1 Corinthians 4:3 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 4:3 mean?

1 Corinthians 4:3 means that Paul does not consider it important or significant to be judged or evaluated by the Corinthians or by any human standard, and he does not even judge himself. Paul is explaining that human opinions, including his own, do not ultimately determine his worth or faithfulness as a servant of Christ.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing concerns about how he and other leaders are being evaluated by the congregation. He wants the Corinthians to understand that their judgments—or even his own self-assessment—are not what truly matter. Instead, Paul points to God's judgment as the only one that counts, setting up the idea that God alone knows the heart and motives.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 4:3

• κριθῶ (krithō, "judged"): This word is often understood as "to be examined" or "to be evaluated." Paul uses it to emphasize that human assessments are not the final word on his ministry.
• ἀνθρωπίνης ἡμέρας (anthrōpinēs hēmeras, "man's judgment"): Literally, this phrase means "a human day," which in context refers to a human court or standard of judgment. Paul is highlighting the temporary and limited nature of human evaluation compared to God's.
• οὐδὲ ἐμαυτὸν ἀνακρίνω (oude emauton anakrinō, "I judge not mine own self"): Paul is saying he does not rely on his own self-examination, pointing out that even personal introspection can be limited or flawed.

Why 1 Corinthians 4:3 matters

• This verse helps clear up the misunderstanding that human approval or criticism is what defines a person's faithfulness or success in serving God.
• It emphasizes that even self-judgment is not the final authority, reminding readers that only God's perspective is complete and trustworthy.
• The verse connects to the wider passage where Paul is teaching the Corinthians not to form factions based on their favorite leaders, but to look to God as the true judge of all motives and actions.