1 Corinthians 4:13
What does 1 Corinthians 4:13 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 4:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 4:13 means
Paul concludes the catalog: when slandered, they plead; they have become like the “filth of the world,” the “offscouring of all things,” up to now. These stark metaphors portray the apostles as society’s refuse—like dirt swept away or scrapings cast off. Yet even then, their speech remains gentle and earnest. The contrast between contempt received and grace given highlights the power of the gospel at work in them. This is not self-pity but testimony: apostolic authority is cruciform, marked by lowliness and love under disdain. Such a path stands opposite to the Corinthians’ craving for honor and ease.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things, even until now.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things, even until now.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949When evil things are said about us we give gentle answers: we are made as the unclean things of the world, as that for which no one has any use, even till now.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862being spoken evil of, we entreat; as filth of the world we did become--of all things an offscouring--till now.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752We are blasphemed: and we entreat. We are made as the refuse of this world, the offscouring of all, even until now.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890insulted, we entreat: we are become as [the] offscouring of the world, [the] refuse of all, until now.
Context
This verse completes the vivid depiction of apostolic suffering begun in verse 11. Having shown deprivation and gentle endurance, Paul now names the social scorn attached to their calling. With that portrait finished, the tone shifts in verse 14 from biting irony to tender admonition. Paul will explain he writes not to shame them but to warn them as beloved children, leading into his appeal to imitate him and his assertion of fatherly care and authority.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Lamentations 3:45
Thou hast made us an offscouring and refuse in the midst of the peoples.
- Acts 22:22
And they gave him audience unto this word; and they lifted up their voice, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.
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