1 Corinthians 4:12
1 Corinthians 4:12 in Multiple Translations
We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;
And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
and we toil, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure;
And with our hands we do the hardest work: when they give us curses we give blessings, when we undergo punishment we take it quietly;
We struggle on doing manual work. When people curse us, we bless them. When they persecute us, we put up with it.
And labour, working with our owne handes: we are reuiled, and yet we blesse: we are persecuted, and suffer it.
and labour, working with [our] own hands; being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer;
We toil, working with our own hands. When people curse us, we bless. Being persecuted, we endure.
And labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it;
And we labour, working with our own hands: we are reviled, and we bless; we are persecuted, and we suffer it.
We work very hard to earn a living. When we are cursed by people {When people curse us}, we ask God to bless them. When we are persecuted {When people cause us to suffer}, we endure it.
We have to work hard all the time to get money for food. Some people swear at us and ask bad spirits to hurt us, but we just ask God to be good to them. If people are hard on us, we just put up with it.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 4:12
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1 Corinthians 4:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 4:12
Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 4:12
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Corinthians 4:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 4:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 4:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:12
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:12
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 4:12
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 4:12
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:12
- Sermons on 1 Corinthians 4:12
Context — Servants of Christ
12We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;
13when we are slandered, we answer gently. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world. 14I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Peter 3:9 | Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. |
| 2 | Matthew 5:11 | Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. |
| 3 | 1 Peter 4:12–14 | Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. |
| 4 | Romans 12:14 | Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse. |
| 5 | Luke 6:28 | bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. |
| 6 | Romans 12:20 | On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” |
| 7 | Acts 18:3 | and he stayed and worked with them because they were tentmakers by trade, just as he was. |
| 8 | 1 Peter 2:23 | When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. |
| 9 | Luke 23:34 | Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots. |
| 10 | 1 Peter 3:14 | But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be shaken.” |
1 Corinthians 4:12 Summary
This verse, 1 Corinthians 4:12, reminds us that as Christians, we are called to work hard and be self-sufficient, while also trusting in God's provision and care for us. When we face criticism or persecution, we are to respond with kindness and love, just as Jesus did. This means blessing those who hurt us, rather than seeking revenge or retaliation, as seen in Matthew 5:44. By following Jesus' example and trusting in God's power, we can endure any challenge or hardship that comes our way, knowing that He is with us and will provide for us, as promised in Philippians 4:13.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to work hard with our own hands as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 4:12?
This means to be diligent and self-sufficient in our labor, trusting in God's provision, as seen in 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12, where we are encouraged to work and not be idle.
How can we bless when we are vilified, as the verse instructs?
Blessing when vilified means responding with kindness and love, rather than anger or retaliation, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:44, to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.
What is the significance of enduring persecution in 1 Corinthians 4:12?
Enduring persecution with patience and faith, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 4:12, demonstrates our trust in God's sovereignty and our commitment to following Jesus, as He endured suffering for our sake, as seen in Hebrews 12:2-3.
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives as Christians?
This verse reminds us that as followers of Christ, we are called to live a life of humility, hard work, and love, even in the face of adversity, just as Jesus did, and to trust in God's power and provision, as promised in Philippians 4:13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of working hard with my own hands in my daily life, and how can I trust God to provide for my needs?
- How can I respond with blessing when faced with criticism or ridicule, and what does this reveal about my heart and my relationship with God?
- In what ways am I currently experiencing persecution or hardship, and how can I endure it with patience and faith, looking to Jesus as my example?
- What does it mean to 'endure' in the context of 1 Corinthians 4:12, and how can I cultivate this quality in my own life, especially when faced with challenges or opposition?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 4:12
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 4:12
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:12
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:12
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:12
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:12
Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 4:12
Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 4:12
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:12
Sermons on 1 Corinthians 4:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Earthquaking the Way Into the Evangelisation of a Continent by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of the Jailer from the Bible. The Jailer was a hard and wicked man who took pleasure in the suffering of prisoners. However, one n |
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Power for the Christian Life by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of young college men receiving a specific message. He highlights the need for discipline, warfare, self-denial, and unity amon |
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The Church Is Persecuted by Frank W. Boreham | Frank W. Boreham preaches on the eighth beatitude, emphasizing that persecution for righteousness' sake is a universal experience for all Christians throughout history. He highligh |
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The Fourth Degree of Humility by St. Benedict of Nursia | St. Benedict of Nursia preaches about the fourth degree of humility, emphasizing the importance of holding fast to patience with a silent mind in obedience, even in the face of dif |
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The Servant's Hands by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the hands in spiritual service, illustrating how they symbolize our inner disposition and commitment to God. He draws parallels betw |
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A House of Prayer by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher shares various anecdotes and experiences to emphasize the importance of committing our causes to God. He tells a story about a preacher from Argentina |
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The Surprising Ways of God by Otto Koning | In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares his personal testimony of searching for God and finding hope in Jesus Christ. He reflects on his experiences during World War II and t |







