For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

1 CORINTHIANS 4:15KJV
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1 Corinthians 4:15 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 4:15 mean?

1 Corinthians 4:15 describes how, even though the Corinthian believers may have many people teaching them about Christ, Paul is their spiritual father because he first brought them the message of Jesus and helped them come to faith. Paul is reminding them that his relationship with them is unique and foundational, like a father to his children.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, a group he personally helped start. He uses the image of having "ten thousand instructors" but "not many fathers" to highlight that while many can teach about Jesus, only one person—Paul—was the one who first shared the gospel with them and cared for their spiritual birth. This helps explain why Paul feels a special responsibility and affection for them, even as others may now be teaching or influencing the church.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 4:15

  • παιδαγωγούς (paidagogous, G3807): This word is translated "instructors" and refers to a guardian or tutor, often a servant who would supervise a child. Paul uses it to show that many people can guide or teach, but their role is not as deep or personal as a father’s.
  • πατέρας (pateras, G3962): This word means "fathers." Paul uses it to claim a unique, foundational relationship with the Corinthians, emphasizing that he was the one who brought them to faith.
  • ἐγέννησα (egennēsa, G1080): This word means "I have begotten" or "I became your father." Paul is not talking about physical birth, but about being the one who introduced them to new life in Christ through the gospel.

Why 1 Corinthians 4:15 matters

  • This verse clears up the difference between many teachers and a single spiritual parent, helping the Corinthians understand why Paul’s voice carries a special weight.
  • It highlights the personal investment and care Paul has for the church, which is important for understanding his tone and authority in the rest of the letter.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing Paul’s deep concern for the spiritual well-being of the Corinthians, not just as a teacher but as someone who feels responsible for their growth and maturity.

Where else these words appear

“thousand” Greek G3463 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 18:24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

“instructors” Greek G3807 · used in 3 verses

  • Galatians 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
  • Galatians 3:25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

“begotten” Greek G1080 · used in 65 verses

  • Matthew 1:2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
  • Luke 1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
  • Acts 7:20 In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months:

“gospel” Greek G2098 · used in 74 verses

  • Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
  • Philippians 1:5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;