Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 4:10
We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Corinthian believers, contrasting his apostolic suffering with their perceived status immediately after describing apostles as condemned prisoners and before listing physical deprivation.
The words — The Greek μωροὶ (mōroi) translates literally to "fools," modified by διὰ Χριστὸν (dia Christon) meaning "on account of Christ." The text contrasts this with ὑμεῖς (humeis) "you yourselves" being φρόνιμοι (phronimoi) "wise" ἐν (en) "in" Christ.
The thread — The explicit theme of apostolic weakness appears in 1 Corinthians 2:3, while accusations of irrational speech or madness surface in Acts 26:24 and the debate over preaching foreign gods in Acts 17:18.
Why it lands — The text states that apostles endure visible weakness and dishonor rather than worldly strength or prestige. It requires readers to measure spiritual authority by sacrificial endurance rather than social status.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 2:3 I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.
- Acts 17:18 Some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others said, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was proclaiming the good news of Jesus and the resurrection.
- Acts 26:24 At this stage of Paul’s defense, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, “You are insane, Paul! Your great learning is driving you to madness!”
- 1 Corinthians 3:18 Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise.
- 2 Corinthians 13:9 In fact, we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong, and our prayer is for your perfection.
- 2 Corinthians 11:19 For you gladly put up with fools, since you are so wise.
- 1 Peter 4:14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
- Proverbs 11:12 Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks judgment, but a man of understanding remains silent.
- Hosea 9:7 The days of punishment have come; the days of retribution have arrived—let Israel know it. The prophet is called a fool, and the inspired man insane, because of the greatness of your iniquity and hostility.
- 2 Kings 9:11 When Jehu went out to the servants of his master, they asked, “Is everything all right? Why did this madman come to you?” “You know his kind and their babble,” he replied.