What does 1 Corinthians 4:5 mean?

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. 1 Corinthians 4:5

Explanation

1 Corinthians 4:5 instructs believers to refrain from premature judgments about others. In this context, “judge nothing before the time” means that humans should not make final evaluations or condemnations regarding the spiritual state or motives of other people. Only the Lord, upon His return, has the authority and omniscience to reveal fully the “hidden things of darkness”—meaning the secret sins or wrong motives—and “the counsels of the hearts,” which are the true intentions and thoughts of individuals. The verse promises that ultimately, every person will receive the recognition (“praise”) they deserve from God, which depends on the genuine nature of their actions and hearts.

Historical Context

This verse comes from the apostle Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. During the 1st century AD, the church in Corinth was dealing with divisions and rivalries among its members. Some were boasting about following certain Christian leaders, while others were calling into question the authority and practices of other believers. Paul wrote this letter to address these issues and to promote unity and humility within the church. His statement in 4:5 is a warning against the self-righteous judgment that was causing discord among the Corinthians.

Theological Insights

The verse reflects a recurring theme in Christian theology—that of God’s ultimate judgment and His absolute knowledge of human hearts. Different theological perspectives focus on aspects such as divine judgment, God’s timing, human limitations, and the ultimate vindication of the righteous. From a Reformed viewpoint, this text might emphasize God’s sovereignty in judgment; from a Wesleyan perspective, it could reflect on sanctification and the revealing of a fully transformed heart. Arminian theology might focus on human free will and divine foreknowledge in the context of judgment.

Practical Applications

The instructions from 1 Corinthians 4:5 can be applied in daily life by avoiding hasty or harsh judgments of others. This includes refraining from gossip, making assumptions about others’ motives, or condemning others for their actions when the full context is not known. The verse encourages humility and patience, reminding believers that ultimately, God is the final judge who will accurately assess each person’s life.

Cross-References

• Matthew 7:1-2: “Judge not, that ye be not judged.”
• Romans 2:16: “In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.”
• Romans 14:10: “But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.”
• Ecclesiastes 12:14: “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”
• Luke 8:17: “For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.”

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek include:

• “Krino” (κρίνω): Often translated as “judge,” it suggests discerning, deciding, or condemning.
• “Apokalupto” (ἀποκαλύπτω): Means “reveal” or “uncover,” indicating the disclosure of truth.
• “Boules” (βουλὰς): Referring to “counsels” or intents and purposes of the heart.
• “Krupta” (κρυπτά): Translated as “hidden things” and associated with that which is concealed.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient religions, the idea of a deity or deities judging the moral actions of humans after death is common. For instance, in Ancient Egyptian mythology, the concept of the heart being weighed against the feather of Ma’at is a similar notion of divine judgment of one’s inner truth. In Greek mythology, the god Hades presides over the underworld, where souls are judged. The Christian concept as described here differs in that the judgment comes from a place of omniscience and ultimate divine justice.

Scientific Perspectives

While science generally does not address spiritual or theological claims due to their metaphysical nature, the study of human behavior and psychology does delve into understanding human motives and actions. However, the “hidden things of darkness” and “counsels of the hearts” referenced in the verse are largely beyond the empirical domain of science, as they pertain to inner character and morality.

Commentaries

Varying biblical commentaries expand on this verse with differing focuses. For instance, Matthew Henry’s Commentary highlights the need for Christians to not prematurely judge until “the Lord comes.” John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes explain that it will be at God’s judgment when “every man shall have praise of God.” This praise is not about human praise but the recognition from God. Adam Clarke’s Commentary stresses the omniscience of God, particularly His ability to bring hidden things into the light. Clarke also points out that the “praise” given by God indicates a correct and heart-based service to Him, which transcends outward appearances and actions.