What does 1 Corinthians 4:3 mean?

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. 1 Corinthians 4:3

Explanation

1 Corinthians 4:3 presents the Apostle Paul discussing the issue of judgment and his concern with the Corinthian church’s opinion of him. On a literal level, Paul is saying that the Corinthians’ judgment of him is of little consequence in his eyes, and even his own judgment of himself holds no real weight. The deeper emotional resonance here is Paul’s sense of accountability not to human standards, or even to his conscience, but to God alone. By stating that he does not judge himself, Paul is emphasizing his reliance on God for ultimate judgment and not on human criteria for his sense of worth or his work’s value.

Historical Context

This verse was written during a time when the early Christian church was establishing its identity and grappling with various internal conflicts, such as the division between Jewish and Gentile members, disagreements on leadership, and issues surrounding how to live out the gospel in practical terms. The Apostle Paul addressed this letter to the Corinthian church, which was struggling with factionalism and immoral behavior. In this passage, Paul confronts the communal tensions and the questioning of his authority by some of the church members.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse reflects the belief in divine judgment as supreme over human judgment. It can serve as a reminder that humans are fallible, and their discernment is limited, whereas God’s judgment is perfect and just. Theologically, the verse can also be interpreted as underlining a key Christian teaching that one’s conscience, though important, is not the ultimate authority—God is.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse can be applied as an encouragement to value God’s opinion above all others. For believers, this suggests letting go of the fear of judgment and criticism from others and instead focusing on a right standing with God. It can also serve as an invitation to practice humility and to not place too much emphasis on one’s own personal assessment of righteousness.

Cross-References

• Romans 14:4: “Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:10: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”
• Galatians 1:10: “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”
• Matthew 7:1-2: “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.”

Language Study

The key phrases in 1 Corinthians 4:3, such as “a very small thing” and “man’s judgment,” derive from Greek words that are worth examining:

• elachistoteron (a very small thing): This term expresses the minimal significance Paul attributes to human judgment, including his own assessment of himself.
• anthropinēs hēmeras (man’s judgment/day): This phrase refers to the temporal and therefore limited judgment that humans can offer, contrasted with the eternal and omniscient judgment from God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other religious traditions, such as Buddhism and Hinduism, there is a similar emphasis on looking beyond human judgment towards a higher sense of truth and understanding. In ancient Greek culture, the value of a person was often weighed heavily against public opinion in the agora (public space), a concept Paul seems to dismiss in favor of divine judgment.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific or psychological perspective, this verse may intersect with concepts of self-esteem and social judgment. Modern psychology would support the notion that individuals can suffer from too much concern about what others think, which can be detrimental to mental health. The focus on divine rather than human judgment could be said to alleviate some of the psychological stress associated with peer evaluation.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse emphasize Paul’s focus on divine approval rather than human. John Calvin interprets this as a lesson in modesty and humility, arguing that Paul demonstrates true self-knowledge by not fretting over human judgments including his own, as we are all subject to the judgment of God. Matthew Henry hones in on the fact that Paul does not clear himself but reserves the right to be judged only by the Lord, highlighting a deference to divine judgment rather than human assessment. Contemporary scholars might focus on the psychological liberation inherent in this perspective, noting its potential to free individuals from the paralysis of human approval-seeking.