1 Corinthians 4:4 My conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. It is the Lord who judges me.

Bible > 1 Corinthians > Chapter 4 > Verse 4

◄ 1 Corinthians 4:4 ►

New International Version
My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.

New Living Translation
My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide.

English Standard Version
For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me.

Berean Standard Bible
My conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. It is the Lord who judges me.

Berean Literal Bible
For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I have not been justified by this; but the One judging me is the Lord.

King James Bible
For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

New King James Version
For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord.

New American Standard Bible
For I am not aware of anything against myself; however I am not vindicated by this, but the one who examines me is the Lord.

NASB 1995
For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord.

NASB 1977
For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord.

Legacy Standard Bible
For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted. But the one who examines me is the Lord.

Amplified Bible
I am aware of nothing against myself and I feel blameless, but I am not by this acquitted [before God]. It is the Lord who judges me.

Christian Standard Bible
For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. It is the Lord who judges me.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. The One who evaluates me is the Lord.

American Standard Version
For I know nothing against myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

Contemporary English Version
I don't know of anything against me, but this doesn't prove I am right. The Lord is my judge.

English Revised Version
For I know nothing against myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I have a clear conscience, but that doesn't mean I have God's approval. It is the Lord who cross-examines me.

Good News Translation
My conscience is clear, but that does not prove that I am really innocent. The Lord is the one who passes judgment on me.

International Standard Version
For my conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. It is the Lord who examines me.

Majority Standard Bible
My conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. It is the Lord who judges me.

NET Bible
For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not acquitted because of this. The one who judges me is the Lord.

New Heart English Bible
For I know nothing against myself. Yet I am not justified by this, but he who judges me is the Lord.

Webster's Bible Translation
For I know nothing against myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

Weymouth New Testament
Though I am not conscious of having been in any way unfaithful, yet I do not for that reason stand acquitted; but He whose scrutiny I must undergo is the Lord.

World English Bible
For I know nothing against myself. Yet I am not justified by this, but he who judges me is the Lord.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
for I have been conscious of nothing for myself, but I have not been declared right in this—and He who is discerning me is the LORD:

Berean Literal Bible
For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I have not been justified by this; but the One judging me is the Lord.

Young's Literal Translation
for of nothing to myself have I been conscious, but not in this have I been declared right -- and he who is discerning me is the Lord:

Smith's Literal Translation
For I know nothing by myself; but in this I have not been justified: and he examining me is the Lord.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
For I am not conscious to myself of any thing, yet am I not hereby justified; but he that judgeth me, is the Lord.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For I have nothing on my conscience. But I am not justified by this. For the Lord is the One who judges me.

New American Bible
I am not conscious of anything against me, but I do not thereby stand acquitted; the one who judges me is the Lord.

New Revised Standard Version
I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
For I know nothing of which I am guilty; yet I may not be right in this, for my judge is the LORD.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For I am not troubled over anything in myself, but I am not justified by this, for my judge is THE LORD JEHOVAH.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
For, though I am conscious of no wrong, yet by this I am not justified: but he that judges me is the Lord.

Godbey New Testament
For I know nothing against myself; but in this I am not justified; and the Lord is the one judging me.

Haweis New Testament
For though I am not conscious to myself of any unfaithfulness, yet am I not thereby justified; but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

Mace New Testament
(for though I am not conscious to my self of any unfaithfulness, yet am I not hereby absolved:) but he that is my supreme judge, is the Lord.

Weymouth New Testament
Though I am not conscious of having been in any way unfaithful, yet I do not for that reason stand acquitted; but He whose scrutiny I must undergo is the Lord.

Worrell New Testament
For I am conscious to myself of nothing; yet have I not thereby been justified; but He Who judges me is the Lord.

Worsley New Testament
(for I am conscious to myself of nothing; though I am not hereby justified;) but He that judgeth me is the Lord.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Servants of Christ
…3I care very little, however, if I am judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. It is the Lord who judges me. 5Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Romans 2:15-16
So they show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts either accusing or defending them / on the day when God will judge men’s secrets through Christ Jesus, as proclaimed by my gospel.

1 John 3:20-21
Even if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, and He knows all things. / Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God,

Acts 24:16
In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man.

2 Corinthians 1:12
For this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in relation to you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God—not in worldly wisdom, but in the grace of God.

Hebrews 9:14
how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!

1 Timothy 1:5
The goal of our instruction is the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith.

1 Peter 3:16
keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ.

Romans 14:22-23
Keep your belief about such matters between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. / But the one who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that is not from faith is sin.

2 Corinthians 5:10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.

James 4:12
There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?

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.

Psalm 19:12
Who can discern his own errors? Cleanse me from my hidden faults.

Psalm 26:2
Test me, O LORD, and try me; examine my heart and mind.

Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. / See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting.

Jeremiah 17:9-10
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? / I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.

Treasury of Scripture

For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judges me is the Lord.

For.

I know.

Job 27:6
My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live.

Psalm 7:3-5
O LORD my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands; …

John 21:17
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

yet.

Job 9:2,3,20
I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God? …

Job 15:14
What is man, that he should be clean? and he which is born of a woman, that he should be righteous?

Job 25:4
How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?

but.

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.

Psalm 26:12
My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the LORD.

Psalm 50:6
And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah.

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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.

Berean Study Bible

My conscience is clear
The phrase "My conscience is clear" reflects the Apostle Paul's introspective examination of his own heart and actions. The Greek word for conscience, "syneidēsis," implies a moral awareness or self-knowledge. In the historical context of Corinth, a city known for its moral laxity, Paul’s assertion of a clear conscience is significant. It suggests a life lived in alignment with God's standards, despite external judgments. For believers, this serves as a reminder that inner peace comes from living according to God's will, not merely human approval.

but that does not vindicate me
Here, Paul acknowledges that a clear conscience alone is not sufficient for justification. The Greek word "dikaioō," translated as "vindicate," means to be declared righteous. Paul is emphasizing that personal feelings of innocence do not equate to divine approval. This reflects a broader biblical principle that human judgment is fallible and that true righteousness is determined by God. Historically, this would resonate with early Christians who faced persecution and misunderstanding, reminding them that ultimate vindication comes from God, not man.

It is the Lord who judges me
This phrase underscores the sovereignty and authority of God as the ultimate judge. The Greek word "kyrios," translated as "Lord," denotes supreme authority and ownership. In the context of Corinth, where various leaders and factions vied for influence, Paul’s statement redirects focus to God’s ultimate authority. This serves as a powerful reminder for believers to live with an eternal perspective, understanding that human judgments are temporary, but God’s judgment is eternal. It encourages Christians to seek God's approval above all, trusting in His perfect justice and mercy.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(4) For I know nothing by myself.--The general meaning of this passage is given in the previous Note. The Greek of the words rendered, "I know nothing of myself," is clearly "I am not conscious in myself" of having been unfaithful; the word being almost invariably used in classical Greek in a bad sense. In the English version the word "by" is used in a sense now nearly obsolete. To an English reader the passage at first sight seems to assert that St. Paul of his own power possessed no knowledge. In old English, however, the word "by" meant (not necessarily the instrument by which) frequently "in connection with" or "concerning." In this sense it is found in Deuteronomy 27:16; Ezekiel 22:7. In Foxe's Book of Martyrs a woman under examination is accused of having "spoken evil words by the queen." It is still common to speak of our place being "by" (i.e., in close contiguity to) another, and a "bye- lane" is a passage connected with a thoroughfare. The word "by" does not seem to have had necessarily the meaning of "against" which some have attributed to it; the sense of "concerning" would suit all the passages given above better than "against."

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 4. - I know nothing by myself; rather, nothing against myself. The phrase of the Authorized Version originally meant this, but is now obsolete in this sense. "I am sorry that each fault can be proved by the queen," says Cranmer to Henry VIII. It is like the Latin Nil conscire sibi. The same phrase occurs in the LXX. of Job 27:6. St. Paul says, "The verdict of my own conscience acquits me of all intentional unfaithfulness;" but this is insufficient, because God sees with clearer eyes than ours. "Who can understand his errors?" asks the psalmist (Psalm 19:12); and the "secret faults" against which he prays are not hidden vices, but sins of which he was himself unconscious. It must be remembered that St. Paul is here only speaking with conscious integrity of his ministerial work. Nothing could have been further from the mind of one who elsewhere calls himself" the chief of sinners" than to claim an absolute immunity from every form of self reproach. They who claim immaculate holiness can as little quote the sanction of St. Paul (1 Corinthians 9:27; 1 Corinthians 15:9; Ephesians 3:8; Philippians 3:13, etc.) as of any other saint. The confessions of the holiest are ever the most humble. Yet am I not hereby justified. Because "every way of a man" is apt to be "right in his own eyes," but God pondereth the hearts, and therefore in God's sight "no man living is justified." St. Paul is here using the word in its legal rather than its theological sense. He that judgeth me is the Lord. This is a reason for serious awe and deep self searching of heart (Psalm 130:3; Job 9:2). Yet also for hope and confidence when a man can, like the modern statesman, "look from the storm without to the sunshine of an approving conscience within." For God, being "greater than our hearts" (1 John 3:21), may count "the long 'yes' of life" against the one "no," or the single faithless minute. Knowing whereof we are made, remembering that we are but dust, he looks on us

"With larger other eyes than ours,
To make allowance for us all."

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

My conscience is clear,
σύνοιδα (synoida)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 4894: To know, consider, be privy to.

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

that
τούτῳ (toutō)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

does not vindicate me.
δεδικαίωμαι (dedikaiōmai)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1344: From dikaios; to render just or innocent.

It is
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.

[the] Lord
Κύριός (Kyrios)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

who
ὁ (ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

judges
ἀνακρίνων (anakrinōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 350: From ana and krino; properly, to scrutinize, i.e. investigate, interrogate, determine.

me.
με (me)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 4:4 For I know nothing against myself (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)