Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 4:14

What does 1 Corinthians 4:14 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 4:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 4:14 means

Paul clarifies his intent: he is not seeking to shame the Corinthians but to admonish them as his beloved children. Correction is delivered within a relationship of love. He aims to awaken, not to humiliate; to restore, not to alienate. By calling them “beloved,” he assures them of his affection even while confronting their pride. Spiritual authority is paternal in tone—firm yet caring. This verse teaches that faithful reproof springs from genuine love and covenantal bonds, not from irritation or superiority. Paul wants them to grow into the pattern of Christ that the apostles bear, not to be crushed by comparison.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

I write not these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

I write not these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

I am not saying these things to put you to shame, but so that, as my dear children, you may see what is right.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Not <FI>as<Fi> putting you to shame do I write these things, but as my beloved children I do admonish,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

I write not these things to confound you: but I admonish you as my dearest children.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Not [as] chiding do I write these things to you, but as my beloved children I admonish [you].

Context

After the searing contrasts of verses 8–13, verse 14 softens the approach by revealing Paul’s pastoral heart. It transitions the argument from descriptive irony to constructive exhortation. Next, verse 15 will ground this parental language in Paul’s role as their spiritual father through the gospel, and verse 16 will draw the practical conclusion—calling them to imitate him. The flow thus moves from rebuke to relational appeal and then to a concrete summons.

v.13being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things, even until now.

v.14This passage

v.15For though ye have ten thousand tutors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I begat you through the gospel.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:19

    Ye think all this time that we are excusing ourselves unto you. In the sight of God speak we in Christ. But all things, beloved, are for your edifying.

  • Acts 20:31

    Wherefore watch ye, remembering that by the space of three years I ceased not to admonish every one night and day with tears.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:14

    Behold, this is the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be a burden to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:15

    But I have used none of these things: and I write not these things that it may be so done in my case; for it were good for me rather to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:34

    Awake to soberness righteously, and sin not; for some have no knowledge of God: I speak this to move you to shame.

  • 2 Corinthians 7:3

    I say it not to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die together and live together.

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