Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 4:8
Already you have all you want. Already you have become rich. Without us, you have become kings. How I wish you really were kings, so that we might be kings with you!
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Corinthian church to confront their claimed spiritual independence and self-satisfaction. He positions their attitude directly against the apostles' reality of suffering and public humiliation.
The words — ἤδη (ēdē) means "already" and marks the Corinthians' premature claim of fulfillment. ἐβασιλεὺσατε (ebasileusate) translates as "you have reigned," denoting their self-proclaimed royal status.
The thread — The text's contrast between claimed wealth and actual poverty runs through Proverbs 13:7 and Luke 6:25. Paul echoes this warning in Romans 12:3 by commanding readers not to think of themselves more highly than they ought.
Why it lands — The passage states that the Corinthians claim complete sufficiency and kingship apart from the apostles. It asks readers to measure their confidence against the received nature of grace and the cost of faithful service.
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
Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 13:7 One pretends to be rich, but has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.
- Luke 6:25 Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will hunger. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.
- Romans 12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you.
- 1 Corinthians 5:6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven works through the whole batch of dough?
- 2 Corinthians 13:9 In fact, we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong, and our prayer is for your perfection.
- Galatians 6:3 If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
- Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.
- 1 Corinthians 1:5 For in Him you have been enriched in every way, in all speech and all knowledge,
- 1 Thessalonians 2:19 After all, who is our hope, our joy, our crown of boasting, if it is not you yourselves in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming?
- Luke 1:51 He has performed mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who are proud in the thoughts of their hearts.