350: From ana and krino; properly, to scrutinize, i.e. investigate, interrogate, determine.

myself.
ἐμαυτὸν (emauton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1683: Genitive case compound of emou and autos; of myself so likewise the dative case emautoi em-ow-to', and accusative case emauton em-ow-ton'.


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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 4:3 But with me it is a very (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)
1 Corinthians 4:2
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