Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 4:15

What does 1 Corinthians 4:15 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 4:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 4:15 means

Paul notes they may have countless tutors in Christ—many instructors and influences—but not many fathers. He became their father in Christ Jesus through the gospel, as the one who planted the church and led them to faith. This is not about ownership but about origin and responsibility. A father’s role carries unique affection, authority, and accountability to nurture growth. By identifying himself this way, Paul asserts a rightful claim to be heard and followed in matters of doctrine and practice. He speaks as one bound to them by new-birth ties, urging them to receive his correction and guidance as family, for their good in Christ.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For even if you had ten thousand teachers in Christ, you have not more than one father: for in Christ Jesus I have given birth to you through the good news.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for if a myriad of child-conductors ye may have in Christ, yet not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus, through the good news, I--I did beget you;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For if you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet not many fathers. For in Christ Jesus, by the gospel, I have begotten you.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For if ye should have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the glad tidings.

Context

Building on verse 14’s affectionate tone, verse 15 provides the basis for Paul’s paternal admonition: he is their spiritual father through the gospel. This establishes relational authority for the appeal that follows in verse 16 to imitate him. The flow is tightening from motive (love) to basis (fatherhood) to command (imitation), preparing for verse 17, where Timothy is sent to reinforce Paul’s consistent ways and teaching among all the churches.

v.14I write not these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children.

v.15This passage

v.16I beseech you therefore, be ye imitators of me.

Cross references

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

  • Philemon 1:19

    I Paul write it with mine own hand, I will repay it: that I say not unto thee that thou owest to me even thine own self besides.

  • Acts 18:4

    And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded Jews and Greeks.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:14

    Even so did the Lord ordain that they that proclaim the gospel should live of the gospel.

  • 2 Corinthians 3:1

    Are we beginning again to commend ourselves? or need we, as do some, epistles of commendation to you or from you?

  • 1 Corinthians 9:18

    What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel without charge, so as not to use to the full my right in the gospel.

  • 2 Timothy 4:3

    For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts;

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