Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 4:14
I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian congregation to clarify his purpose after detailing his apostolic hardships and the church's factionalism. He speaks as a spiritual father correcting his audience rather than an adversary seeking their humiliation.
The words — Paul uses ἐντρέπων (entrepōn), literally "shaming," to deny that his previous directives aim to disgrace the believers. He contrasts this with his actual intent, employing τέκνα (tekna), "children," to define the relational framework of his correction.
The thread — This paternal corrective model appears in 1 Thessalonians 2:11, where apostolic instruction mirrors a father's treatment of his own children. It aligns with 1 Corinthians 4:15, which distinguishes between numerous spiritual guardians and the singular fatherhood established through the gospel, and echoes 3 John 1:4 in its focus on faithful conduct.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to separate disciplinary correction from personal degradation. It demands that believers receive instruction as familial warning rather than as an attempt to diminish their standing.
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
I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.
Cross-references
- 1 Thessalonians 2:11 For you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children—
- 3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
- 1 Corinthians 4:15 Even if you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.
- 1 Corinthians 9:15 But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that something be done for me. Indeed, I would rather die than let anyone nullify my boast.
- 2 Corinthians 12:19 Have you been thinking all along that we were making a defense to you? We speak before God in Christ, and all of this, beloved, is to build you up.
- Colossians 1:28 We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:14 And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.
- Ezekiel 3:21 But if you warn the righteous man not to sin, and he does not sin, he will indeed live because he heeded your warning, and you will have saved yourself.”
- Acts 20:31 Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.
- 1 Corinthians 6:5 I say this to your shame. Is there really no one among you wise enough to arbitrate between his brothers?