Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 4:8

What does 1 Corinthians 4:8 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 4:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 4:8 means

With biting irony, Paul says the Corinthians are already satisfied, already rich, already reigning—apparently without the apostles. He wishes, in earnest, that they truly were reigning, so the apostles might share in that reign. The sarcasm exposes their premature triumphalism. They have mistaken initial blessings and gifts for final glory. Paul’s wish hints at the true hope: believers will reign with Christ in His time, not by self-exaltation now. The verse challenges complacency and calls the church to align its expectations with the path of the cross in the present age, reserving reigning for the future the Lord appoints.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Already are ye filled, already ye are become rich, ye have come to reign without us: yea and I would that ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Already are ye filled, already ye are become rich, ye have come to reign without us: yea and I would that ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For even now you are full, even now you have wealth, you have been made kings without us: truly, I would be glad if you were kings, so that we might be kings with you.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Already ye are having been filled, already ye were rich, apart from us ye did reign, and I would also ye did reign, that we also with you may reign together,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

You are now full: you are now become rich: you reign without us; and I would to God you did reign, that we also might reign with you.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Already ye are filled; already ye have been enriched; ye have reigned without us; and I would that ye reigned, that we also might reign with you.

Context

Following verse 7’s humbling questions, verse 8 presents a stinging contrast between the Corinthians’ self-perception and apostolic reality. It opens a section (verses 9–13) where Paul will depict the apostles’ lot as one of exposure, weakness, and hardship. The irony functions as a mirror to the Corinthians’ pride, preparing them to hear the corrective example of suffering servanthood that follows. This contrast is crucial for reorienting their criteria for leadership and maturity.

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?

v.8This passage

v.9For, I think, God hath set forth us the apostles last of all, as men doomed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, both to angels and men.

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 122:5

    For there are set thrones for judgment, The thrones of the house of David.

  • Galatians 6:3

    For if a man thinketh himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

  • Revelation 5:10

    and madest them to be unto our God a kingdom and priests; and they reign upon the earth.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:1

    And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, as unto babes in Christ.

  • 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.

  • Numbers 11:29

    And Moses said unto him, Art thou jealous for my sake? would that all Jehovah’s people were prophets, that Jehovah would put his Spirit upon them!

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