1 Corinthians 4:6
What does 1 Corinthians 4:6 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 4:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 4:6 means
Paul explains that he has figuratively applied these matters to himself and Apollos for the Corinthians’ sake. By using well-known, respected names, he lowers the temperature and teaches the principle: do not go beyond what is written. God’s Word sets the boundaries; human boasting must not. The goal is that none become “puffed up” in favor of one teacher against another. Scripture-regulated thinking undercuts pride and partisanship. Paul’s method models pastoral tact—correcting error without needlessly shaming individuals. It also calls the church to measure all teaching and loyalties by the written standard, not by personal preferences, rhetorical flair, or cultural expectations.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes; that in us ye might learn not to go beyond the things which are written; that no one of you be puffed up for the one against the other.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes; that in us ye might learn not to go beyond the things which are written; that no one of you be puffed up for the one against the other.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949My brothers, it is because of you that I have taken Apollos and myself as examples of these things, so that in us you might see that it is not wise to go farther than what is in the holy Writings, so that no one of you may be lifted up against his brother.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And these things, brethren, I did transfer to myself and to Apollos because of you, that in us ye may learn not to think above that which hath been written, that ye may not be puffed up one for one against the other,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollo, for your sakes: that in us you may learn that one be not puffed up against the other for another, above that which is written.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Now these things, brethren, I have transferred, in their application, to myself and Apollos, for your sakes, that ye may learn in us the [lesson of] not [letting your thoughts go] above what is written, that ye may not be puffed up one for [such a] one against another.
Context
Having established that God alone renders final judgment, Paul now brings the point home to their factions. Verse 6 applies the principle to the Paul–Apollos comparisons that have plagued Corinth. It introduces the warning against pride that will become sharper in verse 7’s probing questions. The mention of “what is written” appeals to an objective, shared authority, a needed restraint in a boastful environment. The flow transitions from theology of judgment to practical humility grounded in Scripture.
v.5Wherefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and make manifest the counsels of the hearts; and then shall each man have his praise from God.
v.6This passage
v.7For who maketh thee to differ? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? but if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory as if thou hadst not received it?
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.
- Psalms 8:4
What is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visitest him?
- 2 Corinthians 10:7
Ye look at the things that are before your face. If any man trusteth in himself that he is Christ’s, let him consider this again with himself, that, even as he is Christ’s, so also are we.
- 1 Corinthians 5:2
And ye are puffed up, and did not rather mourn, that he that had done this deed might be taken away from among you.
- 1 Corinthians 1:19
For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And the discernment of the discerning will I bring to nought.
- Romans 12:3
For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but so to think as to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to each man a measure of faith.
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