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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Corinthians 4:4 My conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. It is the Lord who judges me.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/4-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/46_1Co_04_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 4:4 - Servants of Christ" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="My conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. 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It is the Lord who judges me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />My conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. It is the Lord who judges me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I have not been justified by this; but the <i>One</i> judging me is <i>the</i> Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For I am not aware of anything against myself; however I am not vindicated by this, but the one who examines me is the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted. But the one who examines me is the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_corinthians/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />I am aware of nothing against myself <i>and</i> I feel blameless, but I am not by this acquitted [before God]. It is the Lord who judges me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. It is the Lord who judges me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. The One who evaluates me is the Lord. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_corinthians/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For I know nothing against myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_corinthians/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I don't know of anything against me, but this doesn't prove I am right. The Lord is my judge. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_corinthians/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For I know nothing against myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I have a clear conscience, but that doesn't mean I have God's approval. It is the Lord who cross-examines me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />My conscience is clear, but that does not prove that I am really innocent. The Lord is the one who passes judgment on me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_corinthians/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />For my conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. It is the Lord who examines me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />My conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. It is the Lord who judges me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_corinthians/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not acquitted because of this. The one who judges me is the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For I know nothing against myself. Yet I am not justified by this, but he who judges me is the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For I know nothing against myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Though I am not conscious of having been in any way unfaithful, yet I do not for that reason stand acquitted; but He whose scrutiny I must undergo is the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_corinthians/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For I know nothing against myself. Yet I am not justified by this, but he who judges me is the Lord. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />for I have been conscious of nothing for myself, but I have not been declared right in this—and He who is discerning me is the LORD:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I have not been justified by this; but the <i>One</i> judging me is <i>the</i> Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> for of nothing to myself have I been conscious, but not in this have I been declared right -- and he who is discerning me is the Lord:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_corinthians/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For I know nothing by myself; but in this I have not been justified: and he examining me is the Lord.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For I am not conscious to myself of any thing, yet am I not hereby justified; but he that judgeth me, is the Lord. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For I have nothing on my conscience. But I am not justified by this. For the Lord is the One who judges me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />I am not conscious of anything against me, but I do not thereby stand acquitted; the one who judges me is the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For I know nothing of which I am guilty; yet I may not be right in this, for my judge is the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />For I am not troubled over anything in myself, but I am not justified by this, for my judge is THE LORD JEHOVAH.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />For, though I am conscious of no wrong, yet by this I am not justified: but he that judges me is the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />For I know nothing against myself; but in this I am not justified; and the Lord is the one judging me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />For though I am not conscious to myself of any unfaithfulness, yet am I not thereby justified; but he that judgeth me is the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_corinthians/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />(for though I am not conscious to my self of any unfaithfulness, yet am I not hereby absolved:) but he that is my supreme judge, is the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Though I am not conscious of having been in any way unfaithful, yet I do not for that reason stand acquitted; but He whose scrutiny I must undergo is the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />For I am conscious to myself of nothing; yet have I not thereby been justified; but He Who judges me is the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />(for I am conscious to myself of nothing; though I am not hereby justified;) but He that judgeth me is the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/4-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=640" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Servants of Christ</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>I care very little, however, if I am judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason."></a> <a href="/greek/4894.htm" title="4894: synoida (V-RIA-1S) -- To know, consider, be privy to. ">My conscience is clear,</a> <a href="/greek/3762.htm" title="3762: ouden (Adj-ANS) -- No one, none, nothing. "></a> <a href="/greek/1683.htm" title="1683: emautō (PPro-DM1S) -- Genitive case compound of emou and autos; of myself so likewise the dative case emautoi em-ow-to', and accusative case emauton em-ow-ton'."></a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: all’ (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: toutō (DPro-DNS) -- This; he, she, it. ">that</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/1344.htm" title="1344: dedikaiōmai (V-RIM/P-1S) -- From dikaios; to render just or innocent.">does not vindicate me.</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">It is</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyrios (N-NMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">the Lord</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">who</a> <a href="/greek/350.htm" title="350: anakrinōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- From ana and krino; properly, to scrutinize, i.e. investigate, interrogate, determine.">judges</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: me (PPro-A1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">me.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">5</span>Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-15.htm">Romans 2:15-16</a></span><br />So they show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts either accusing or defending them / on the day when God will judge men’s secrets through Christ Jesus, as proclaimed by my gospel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-20.htm">1 John 3:20-21</a></span><br />Even if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, and He knows all things. / Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/24-16.htm">Acts 24:16</a></span><br />In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/1-12.htm">2 Corinthians 1:12</a></span><br />For this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in relation to you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God—not in worldly wisdom, but in the grace of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/9-14.htm">Hebrews 9:14</a></span><br />how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/1-5.htm">1 Timothy 1:5</a></span><br />The goal of our instruction is the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-16.htm">1 Peter 3:16</a></span><br />keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/14-22.htm">Romans 14:22-23</a></span><br />Keep your belief about such matters between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. / But the one who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that is not from faith is sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-10.htm">2 Corinthians 5:10</a></span><br />For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-12.htm">James 4:12</a></span><br />There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-1.htm">Matthew 7:1-2</a></span><br />“Do not judge, or you will be judged. / For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/19-12.htm">Psalm 19:12</a></span><br />Who can discern his own errors? Cleanse me from my hidden faults.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/26-2.htm">Psalm 26:2</a></span><br />Test me, O LORD, and try me; examine my heart and mind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/139-23.htm">Psalm 139:23-24</a></span><br />Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. / See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/17-9.htm">Jeremiah 17:9-10</a></span><br />The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? / I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judges me is the Lord.</p><p class="hdg">For.</p><p class="hdg">I know.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/27-6.htm">Job 27:6</a></b></br> My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach <i>me</i> so long as I live.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/7-3.htm">Psalm 7:3-5</a></b></br> O LORD my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/21-17.htm">John 21:17</a></b></br> He saith unto him the third time, Simon, <i>son</i> of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.</p><p class="hdg">yet.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/9-2.htm">Job 9:2,3,20</a></b></br> I know <i>it is</i> so of a truth: but how should man be just with God? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/15-14.htm">Job 15:14</a></b></br> What <i>is</i> man, that he should be clean? and <i>he which is</i> born of a woman, that he should be righteous?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/25-4.htm">Job 25:4</a></b></br> How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean <i>that is</i> born of a woman?</p><p class="hdg">but.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/4-5.htm">1 Corinthians 4:5</a></b></br> Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/26-12.htm">Psalm 26:12</a></b></br> My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/50-6.htm">Psalm 50:6</a></b></br> And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God <i>is</i> judge himself. Selah.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/5-1.htm">Acquitted</a> <a href="/acts/23-5.htm">Aware</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-13.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/romans/13-5.htm">Conscience</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-3.htm">Conscious</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-11.htm">Declared</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-19.htm">Discerning</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-17.htm">Examines</a> <a href="/joshua/3-10.htm">Hereby</a> <a href="/romans/16-19.htm">Innocent</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-15.htm">Judges</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-15.htm">Judgeth</a> <a href="/romans/10-10.htm">Justified</a> <a href="/romans/16-19.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-2.htm">Right</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-3.htm">Scrutiny</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-5.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/romans/10-5.htm">Thereby</a> <a href="/acts/27-21.htm">Undergo</a> <a href="/romans/3-3.htm">Unfaithful</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-4.htm">Way</a> <a href="/romans/14-20.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/24-8.htm">Acquitted</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-4.htm">Aware</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-17.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-7.htm">Conscience</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-19.htm">Conscious</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-11.htm">Declared</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-29.htm">Discerning</a> <a href="/leviticus/13-3.htm">Examines</a> <a href="/1_john/2-3.htm">Hereby</a> <a href="/philippians/2-15.htm">Innocent</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/5-13.htm">Judges</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/5-13.htm">Judgeth</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-11.htm">Justified</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-17.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-14.htm">Right</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-13.htm">Scrutiny</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-24.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/galatians/2-18.htm">Thereby</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">Undergo</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-13.htm">Unfaithful</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-17.htm">Way</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-7.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-1.htm">In what account the apostles ought to be regarded.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-7.htm">We have nothing which we have not received.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-9.htm">The apostles spectacles to the world, angels, and men;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-13.htm">the filth and offscouring of the world;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">yet our fathers in Christ;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-16.htm">whom we ought to follow.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/4.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>My conscience is clear</b><br />The phrase "My conscience is clear" reflects the Apostle Paul's introspective examination of his own heart and actions. The Greek word for conscience, "syneidēsis," implies a moral awareness or self-knowledge. In the historical context of Corinth, a city known for its moral laxity, Paul’s assertion of a clear conscience is significant. It suggests a life lived in alignment with God's standards, despite external judgments. For believers, this serves as a reminder that inner peace comes from living according to God's will, not merely human approval.<p><b>but that does not vindicate me</b><br />Here, Paul acknowledges that a clear conscience alone is not sufficient for justification. The Greek word "dikaioō," translated as "vindicate," means to be declared righteous. Paul is emphasizing that personal feelings of innocence do not equate to divine approval. This reflects a broader biblical principle that human judgment is fallible and that true righteousness is determined by God. Historically, this would resonate with early Christians who faced persecution and misunderstanding, reminding them that ultimate vindication comes from God, not man.<p><b>It is the Lord who judges me</b><br />This phrase underscores the sovereignty and authority of God as the ultimate judge. The Greek word "kyrios," translated as "Lord," denotes supreme authority and ownership. In the context of Corinth, where various leaders and factions vied for influence, Paul’s statement redirects focus to God’s ultimate authority. This serves as a powerful reminder for believers to live with an eternal perspective, understanding that human judgments are temporary, but God’s judgment is eternal. It encourages Christians to seek God's approval above all, trusting in His perfect justice and mercy.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">For I know nothing by myself.</span>--The general meaning of this passage is given in the previous Note. The Greek of the words rendered, "I know nothing of myself," is clearly "I am not conscious in myself" of having been unfaithful; the word being almost invariably used in classical Greek in a bad sense. In the English version the word "by" is used in a sense now nearly obsolete. To an English reader the passage at first sight seems to assert that St. Paul of his own power possessed no knowledge. In old English, however, the word "by" meant (not necessarily the instrument <span class= "ital">by</span> which) frequently "in connection with" or "concerning." In this sense it is found in <a href="/deuteronomy/27-16.htm" title="Cursed be he that sets light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.">Deuteronomy 27:16</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/22-7.htm" title="In you have they set light by father and mother: in the middle of you have they dealt by oppression with the stranger: in you have they vexed the fatherless and the widow.">Ezekiel 22:7</a>. In Foxe's <span class= "ital">Book of Martyrs</span> a woman under examination is accused of having "spoken evil words <span class= "ital">by</span> the queen." It is still common to speak of our place being "by" (<span class= "ital">i.e.,</span> in close contiguity to) another, and a <span class= "ital">"bye-</span> lane" is a passage connected with a thoroughfare. The word "by" does not seem to have had necessarily the meaning of "against" which some have attributed to it; the sense of "concerning" would suit all the passages given above better than "against."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">I know nothing by myself;</span> rather, <span class="accented">nothing against myself.</span> The phrase of the Authorized Version originally meant this, but is now obsolete in this sense. "I am sorry that each fault can be proved by the queen," says Cranmer to Henry VIII. It is like the Latin <span class="accented">Nil conscire sibi.</span> The same phrase occurs in the LXX. of <a href="/job/27-6.htm">Job 27:6</a>. St. Paul says, "The verdict of my own conscience acquits me of all intentional unfaithfulness;" but this is insufficient, because God sees with clearer eyes than ours. "Who can understand his errors?" asks the psalmist (<a href="/psalms/19-12.htm">Psalm 19:12</a>); and the "secret faults" against which he prays are not hidden vices, but sins of which he was himself unconscious. It must be remembered that St. Paul is here only speaking with conscious integrity of his ministerial work. Nothing could have been further from the mind of one who elsewhere calls himself" the chief of sinners" than to claim an absolute immunity from every form of self reproach. They who claim immaculate holiness can as little quote the sanction of St. Paul (<a href="/1_corinthians/9-27.htm">1 Corinthians 9:27</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/15-9.htm">1 Corinthians 15:9</a>; <a href="/ephesians/3-8.htm">Ephesians 3:8</a>; <a href="/philippians/3-13.htm">Philippians 3:13</a>, etc.) as of any other saint. The confessions of the holiest are ever the most humble. <span class="cmt_word">Yet am I not hereby justified.</span> Because "every way of a man" is apt to be "right in his own eyes," but God pondereth the hearts, and therefore in God's sight "no man living is justified." St. Paul is here using the word in its legal rather than its theological sense. <span class="cmt_word">He that judgeth me is the Lord.</span> This is a reason for serious awe and deep self searching of heart (<a href="/psalms/130-3.htm">Psalm 130:3</a>; <a href="/job/9-2.htm">Job 9:2</a>). Yet also for hope and confidence when a man can, like the modern statesman, "look from the storm without to the sunshine of an approving conscience within." For God, being "greater than our hearts" (<a href="/1_john/3-21.htm">1 John 3:21</a>), may count "the long 'yes' of life" against the one "no," or the single faithless minute. Knowing whereof we are made, remembering that we are but dust, he looks on us <p><span class="accented">"With larger other eyes than ours,<br />To make allowance for us all."</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/4-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">My conscience is clear,</span><br /><span class="grk">σύνοιδα</span> <span class="translit">(synoida)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4894.htm">Strong's 4894: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know, consider, be privy to. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">but</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀλλ’</span> <span class="translit">(all’)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> </span><span class="str2">But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="grk">τούτῳ</span> <span class="translit">(toutō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">does not vindicate me.</span><br /><span class="grk">δεδικαίωμαι</span> <span class="translit">(dedikaiōmai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1344.htm">Strong's 1344: </a> </span><span class="str2">From dikaios; to render just or innocent.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">It is</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐστιν</span> <span class="translit">(estin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the] Lord</span><br /><span class="grk">Κύριός</span> <span class="translit">(Kyrios)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who</span><br /><span class="grk">ὁ</span> <span class="translit">(ho)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">judges</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀνακρίνων</span> <span class="translit">(anakrinōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_350.htm">Strong's 350: </a> </span><span class="str2">From ana and krino; properly, to scrutinize, i.e. investigate, interrogate, determine.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">me.</span><br /><span class="grk">με</span> <span class="translit">(me)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/4-4.htm">1 Corinthians 4:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/4-4.htm">1 Corinthians 4:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/4-4.htm">1 Corinthians 4:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/4-4.htm">1 Corinthians 4:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/4-4.htm">1 Corinthians 4:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/4-4.htm">1 Corinthians 4:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/4-4.htm">1 Corinthians 4:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/4-4.htm">1 Corinthians 4:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/4-4.htm">1 Corinthians 4:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/4-4.htm">1 Corinthians 4:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_corinthians/4-4.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 4:4 For I know nothing against myself (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 4:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 4:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 4:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 4:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>