1 Corinthians 4:1

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1 Corinthians 4:1 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

King James Version KJV

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

American Standard Version ASV

Let a man so account of us, as of ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Let us be judged as servants of Christ, and as those who are responsible for the secret things of God.

Free Bible Version FBV

So think of us as Christ's servants given the responsibility for “the mysteries of God.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Let a man so thinke of vs, as of the ministers of Christ, and disposers of the secrets of God:

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Let a man so reckon us as officers of Christ, and stewards of the secrets of God,

World English Bible WEB

So let a man think of us as Christ’s servants and stewards of God’s mysteries.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Let a man so account of us as of the ministers of Christ, and the dispensers of the mysteries of God.

Translation for Translators T4T

So, people ought to consider us apostles (OR, Apollos and me) to be merely servants of Christ. God has given to us (exc) the work of telling others the message that God has now revealed to us.

Plain English Version PEV

So when you think about me and Apollos, remember that we are just workers for Jesus Christ. You see, at first God didn’t tell anyone his message, but now he wants Apollos and me to tell that message to people. That is the special job that God gave us.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 4:1

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Word Study

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1 Corinthians 4:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK ουτως ημας λογιζεσθω ανθρωπος ως υπηρετας χριστου και οικονομους μυστηριων θεου

ουτως ohutō, ohutōs G3779 thus(-ly) Adv

ημας egō G1473 I/we Pron-1AP

λογιζεσθω logizomai G3049 to count Verb-PNM-3S

ανθρωπος anthrōpos G444 a human Noun-NSM

ως hōs G5613 as/when Adv

υπηρετας hupēretēs G5257 servant Noun-APM

χριστου Christos G5547 Christ Noun-GSM

και kai G2532 and Conj

οικονομους oikonomos G3623 manager Noun-APM

μυστηριων mustērion G3466 mystery Noun-GPN

θεου theos G2316 God Noun-GSM

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 4:1

ουτως ohutō, ohutōs G3779 "thus(-ly)" Adv

Thus means in this way or like this, as when Jesus teaches us to pray in Matthew 5:16 and Luke 1:25.

Definition: οὕτως, rarely (Bl., §5, 4; WH, App., 146f.) οὕτω, adv. (οὗτος), [in LXX chiefly for כֵּן ;] in this way, so, thus; __1. referring to what precedes: Mat.5:16 6:30, Mrk.10:43 14:59, Luk.1:25 2:48 15:7, Jhn.3:8, Rom.1:15, 1Co.8:12, al.; οὕτως καί, Mat.17:12, Mrk.13:29, al.; pleonastically, resuming a ptcp. (cl.; see Bl., §74, 6), Act.20:11 27:17. __2. Referring to what follows: Mat.1:18 6:9, Luk.19:31, Jhn.21:1, 1Pe.2:15; bef. quotations from OT, Mat.2:5, Act.7:6, 1Co.15:45, Heb.4:4. __3. C. adj. (marking intensity): Heb.12:21, Rev.16:18; similarly with adv., Gal.1:6 (cl.). __4. As a predicate (Bl., §76, 1): Mat.1:18 9:33, Mrk.2:1, 2 4:26, Rom.4:18 9:20, I Pe 2:15; οὕ ἔχειν (Lat. sic or ita se habere), Act.7:1, al.; ἐκαθέζετο (as he was, without delay or preparation), Jhn.4:6. __5. In comparison, with correlative adv.: καθάπερ . . . οὕ., Rom.12:4, 5 al.; καθὼς . . . οὕ., Luk.11:30, al.; οὕ. . . . καθώς, Luk.24:24, al.; ὡς . . . οὕ., Rom.5:15, al.; οὕ . . . ὡς, Mrk.4:26, al; ὥσπερ . . . οὕ., Mat.12:40, al.; οὕ. . . . οὕ., 1Co.7:7. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 206 NT verses. KJV: after that, after (in) this manner, as, even (so), for all that, like(-wise), no more, on this fashion(-wise), so (in like manner), thus, what See also: 1 Corinthians 2:11; James 3:10; 1 Peter 2:15.

ημας egō G1473 "I/we" Pron-1AP

This is a pronoun meaning I or me, used by the speaker to refer to themselves. It is often used in the Bible to emphasize the speaker's identity.

Definition: ἐγώ, genitive, etc., ἐμοῦ, ἐμοί, ἐμέ (enclitic μου, μοι, με), pl. ἡμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς, of person(s) pron. I. __(a) The nom. is usually emphatic, when expressed as subjc, as in Mat.3:11, Mrk.1:8, Luk.3:16, al. But often there is no apparent emphasis, as Mat.10:16, Jhn.10:17; ἰδοὺ ἐ. (= Heb. הִנֵּנִי, cf. 1Ki.3:8), Act.9:10; ἐ. (like Heb. אֲנִי), I am, Jhn.1:23 (LXX), Act.7:32 (LXX). __(b) The enclitic forms (see supr.) are used with nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, where there is no emphasis: ἐν τ. πατρί μου, Jhn.14:20; μου τ. λόγους, Mat.7:24; ὀπίσω μου, Mat.3:11; ἰσχυρότερός μου, ib.; λέγει μοι, Rev.5:5; also with the prep. πρός, as Mrk.9:19, al. The full forms (ἐμοῦ, etc.) are used with the other prepositions, as δι᾽ ἐμοῦ, ἐν ἐμοί, εἰς ἐμέ, etc., also for emphasis, as Luk.10:16, Jhn.7:23, Mrk.14:7, al. __(with) The genitive μου and ἡμῶν are often used for the poss. pronouns ἐμός, ἡμέτερος: τ. λαόν μου, Mat.2:6; μου τῂ ἀπιστιᾳ, Mrk.9:24. __(d) τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί ( = Heb. מַה־לִי וָלָךְ, Jdg.11:12, al.), i.e. what have we in common: Mat.8:29, Mrk.1:24, 5:7, Luk.8:28, Jhn.2:4; τί γάρ μοι, 1Co.5:2. __(e) The interchange of ἐγώ and ἡμεῖς, common in π., appears in Pauline Epp. (see M, Pr., 86f., M, Th., 131f.). __(f) κἀγώ (= καὶ ἐγώ), and I, even I, I also: Mat.2:8, Luk.2:48, Jhn.6:56, Rom.3:7, 1Co.7:40, al.; κἀγώ . . . καί, both . . . and, Jhn.7:28. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1872 NT verses. KJV: I, me See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 16:24; 1 Peter 1:3.

λογιζεσθω logizomai G3049 "to count" Verb-PNM-3S

To count or estimate something, as seen in Romans 4:3 and 1 Corinthians 13:5. It involves reckoning or taking into account various factors. This can be numerical or metaphorical, such as estimating someone's character.

Definition: λογίζομαι (λόγος), [in LXX chiefly for חָשַׁב ;] __1. prop., of numerical calculation, to count, reckon: with accusative before μετά, Mrk.15:23 (LXX) (Rec., R, mg.), Luk.22:37. __2. Metaphorical, without reference to numbers, by a reckoning of characteristics or reasons; __(a) to reckon, take into account: with accusative of thing(s), 1Co.13:5; id. before dative of person(s), Rom.4:3 (LXX), Rom.4:4, 6 4:8" (LXX), 2Co.5:19, 2Ti.4:16; before εἰς (cf. Heb. ל חָשַׁב; Bl., § 33, 3), Act.19:27, Rom.2:26 4:3, 5 4:9-11, 22-24 9:8 Gal.3:6" (LXX), Jas.2:23 (LXX); __(b) to consider, calculate: with accusative of thing(s), Php.4:8; before ὅτι, Jhn.11:50, Heb.11:10; τοῦτο, ὅτι, 2Co.10:11; with accusative of person(s), with inf., Rom.6:11; before ὡς, Rom.8:36 (LXX); __(with) to suppose, judge, deem: 1Co.13:11; ὡς, 1Pe.5:12; οὕτως, 1Co.4:1; with accusative of thing(s), 2Co.3:5; id. before εἰς, 2Co.12:6; ὅτι, Rom.8:18; τοῦτο, ὅτι, Rom.2:3, 2Co.10:7; with inf., 2Co.11:5; accusative and inf., Rom.3:28 14:14, Php.3:13; with accusative of person(s) before ὡς, 2Co.10:2; __(d) to purpose, decide: with inf. (Eur., Or., 555), 2Co.10:2 (cf. ἀνα-, δια-, παρα-, συλ-λογίζομαι).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 40 NT verses. KJV: conclude, (ac-)count (of), + despise, esteem, impute, lay, number, reason, reckon, suppose, think (on) See also: 1 Corinthians 4:1; Philippians 4:8; 1 Peter 5:12.

ανθρωπος anthrōpos G444 "a human" Noun-NSM

This word means a human being, and is used in the Bible to describe people, like in John 16:21 and Romans 7:1.

Definition: ἄνθρωπος, -ου, ὁ, [in LXX chiefly for אִישׁ ,אָדָם, also for אֱנוֹשׁ, etc. ;] man: __1. generically, a human being, male or female (Lat. homo): Jhn.16:21; with art., Mat.4:4 12:35, Mrk.2:27, Jhn.2:25, Rom.7:1, al; disting. from God, Mat.19:6, Jhn.10:33, Col.3:23, al.; from animals, etc., Mat.4:19, Luk.5:10, Rev.9:4, al.; implying human frailty and imperfection, 1Co.3:4; σοφία ἀνθρώπων, 1Co.2:5; ἀνθρώπων ἐπιθυμίαι, 1Pe.4:2; κατὰ ἄνθρωπον περιπατεῖν, 1Co.3:3; κατὰ ἄ. λέγειν (λαλεῖν), Rom.3:5, 1Co.9:8; κατὰ ἄ- λέγειν, Gal.3:15 (cf. 1Co.15:32, Gal.1:11); by meton., of man's nature or condition, ὁ ἔσω (ἔξω) ἄ., Rom.7:22, Eph.3:16, 2Co.4:16 (cf. 1Pe.3:4); ὁ παλαιὸς, καινὸς, νέος ἄ., Rom.6:6, Eph.2:15 4:22, 24 Col.3:9, 10; joined with another subst., ἄ. ἔμπορος, a merchant, Mat.13:45 (WH, txt. om. ἄ.); οἰκοδεσπότης, Mat.13:52; βασιλεύς, 18:23; φάγος, 11:19; with name of nation, Κυρηναῖος, Mat.27:32; Ἰουδαῖος, Act.21:39; Ῥωμαῖος, Act.16:37; pl. οἱ ἄ., men, people: Mat.5:13, 16 Mrk.8:24, Jhn.4:28; οὐδεὶς ἀνθρώπων, Mrk.11:2, 1Ti.6:16. __2. Indef., ἄ. = τις, some one, a man: Mat.17:14, Mrk.12:1, al.; τις ἄ., Mat.18:12, Jhn.5:5, al.; indef. one (Fr. on), Rom.3:28, Gal.2:16, al.; opposite to women, servants, etc., Mat.10:36 19:10, Jhn.7:22, 23. __3. Definitely, with art., of some particular person; Mat.12:13, Mrk.3:5, al.; οὗτος ὁ ἄ., Luk.14:30; ὁ ἄ οὗτος, ἐκεῖνος, Mrk.14:71, Mat.12:45; ὁ ἄ. τ. ἀνομίας, 2Th.2:3; ἄ τ. θεοῦ (of Heb. אִישׁ אֱלֹהִים), 1Ti.6:11, 2Ti.3:17, 2Pe.1:21; ὁ υἰὸς τοῦ ἀ., see: υἱός. SYN.: ἀνήρ, which see (and cf. MM, VGT, 44; Cremer, 103, 635). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 503 NT verses. KJV: certain, man See also: 1 Corinthians 1:25; Acts 22:25; 1 Peter 1:24.

ως hōs G5613 "as/when" Adv

This word means as or when, showing a comparison or timing. It's used in many verses, like Mark 4:26 and 1 Corinthians 3:15, to show how things are done. It helps explain how or when something happens.

Definition: ὡς, adverbial form of the relative pron. ὅς, ἥ, ὅ. __I. As relat. adv. of manner, as, like as, just as, even as; __1. with a demonstrative, like οὕτως, expressed or understood: οὕτως . . . ὡς, Mrk.4:26, 1Co.3:15, Eph.5:28, Jas.2:12, al.; ὡς . . . οὕτως, Act.8:32, 1Co.7:17, al.; elliptically (sc. οὕτως, οὕτω), with nom., Mat.6:29, al.; with accusative, Mat.19:19, Mrk.12:31, al.; with prep., Mat.26:55, Mrk.14:48, Luk.22:52, Jhn.7:10, al.; with verb., Jhn.15:6, 2Co.3:1, Eph.2:3, 1Th.5:6, al.; with ptcp. (the ptcp. however not having the special force wh. it has in cl.; see Bl., §73, 5; 74, 6), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Heb.13:17, al.; freq implying opinion or belief, Rom.9:32; so esp, with genitive absol., 1Co.4:18, 2Co.5:20, 1Pe.4:12, 2Pe.1:3. __2. Before numerals, about, nearly: Mrk.5:13, Jhn.1:40, Act.5:7, al. __3. Before adjectives and adverbs, how: Rom.10:15 11:33, 1Th.2:10; with superl., ὡς τάχιστα, as quickly as possible, Act.17:15. __II. As conjunction; __1. temporal, __(a) as, when, since: Mrk.9:21 14:72, Luk.1:23, Jhn.2:9, al.; __(b) while, when, as long as: Luk.12:58, Jhn.12:36, Gal.6:10 (Field, Notes, 191); ὡς ἄν (M, Pr., 167, and see: ἄν), Rom.15:24, 1Co.11:34, Php.2:23. __2. Final, in order that; with inf., in order to (M, Pr., 204n), Luk.9:52, Act.20:24, Heb.7:9. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 436 NT verses. KJV: about, after (that), (according) as (it had been, it were), as soon (as), even as (like), for, how (greatly), like (as, unto), since, so (that), that, to wit, unto, when(-soever), while, X with all speed See also: 1 Corinthians 3:1; 2 Timothy 1:3; 1 Peter 1:14.

υπηρετας hupēretēs G5257 "servant" Noun-APM

A servant or minister, like those who attended synagogue leaders in Matthew 26:58 and Mark 14:54, or officers of a king, as in John 18:36.

Definition: ὑπηρέτης, -ου, ὁ (ὑπό + ἐρέτης, a rower) [in LXX: Pro.14:35 (עֶבֶד), Wis.6:4, al. ;] prop., an under rower; hence, generally, a servant, attendant, minister: of a magistrate's attendant, Mat.5:25; of officers of the Synagogue or Sanhedrin, Mat.26:58, Mrk.14:54, 65, Luk.4:20, Jhn.7:32, 45-46 18:3, 12 18:22 19:6, Act.5:22, 26; of the attendants of kings, οἱ ὑ. οἱ ἑμοί Jhn.18:36; of Christian ministers, Act.13:5 26:16; ὑπηρέται λόγου, Luk.1:2; Χριστοῦ, 1Co.4:1; δοῦλοι κ. ὑ., Jhn.18:18.† SYN.: see: διάκονος (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 20 NT verses. KJV: minister, officer, servant See also: 1 Corinthians 4:1; John 18:18; Matthew 26:58.

χριστου Christos G5547 "Christ" Noun-GSM

Christ means anointed, referring to Jesus as the Messiah, as seen in Luke 2:11 and John 1:41.

Definition: χριστός (Χρ-), -ή, -όν (χρίω), [in LXX for מָשִׁיחַ and cogn. forms ;] __1. 1. as adj., __(a) of things, anointing, to be used as ointment (Æsch., Eur., al.; τ. ἔλαιον τὸ χ., Lev.21:10); __(b) of persons, anointed (ὁ ἰερεὺς ὁ χ., Lev.4:5; οἱ χ. ἰευρεῖς, 2Ma.1:10): ὁ χ. τοῦ κυρίου or Θεοῦ (1Ki.2:10, Psa.2:2, al.), of the Messiah (Aram., מְשִׁיחָא; cf. Dalman, Words, 289 ff.), Luk.2:11, 26 Jhn.1:41, Act.2:36 4:26, al. __2. As subst., ὁ Χριστός, the Messiah, the Christ: Mat.2:4, Mrk.8:29, Luk.2:11, Jhn.1:20, Act.2:31, Rom.7:4, al.; Ἰησοῦς, Mrk.1:1, Jhn.1:17, Act.2:38, al.; Χ. Ἰησοῦς, Mat.1:18, WH, mg. Act.5:42, Rom.6:3, al.; Χ. κύριος, Luk.2:11; Ἰησοῦς Χ. ὁ κύριος, Act.15:26, Rom.1:7, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 525 NT verses. KJV: Christ See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Timothy 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

οικονομους oikonomos G3623 "manager" Noun-APM

A manager or overseer, like a household steward, is in charge of taking care of a home or estate, as seen in Luke 12:42 and 1 Corinthians 4:2. This role can also be applied to spiritual leaders, such as preachers. The manager is responsible for managing resources and people.

Definition: οἰκονόμος, -ου, ὁ (οἶκος + νέμω, to manage) [in LXX chiefly for עַל ;] __1. prop., the manager of a household or estate, a house- or land-steward (usually a slave or freedman): Luk.12:42 16:1, 3 16:8, 1Co.4:2, Gal.4:2; ὀ οἰ. τ. πόλεως (RV, treasurer; cf. I Est.4:49), Rom.16:23. __2. Metaphorical (in wider sense; cf. οἰκονομία), an administrator, a steward: of Christian ministers, 1Co.4:1, Tit.1:7; of Christians generally, 1Pe.4:10.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 10 NT verses. KJV: chamberlain, governor, steward See also: 1 Corinthians 4:1; Luke 16:1; 1 Peter 4:10.

μυστηριων mustērion G3466 "mystery" Noun-GPN

In the Bible, a mystery is a secret or hidden truth, like the ones Paul wrote about in Ephesians 3:3-9. It refers to a truth that is only known to those who have been initiated into it. The apostle Paul used this term to describe God's plan of salvation.

Definition: μυστήρισν, -ου, τό (μυέω), [in LXX: Dan LXX TH Dan.2:18 ff. (רָז), Tob.12:7, 11, Jdth.2:2, Wis.2:22 6:22 14:15, 23, Sir.3:18 22:22 27:16-17, 21, 2Ma.13:21 * ;] __1. that which is known to the μύστης (initiated), a mystery or secret doctrine, mostly in pl., τὰ μ. (Æsch., Hdt., al.). __2. In later writers (Menand., Incert., 168), that which may not be revealed (not, however, as in the modern sense, intrinsically difficult to understand), a secret or mystery of any kind (To, Jth, 2Mac, ll, with). __3. In NT, of the counsels of God (cf. Th.: Job.15:8, Psa.25:14 for סוֹד), once hidden but now revealed in the Gospel or some fact thereof; __(a) of the Christian revelation generally : Rom.16:25, 1Co.2:7, Col.1:26-27, Eph.3:3, 9; τ. βασιλείας τ. θεοῦ, Mrk.4:11; τ. θεοῦ, 1Co.2:1, Rev.10:7; τ. θ., Χριστοῦ, Col.2:2; τ. Χριστοῦ., Col.4:3, Eph.3:4; τ. θελήματος αὐτοῦ, Eph.1:9; τ. εὐαγγελίον, Eph.6:19; τ. πίστεως, 1Ti.3:9; τ. εὐσεβείας, 1Ti.3:16; __(b) of particular truths, or details, of the Christian revelation : Rom.11:25, 1Co.15:51, Eph.5:32, 2Th.2:7, Rev.1:20 17:5, 7; pl., τὰ μ., 1Co.13:2 14:2; θεοῦ, 1Co.4:1; τ. βασιλείας τ. οὐρανῶν (θεοῦ), Mat.13:11, Luk.8:10 (cf. Westc., Eph., 180 ff.; AR, Eph., 234 ff.; Lft., Col., 165 f.; Hatch, Essays, 57 f.; DB, iii, 465 ff.; DCG, ii, 213 ff.).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 27 NT verses. KJV: mystery See also: 1 Corinthians 2:7; Ephesians 3:3; Revelation 1:20.

θεου theos G2316 "God" Noun-GSM

This word simply means God, referring to the one true deity. It is used throughout the New Testament, including in Matthew 27:46 and Acts 14:11, to describe the supreme being and creator of the universe.

Definition: θεός, -οῦ, ὁ, ἡ (Act.19:37 only; see M, Pr., 60, 244), late voc., θεέ (Mat.27:46; cf. Deu.3:24, al.), [in LXX chiefly for אֱלֹהִים, also for אֵל and other cognate forms, יהוה, etc. ;] a god or deity, God. __1. In polytheistic sense, a god or deity: Act.28:6, 1Co.8:4, 2Th.2:4, al.; pl., Ac. 14:11 19:26, Gal.4:8, al. __2. Of the one true God; __(a) anarthrous: Mat.6:24, Luk.20:38, al.; esp. with prep. (Kühner 3, iii, 605), ἀπὸ θ., Jhn.3:2; ἐκ, Act.5:39, 2Co.5:1, Php.3:9; ὑπό, Rom.13:1; παρὰ θεοῦ, Jhn.1:6; παρὰ θεῷ, 2Th.1:6, 1Pe.2:4; κατὰ θεόν, Rom.8:27, 2Co.7:9, 10; also when in genitive dependent on an anarth. noun (Bl., §46, 6), Mat.27:43, Luk.3:2, Rom.1:17, 1Th.2:13; as pred., Lk 20:38, Jhn.1:1, and when the nature and character rather than the person of God is meant, Act.5:29, Gal.2:6, al. (M, Th., 14); __(b) more freq., with art.: Mat.1:23, Mrk.2:7, al. mult.; with prep., ἀπὸ τ. θ., Luk.1:26; ἐκ, Jhn.8:42, al.; παρὰ τοῦ θ., Jhn.8:40; π. τῷ θ., Rom.9:14; ἐν, Col.3:3; ἐπὶ τῷ θ., Luk.1:47; ἐπὶ τὸν θ., Act.15:19; εἰς τ. θ., Act.24:15; πρὸς τ. θ., Jhn.1:2; with genitive of person(s), Mat.22:32, Mrk.12:26, 27, Luk.20:37, Jhn.20:17, al.; ὁ θ. μου, Rom.1:8, Php 1:3, al.; ὁ θ. καὶ πατήρ κ. τ. λ., Rom.15:6, Eph.1:3, Phi 4:20, al.; with genitive of thing(s), Rom.15:5, 13, 33, 2Co.1:3, 1Th.5:23; τὰ τ. θεοῦ, Mat.16:23, Mrk.12:17, 1Co.2:11; τὰ πρὸς τὸν θ., Rom.15:17, Heb.2:17 5:1; τ. θεῷ, as a superl. (LXX, Jos.3:3), Act.7:20, 2Co.10:4; Hebraistically, of judges (Psa.81(82):6), Jhn.10:34" (LXX), 35. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1170 NT verses. KJV: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 John 4:2; 1 Peter 1:2.

Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 4:1

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Corinthians 4:1 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 4:1
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 4:1
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:1
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:1
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:1
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:1
Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 4:1
Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 4:1
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:1
Sermons on 1 Corinthians 4:1

Context — Servants of Christ

1So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

2Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 3I care very little, however, if I am judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Peter 4:10	As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.
2	Titus 1:7	As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-absorbed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money.
3	1 Timothy 3:9	They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
4	Ephesians 6:19	Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel,
5	2 Corinthians 4:5	For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.
6	Colossians 1:25–27	I became its servant by the commission God gave me to fully proclaim to you the word of God, the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to His saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
7	1 Corinthians 9:16–18	Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! If my preaching is voluntary, I have a reward. But if it is not voluntary, I am still entrusted with a responsibility. What then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not use up my rights in preaching it.
8	Romans 16:25	Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for ages past
9	Colossians 2:2	that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ,
10	Colossians 4:3	as you pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.

1 Corinthians 4:1 Summary

[This verse means that as followers of Jesus, we should see Christian leaders and ministers as servants of Christ who are responsible for taking care of and sharing God's spiritual truths with others, as seen in 1 Corinthians 4:1 and 1 Peter 4:10. Being a servant of Christ involves humility, obedience, and faithfulness, as demonstrated by Jesus Himself in Matthew 20:26-28. As servants of Christ, we are called to be good stewards of the spiritual gifts and knowledge God has given us, using them to serve and bless others, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 4:1 and Matthew 25:14-30.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be a servant of Christ?

To be a servant of Christ means to be completely devoted to Him and to serve Him with humility and obedience, as seen in 1 Corinthians 4:1 and Matthew 20:26-28.

What are the mysteries of God?

The mysteries of God refer to the spiritual truths and wisdom that God has revealed to us through His Word, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 4:1 and Ephesians 3:9.

How should we view Christian leaders and ministers?

We should view Christian leaders and ministers as servants of Christ and stewards of God's mysteries, as stated in 1 Corinthians 4:1, and respect their role in guiding and teaching us.

What is the relationship between being a servant of Christ and being a steward of God's mysteries?

Being a servant of Christ and a steward of God's mysteries are closely related, as both involve being faithful and obedient to God, as seen in 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 and Romans 14:12.

Reflection Questions

How can I be a faithful servant of Christ in my daily life?
What are some ways I can be a good steward of the spiritual gifts and knowledge God has given me?
How can I balance the desire for human recognition with the call to humble service as a servant of Christ?
What are some areas in my life where I need to be more obedient to God's will and Word?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 4:1

Let a man so account of us,.... Though the apostle had before said that he, and other ministers of the Gospel, were not any thing with respect to God, and, with regard to the churches, were theirs,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 4:1

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. A man - every man. Account of us - Paul and Apollos, and all duly-called teachers.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:1

1 CHAPTER 4 Paul showeth in what account such as he should be held, of whose fidelity it should be left to God to judge. ,7 He dissuadeth the Corinthians from valuing themselves in one teacher above another, since all had their respective distinctions from God. To their self-sufficient vanity he opposeth his own despised and afflicted state, warning them, as their only father in Christ, and urging theme to follow him. For the same cause he sent Timotheus, and meant soon to follow in person, when he would inquire into the authority of such as opposed him. The apostle here gives us the right notion of the preachers of the gospel; they are but ministers, that is, servants, so as the honour that is proper to their Master, for a principal efficiency in the conversion and building up of souls, belongeth not to them; they are ministers of Christ, so have their primary relation to him, and only a secondary relation to the church to which they are ministers; they are ministers of Christ and so in that ministration can only execute what are originally his commands, though those commands of Christ may also be enforced by men: ministers of the gospel, not of the law, upon whom lies a primary obligation to preach Christ and his gospel unto people. They are also stewards of the mysteries of God, such to whom God hath committed his word and sacraments to dispense out unto his church. The word mystery signifieth any thing that is secret, but more especially it signifieth a Divine secret, represented by signs and figures; or a religious secret, not obvious to every capacity or understanding. Thus we read of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, ; the mystery of godliness, ; the mystery of Christ, . The wisdom of God, ; the incarnation of Christ, ; the calling of the Gentiles, ; the resurrection from the dead, ; Christ’ s mystical union and communion with his church, ; the sublime counsels of God, , are all called mysteries. Ministers are the stewards of the mysterious doctrines and institutions of Christ, which we usually comprehend under the terms of the word and sacraments.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:1

1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Ver. 1. Let a man so account] Quasi dicat, though we are yours, as 1 Corinthians 3:22, devoted to the service of your faith, yet are we not to be slighted, but respected as Christ’ s high stewards. Ministers of Christ] Gr. υπηρετας, "under rowers" to Christ the master pilot, helping forward the ship of the Church toward the haven of heaven. Stewards of the mysteries] Dispensing all out of God’ s goods, and not of our own; setting bread and salt upon the table (that is, preaching Christ crucified) whatever else there is.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:1

IV. (1-5) The first five verses of this chapter contain a further argument against party-spirit as it existed in the Corinthian Church—viz., that God alone can judge of any man’s work whether it be worthy, and that God, unlike man, who selects only some one for praise, will give to every worker his own proper share of approval.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:1

CHAPTER IV. Ministers should be esteemed by their flocks as the stewards of God, whose duty and interest it is to be faithful, 1, 2. Precipitate and premature judgments condemned, 3-5. The apostle's caution to give the Corinthians no offence, 6. We have no good but what we receive from God, 7. The worldly mindedness of the Corinthians, 8. The enumeration of the hardships, trials, and sufferings of the apostles, 9-13. For what purpose St. Paul mentions these things, 14-16. He promises to send Timothy to them, 17. And to come himself shortly, to examine and correct the abuses that had crept in among them, 18-21. NOTES ON CHAP. IV. Verse 1. Let a man so account of us] This is a continuation of the subject in the preceding chapter; and should not have been divided from it. The fourth chapter would have begun better at 1 Corinthians 4:6, and the third should have ended with the fifth verse. 1 Corinthians 4:5 As of the ministers of Christ] ωςυπηρεταςχριστου. The word υπηρετης means an under-rower, or one, who, in the trireme, quadrireme, or quinquereme galleys, rowed in one of the undermost benches; but it means also, as used by the Greek writers, any inferior officer or assistant. By the term here the apostle shows the Corinthians that, far from being heads and chiefs, he and his fellow apostles considered themselves only as inferior officers, employed under Christ from whom alone they received their appointment their work, and their recompense. Stewards of the mysteries of God.] καιοικονομουςμυστηριωνθεου, Economists of the Divine mysteries. See the explanation of the word steward in Clarke's note on "Matthew 24:45"; Lu 8:3; Lu 12:42. The steward, or oikonomos, was the master's deputy in regulating the concerns of the family, providing food for the household, seeing it served out at the proper times and seasons, and in proper quantities. He received all the cash, expended what was necessary for the support of the family, and kept exact accounts, which he was obliged at certain times to lay before the master. The mysteries, the doctrines of God, relative to the salvation of the world by the passion and death of Christ; and the inspiration, illumination, and purification of the soul by the Spirit of Christ, constituted a principal part of the Divine treasure intrusted to the hands of the stewards by their heavenly Master; as the food that was to be dispensed at proper times, seasons, and in proper proportions to the children and domestics of the Church, which is the house of God.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 4:1

Ch. 1 Corinthians 4:1-7. The true estimation of Christ’s ministers and the true criterion of their workAfter having pointed out the light in which the teachers of Christianity should be regarded, the Apostle in this chapter goes on to point out the practical difference between those who preach themselves and those who preach Christ, and urges all to a life like His, that He may have no need of rebukes when He comes.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 4:1

Let a man - Let all; let this be the estimate formed of us by each one of you. So account of us - So think of us, the apostles. As the ministers of Christ - As the servants of Christ.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:1

a. Apostles are dispensers of God’s mysteries, to be judged solely by God, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5.1. A man—Any or every person. Us—The apostles, and, inferentially, all true ministers.

Sermons on 1 Corinthians 4:1

	Sermon	Description
	Kingdom of God Is Not in Words by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the fourth chapter of 1 Corinthians. He emphasizes that ministers of Christ should be seen as stewards of the mysteries of God and that fait
	The Body of Christ and Communion by Francis Chan	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing ourselves as servants of Christ and stewards of God's mysteries. He mentions the early church's practice of ki
	To the Beloved Gaius by Bob Bruton	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Third John and highlights several important lessons. The preacher emphasizes the importance of promoting fellowship and not deny
	Apostles by Anton Bosch	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of elders in the local church and their responsibility to shepherd the flock. He warns that false teachers will arise and try
	Battling the Unbelief of Haughty Spirit by John Piper	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of pride and its opposite, which he identifies as faith. He begins by discussing the role of stewards of God's mysteries and empha
	(1 Corinthians) Fool's for Christ's Sake by Brian Brodersen	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of pride and the exaltation of human wisdom in the Corinthian church. Some leaders in the church had started looking down on Paul, c
	Spiritual Service: Trained to Administer the Church by Hoseah Wu	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of serving the Lord wholeheartedly. He refers to 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, which teaches that believers are called to be servants