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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 4:12 We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/4-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/46_1Co_04_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 4:12 - Fools for Christ" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_corinthians/4-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_corinthians/4-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/">1 Corinthians</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-11.htm" title="1 Corinthians 4:11">◄</a> 1 Corinthians 4:12 <a href="/1_corinthians/4-13.htm" title="1 Corinthians 4:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />We work wearily with our own hands to earn our living. We bless those who curse us. We are patient with those who abuse us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />and we toil, working with <i>our</i> own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />and we labor, working with our own hands; when we are verbally abused, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure <i>it;</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />and we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />and we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />and we labor, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_corinthians/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />We work [for our living], working <i>hard</i> with our own hands. When we are reviled <i>and</i> verbally abused, we bless. When we are persecuted, we take it patiently <i>and</i> endure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />we labor, working with our own hands. When we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />we labor, working with our own hands. When we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_corinthians/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and we toil, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_corinthians/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />We work hard with our own hands, and when people abuse us, we wish them well. When we suffer, we are patient. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_corinthians/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and we toil, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />We wear ourselves out doing physical labor. When people verbally abuse us, we bless them. When people persecute us, we endure it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />we wear ourselves out with hard work. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_corinthians/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />We wear ourselves out from working with our own hands. When insulted, we bless. When persecuted, we endure. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_corinthians/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />We do hard work, toiling with our own hands. When we are verbally abused, we respond with a blessing, when persecuted, we endure,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />We toil, working with our own hands. When people curse us, we bless. Being persecuted, we endure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Homes we have none. Wearily we toil, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we bear it patiently;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_corinthians/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />We toil, working with our own hands. When people curse us, we bless. Being persecuted, we endure. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and labor, working with [our] own hands; being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />and we toil, working with <i>our</i> own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and labour, working with our own hands; being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_corinthians/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And we are wearied, working with our own hands: being reviled, we praise; being driven out, we hold up.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And we labour, working with our own hands: we are reviled, and we bless; we are persecuted, and we suffer it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And we labor, working with our own hands. We are slandered, and so we bless. We suffer and endure persecution.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />and we toil, working with our own hands. When ridiculed, we bless; when persecuted, we endure;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />and we grow weary from the work of our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And labor, working with our own hands: being cursed we bless, being persecuted, we endure it;<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 />And we toil as we labor with our hands. They dishonor us and we bless; they persecute us and we endure.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />and labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />and we toil working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure it;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />and work hard, labouring with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_corinthians/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />we are fatigu'd by our manual toil: when reviled, we pray: when persecuted, we don't repine:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_corinthians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Homes we have none. Wearily we toil, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we bear it patiently;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />and we toil, laboring with our own hands; being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />and we labour working with our own hands. When <i>we are</i> reviled, we bless: when persecuted, we bear <i>it:</i> when defamed, we intreat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/4-12.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=741" 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">Fools for Christ</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>To this very hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/2872.htm" title="2872: kopiōmen (V-PIA-1P) -- From a derivative of kopos; to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard.">We work hard</a> <a href="/greek/2038.htm" title="2038: ergazomenoi (V-PPM/P-NMP) -- To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor. "></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tais (Art-DFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">with our</a> <a href="/greek/2398.htm" title="2398: idiais (Adj-DFP) -- Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate.">own</a> <a href="/greek/5495.htm" title="5495: chersin (N-DFP) -- A hand. ">hands.</a> <a href="/greek/3058.htm" title="3058: loidoroumenoi (V-PPM/P-NMP) -- To revile a person to his face, abuse insultingly. From loidoros; to reproach, i.e. Vilify.">When we are vilified,</a> <a href="/greek/2127.htm" title="2127: eulogoumen (V-PIA-1P) -- (lit: I speak well of) I bless; pass: I am blessed. From a compound of eu and logos; to speak well of, i.e. to bless.">we bless;</a> <a href="/greek/1377.htm" title="1377: diōkomenoi (V-PPM/P-NMP) -- To pursue, hence: I persecute. A prolonged form of a primary verb dio; to pursue; by implication, to persecute.">when we are persecuted,</a> <a href="/greek/430.htm" title="430: anechometha (V-PIM/P-1P) -- To endure, bear with, have patience with, suffer, admit, persist. ">we endure it;</a> </span> <span class="reftext">13</span>when we are slandered, we answer gently. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.…<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="/acts/18-3.htm">Acts 18:3</a></span><br />and he stayed and worked with them because they were tentmakers by trade, just as he was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-9.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:9</a></span><br />Surely you recall, brothers, our labor and toil. We worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to anyone while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-8.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:8</a></span><br />nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/20-34.htm">Acts 20:34</a></span><br />You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-28.htm">Ephesians 4:28</a></span><br />He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-12.htm">Philippians 4:12</a></span><br />I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. In any and every situation I have learned the secret of being filled and being hungry, of having plenty and having need.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-27.htm">2 Corinthians 11:27</a></span><br />in labor and toil and often without sleep, in hunger and thirst and often without food, in cold and exposure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/6-5.htm">2 Corinthians 6:5</a></span><br />in beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in labor, sleepless nights, and hunger;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-15.htm">2 Corinthians 12:15</a></span><br />And for the sake of your souls, I will most gladly spend my money and myself. If I love you more, will you love me less?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:11</a></span><br />and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a></span><br />But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-14.htm">Romans 12:14</a></span><br />Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-23.htm">1 Peter 2:23</a></span><br />When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/3-19.htm">Genesis 3:19</a></span><br />By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground—because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-23.htm">Proverbs 14:23</a></span><br />There is profit in all labor, but mere talk leads only to poverty.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And labor, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:</p><p class="hdg">labour.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/9-6.htm">1 Corinthians 9:6</a></b></br> Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/18-3.htm">Acts 18:3</a></b></br> And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/20-34.htm">Acts 20:34</a></b></br> Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.</p><p class="hdg">being reviled.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a></b></br> But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/6-28.htm">Luke 6:28</a></b></br> Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/23-34.htm">Luke 23:34</a></b></br> Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.</p><p class="hdg">being persecuted.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/5-11.htm">Matthew 5:11</a></b></br> Blessed are ye, when <i>men</i> shall revile you, and persecute <i>you</i>, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_peter/3-14.htm">1 Peter 3:14</a></b></br> But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy <i>are ye</i>: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_peter/4-12.htm">1 Peter 4:12-14,19</a></b></br> Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/3-2.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/romans/12-14.htm">Bless</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-12.htm">Blessings</a> <a href="/romans/12-14.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/romans/9-3.htm">Cursed</a> <a href="/romans/12-14.htm">Curses</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-11.htm">Endure</a> <a href="/romans/10-21.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-23.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-9.htm">Hardest</a> <a href="/acts/20-20.htm">Homes</a> <a href="/john/16-21.htm">Labour</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-7.htm">Patiently</a> <a href="/acts/26-11.htm">Persecuted</a> <a href="/romans/13-5.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/acts/18-6.htm">Reviled</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-15.htm">Suffer</a> <a href="/luke/12-27.htm">Toil</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-4.htm">Undergo</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-15.htm">Work</a> <a href="/romans/16-21.htm">Working</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/9-12.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-16.htm">Bless</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-23.htm">Blessings</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-16.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-3.htm">Cursed</a> <a href="/colossians/3-8.htm">Curses</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-7.htm">Endure</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-4.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-10.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-9.htm">Hardest</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-22.htm">Homes</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-9.htm">Labour</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-12.htm">Patiently</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-9.htm">Persecuted</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-21.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-23.htm">Reviled</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-7.htm">Suffer</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-58.htm">Toil</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-7.htm">Undergo</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">Work</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-6.htm">Working</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>We work hard with our own hands</b><br />The phrase "work hard" comes from the Greek word "kopiao," which means to labor to the point of exhaustion. This reflects the apostle Paul's dedication to his ministry and his willingness to support himself through manual labor, such as tent-making, to avoid being a financial burden to the church (<a href="/acts/18-3.htm">Acts 18:3</a>). The emphasis on "our own hands" underscores the dignity of labor and the importance of self-sufficiency. In a historical context, manual labor was often looked down upon in Greco-Roman society, yet Paul elevates it as a means of serving God and others. This serves as an inspirational reminder that all work, when done for the glory of God, is honorable and valuable.<p><b>When we are vilified, we bless</b><br />The term "vilified" translates from the Greek "loidoreo," meaning to revile or speak abusively. Paul and his companions faced harsh criticism and slander from both Jews and Gentiles. Despite this, they chose to "bless" (Greek: "eulogeo"), which means to speak well of or to invoke divine favor upon others. This reflects Jesus' teaching in <a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a>, where believers are called to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. The historical context of early Christians facing persecution highlights the radical nature of this response, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel to enable believers to respond with grace and love.<p><b>when we are persecuted, we endure it</b><br />"Persecuted" comes from the Greek "dioko," which means to pursue with the intent to harm. The early church faced significant persecution, from social ostracism to physical violence. Paul's use of "endure" (Greek: "anechomai") indicates a steadfastness and patience in the face of suffering. This endurance is not passive resignation but an active, faithful perseverance rooted in hope and trust in God's ultimate justice and deliverance. Historically, the endurance of early Christians under persecution served as a powerful testimony to their faith and often led to the growth of the church, as others were drawn to the strength and peace exhibited by believers. This serves as an encouragement for modern Christians to remain steadfast in their faith amidst trials, trusting in God's sovereignty and grace.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) <span class= "bld">And labour.</span>--While at Ephesus, whence this letter was written, the Apostle supported himself by working with Aquila and Priscilla at tent-making. This labour was no recreation or pastime with St. Paul, it was hard and earnest work. (See <a href="/context/1_thessalonians/2-8.htm" title="So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted to you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because you were dear to us.">1Thessalonians 2:8-9</a>; <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-8.htm" title="Neither did we eat any man's bread for nothing; but worked with labor and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:">2Thessalonians 3:8</a>.) That this labour was rendered more excessive from the Apostle's characteristic generosity to others, we may conclude from the expression used in his farewell to the Ephesian elders (<a href="/context/acts/20-17.htm" title="And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.">Acts 20:17-38</a>), "Ye yourselves know that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me."<p><span class= "bld">Being reviled, we bless.</span>--A striking contrast to the way in which the Corinthians would act under similar circumstances, and yet a literal obedience to the teaching of the Master (<a href="/matthew/5-39.htm" title="But I say to you, That you resist not evil: but whoever shall smite you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.">Matthew 5:39</a>; <a href="/matthew/5-44.htm" title="But I say to you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which spitefully use you, and persecute you;">Matthew 5:44</a>). Thus the Apostle became in the eyes of the world, "a fool" for Christ's sake. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Labour, working with our own hands.</span> St. Paul supported himself by the dreary toil and scant earnings of a tent maker, in the express determination to be no burden upon his converts (<a href="/acts/18-3.htm">Acts 18:3</a>; <a href="/acts/20-34.htm">Acts 20:34</a>; <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-9.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:9</a>; <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-8.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:8</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/9-6.htm">1 Corinthians 9:6</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/11-7.htm">2 Corinthians 11:7</a>, etc.). Such conduct was the more noble because all mechanical trades were looked down upon by the Greeks as a sort of <span class="accented">banausia.</span> And though it was repellent and mechanical work to be handling the strong scented black goats' hair all day, yet by this labour he maintained not only himself but also his brother missionaries (<a href="/acts/20-34.htm">Acts 20:34</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Being reviled.</span> The early Christians were falsely accused of the most execrable crimes, so that the very name "Christian" was regarded as equivalent to "malefactor" (<a href="/1_peter/4-14.htm">1 Peter 4:14, 16</a>). <span class="cmt_word">We bless.</span> Herein they obeyed the direct precept of our Lord (<a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a>), as well as his example (<a href="/luke/23-44.htm">Luke 23:44</a>; <a href="/1_peter/2-23.htm">1 Peter 2:23</a>; <a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/4-12.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">We work hard</span><br /><span class="grk">κοπιῶμεν</span> <span class="translit">(kopiōmen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2872.htm">Strong's 2872: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a derivative of kopos; to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with [our]</span><br /><span class="grk">ταῖς</span> <span class="translit">(tais)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Feminine Plural<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">own</span><br /><span class="grk">ἰδίαις</span> <span class="translit">(idiais)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Dative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2398.htm">Strong's 2398: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">hands.</span><br /><span class="grk">χερσίν</span> <span class="translit">(chersin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5495.htm">Strong's 5495: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">When we are vilified,</span><br /><span class="grk">λοιδορούμενοι</span> <span class="translit">(loidoroumenoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3058.htm">Strong's 3058: </a> </span><span class="str2">To revile a person to his face, abuse insultingly. From loidoros; to reproach, i.e. Vilify.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">we bless;</span><br /><span class="grk">εὐλογοῦμεν</span> <span class="translit">(eulogoumen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2127.htm">Strong's 2127: </a> </span><span class="str2">(lit: I speak well of) I bless; pass: I am blessed. From a compound of eu and logos; to speak well of, i.e. to bless.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">when we are persecuted,</span><br /><span class="grk">διωκόμενοι</span> <span class="translit">(diōkomenoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1377.htm">Strong's 1377: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pursue, hence: I persecute. A prolonged form of a primary verb dio; to pursue; by implication, to persecute.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">we endure [it];</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀνεχόμεθα</span> <span class="translit">(anechometha)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">To endure, bear with, have patience with, suffer, admit, persist. </span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">1 Corinthians 4:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">1 Corinthians 4:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">1 Corinthians 4:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">1 Corinthians 4:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">1 Corinthians 4:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">1 Corinthians 4:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">1 Corinthians 4:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">1 Corinthians 4:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">1 Corinthians 4:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">1 Corinthians 4:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 4:12 We toil working with our own hands (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 4:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 4:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 4:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 4:13" /></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>