1 Corinthians 4:6
New International Version
Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, “Do not go beyond what is written.” Then you will not be puffed up in being a follower of one of us over against the other.

New Living Translation
Dear brothers and sisters, I have used Apollos and myself to illustrate what I’ve been saying. If you pay attention to what I have quoted from the Scriptures, you won’t be proud of one of your leaders at the expense of another.

English Standard Version
I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.

Berean Standard Bible
Brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written. Then you will not take pride in one man over another.

Berean Literal Bible
Now I have applied these things, brothers, to myself and Apollos, on account of you, so that in us you may learn, "not beyond what has been written," so that not one of you should be puffed up for one over the other.

King James Bible
And 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.

New King James Version
Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other.

New American Standard Bible
Now these things, brothers and sisters, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos on your account, so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other.

NASB 1995
Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other.

NASB 1977
Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that in us you might learn not to exceed what is written, in order that no one of you might become arrogant in behalf of one against the other.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now these things, brothers, I have applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, so that in us you may learn not to go beyond what is written, so that no one of you will become puffed up on behalf of one against the other.

Amplified Bible
Now I have applied these things [that is, the analogies about factions] to myself and Apollos for your benefit, believers, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written [in Scripture], so that none of you will become arrogant and boast in favor of one [minister or teacher] against the other.

Christian Standard Bible
Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying: “Nothing beyond what is written.” The purpose is that none of you will be arrogant, favoring one person over another.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the saying: “Nothing beyond what is written.” The purpose is that none of you will be inflated with pride in favor of one person over another.

American Standard Version
Now 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.

Contemporary English Version
Friends, I have used Apollos and myself as examples to teach you the meaning of the saying, "Follow the rules." I want you to stop saying one of us is better than the other.

English Revised Version
Now 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Brothers and sisters, I have applied this to Apollos and myself for your sake. You should learn from us not to go beyond what is written in Scripture. Then you won't arrogantly place one of us in opposition to the other.

Good News Translation
For your sake, my friends, I have applied all this to Apollos and me, using the two of us as an example, so that you may learn what the saying means, "Observe the proper rules." None of you should be proud of one person and despise another.

International Standard Version
Brothers, I have applied all this to Apollos and myself for your benefit, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what the Scriptures say. Then you will stop boasting about one person at the expense of another.

Majority Standard Bible
Brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us not to think beyond what is written. Then you will not take pride in one man over another.

NET Bible
I have applied these things to myself and Apollos because of you, brothers and sisters, so that through us you may learn "not to go beyond what is written," so that none of you will be puffed up in favor of the one against the other.

New Heart English Bible
Now these things, brothers, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that in us you might learn not to go beyond the things which are written, that none of you be puffed up against one another.

Webster's Bible Translation
And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself, and to Apollos, for your sakes; that ye may learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you on account of one, may be puffed up against another.

Weymouth New Testament
In writing this much, brethren, with special reference to Apollos and myself, I have done so for your sakes, in order to teach you by our example what those words mean, which say, "Nothing beyond what is written!" --so that you may cease to take sides in boastful rivalry, for one teacher against another.

World English Bible
Now these things, brothers, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that in us you might learn not to think beyond the things which are written, that none of you be puffed up against one another.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And these things, brothers, I transferred to myself and to Apollos because of you, that in us you may learn not to think above that which has been written, that you may not be puffed up one for one against the other,

Berean Literal Bible
Now I have applied these things, brothers, to myself and Apollos, on account of you, so that in us you may learn, "not beyond what has been written," so that not one of you should be puffed up for one over the other.

Young's Literal Translation
And 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,

Smith's Literal Translation
And these things, brethren, I transformed to myself and to Apollos for you; that ye might learn in us not to think above what has been written, lest ye be puffed up one above one against the other.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But 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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so, brothers, I have presented these things in myself and in Apollo, for your sakes, so that you may learn, through us, that no one should be inflated against one person and for another, not beyond what has been written.

New American Bible
I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written, so that none of you will be inflated with pride in favor of one person over against another.

New Revised Standard Version
I have applied all this to Apollos and myself for your benefit, brothers and sisters, so that you may learn through us the meaning of the saying, “Nothing beyond what is written,” so that none of you will be puffed up in favor of one against another.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
These things, my brethren, concerning myself and Apollos I have pictured for your sakes; that in our example you may learn not to think beyond that which is written, and let no one exalt himself over his fellow man, on account of any man.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But I have established these things, my brethren, for your sakes concerning my person and that of Apollo, that you may learn by us not to suppose more than whatever is written and that a man should not be lifted up against his fellow man because of anyone.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And these things, brethren, I have, in figure, applied to myself and Apollos, for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think more of teachers than what has been written; and that no one of you be vain of one to the injury of another.

Godbey New Testament
But, brethren, I have transferred these things to myself and Apollos on your account: that you may learn among us not to be wise above what is written; in order that you may not be puffed up one in behalf of one against another.

Haweis New Testament
But these things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself, and Apollos for your sake; that in us ye might learn not to be attached, beyond what is written, lest one being for one minister, ye be puffed up with prejudice against another.

Mace New Testament
These things, my brethren, I have represented to you in my own person, and that of Apollos, out of respect to you: to show you how to moderate your esteem by the rule prescrib'd, that you may not be transported in favour of one rather than another.

Weymouth New Testament
In writing this much, brethren, with special reference to Apollos and myself, I have done so for your sakes, in order to teach you by our example what those words mean, which say, "Nothing beyond what is written!" --so that you may cease to take sides in boastful rivalry, for one teacher against another.

Worrell New Testament
Now these things, brethren, I have, in a figure, transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes; that in us ye may learn not to go beyond the things which have been written; that no one be puffed up for the one against the other.

Worsley New Testament
These things, my brethren, I have by a figure transferred to myself, and Apollos, for your sakes, that ye may learn in us not to be wise above what is written, that ye may not be puffed up for one against another.
Audio Bible



Context
Fools for Christ
5Therefore 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. 6 Brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written. Then you will not take pride in one man over another. 7For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?…

Cross References
1 Corinthians 3:21-23
Therefore, stop boasting in men. All things are yours, / whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future. All of them belong to you, / and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.

1 Corinthians 1:12-13
What I mean is this: Individuals among you are saying, “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” / Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?

1 Corinthians 1:31
Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”

2 Corinthians 10:7-8
You are looking at outward appearances. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should remind himself that we belong to Christ just as much as he does. / For even if I boast somewhat excessively about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed.

2 Corinthians 10:12-13
We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they show their ignorance. / We, however, will not boast beyond our limits, but only within the field of influence that God has assigned to us—a field that reaches even to you.

Romans 12:3
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you.

Romans 12:16
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited.

Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.

Galatians 6:3-4
If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. / Each one should test his own work. Then he will have reason to boast in himself alone, and not in someone else.

James 4:6
But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

James 4:10
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.

Proverbs 3:7
Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 27:2
Let another praise you, and not your own mouth—a stranger, and not your own lips.

Jeremiah 9:23-24
This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. / But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.


Treasury of Scripture

And these things, brothers, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that you 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.

these.

1 Corinthians 1:12
Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

1 Corinthians 3:4-7
For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? …

2 Corinthians 10:7,12,15
Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's…

for.

1 Corinthians 9:23
And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

2 Corinthians 4:15
For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

2 Corinthians 12:19
Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.

that ye.

Job 11:11,12
For he knoweth vain men: he seeth wickedness also; will he not then consider it? …

Psalm 8:4
What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

Psalm 146:3
Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.

be puffed.

1 Corinthians 4:18,19
Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you…

1 Corinthians 3:21
Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;

1 Corinthians 5:2,6
And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you…

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Account Apollos Apol'los Arrogant Behalf Benefit Boastful Cease Example Exceed Figuratively Figure Learn Mean Order Puffed Reference Sakes Sides Special Teach Think Transferred Words Writing Written
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Account Apollos Apol'los Arrogant Behalf Benefit Boastful Cease Example Exceed Figuratively Figure Learn Mean Order Puffed Reference Sakes Sides Special Teach Think Transferred Words Writing Written
1 Corinthians 4
1. In what account the apostles ought to be regarded.
7. We have nothing which we have not received.
9. The apostles spectacles to the world, angels, and men;
13. the filth and offscouring of the world;
15. yet our fathers in Christ;
16. whom we ought to follow.














Now, brothers
The term "brothers" (Greek: ἀδελφοί, adelphoi) is a term of endearment and unity, indicating the familial bond among believers in Christ. Paul uses this term to remind the Corinthians of their shared identity in Christ, transcending social, ethnic, and cultural divisions. Historically, the early church was a diverse community, and Paul’s use of "brothers" underscores the importance of unity and love within the body of Christ.

I have applied these things
The phrase "applied these things" refers to the principles and teachings Paul has been discussing, particularly regarding humility and servanthood. The Greek word for "applied" (μετασχηματίζω, metaschēmatizō) suggests a transformation or adaptation. Paul is emphasizing that he has modeled these teachings in his own life and ministry, setting an example for the Corinthians to follow.

to myself and Apollos
Paul mentions himself and Apollos to illustrate the point of not elevating one leader over another. Apollos was a respected teacher in the early church, known for his eloquence and knowledge of the Scriptures. By including Apollos, Paul demonstrates that both he and Apollos are merely servants of Christ, working together for the same purpose.

for your benefit
The phrase "for your benefit" highlights Paul’s pastoral concern for the Corinthians. His teachings and examples are meant to edify and build up the church. The Greek word for "benefit" (δι’ ὑμᾶς, di’ hymas) indicates that Paul’s actions are motivated by love and a desire for the spiritual growth of the believers.

so that you may learn from us
Paul’s intention is educational; he desires the Corinthians to learn from the examples set by him and Apollos. The Greek word for "learn" (μανθάνω, manthanō) implies gaining knowledge through experience and practice. Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to adopt the same attitudes of humility and service.

not to go beyond what is written
This phrase is a call to adhere strictly to the teachings of Scripture. The Berean Standard Bible emphasizes the authority of the written Word, and Paul warns against adding human wisdom or traditions that contradict biblical teachings. Historically, this reflects the early church’s struggle with false teachings and the need to remain grounded in the apostolic doctrine.

Then you will not take pride
Paul addresses the issue of pride, which was causing division in the Corinthian church. The Greek word for "pride" (φυσιόω, physioō) conveys the idea of being puffed up or inflated with self-importance. Paul warns that pride leads to division and strife, contrary to the humility exemplified by Christ.

in one man over another
This phrase speaks against the factionalism that was prevalent in Corinth, where believers were aligning themselves with different leaders. Paul’s message is clear: no human leader should be exalted above another, as all are equal under Christ. This teaching is rooted in the biblical principle of the priesthood of all believers, emphasizing that all Christians have equal access to God through Jesus Christ.

(6) These things--i.e., all that he has written about the factions. He only mentioned himself and Apollos (and not the other heads of parties), so that his motive in rebuking this schismatic spirit may not be misunderstood--which possibly it might have been had he written strongly and directly regarding Cephas and his admirers--and that those who read the Epistle might learn a lesson of humility. All that was said in condemnation of the spirit which exalted the Apostle and Apollos into party leaders, would apply with equal or greater force to all others; for they, as the planter and the waterer of the Corinthian vineyard, the layer of the foundation and the builder up of the Corinthian spiritual temple, were certainly the two whose exaltation by their followers might have seemed most pardonable.

That ye might learn in us . . .--i.e., "by our examples" you should learn not to go beyond what is written in the Scriptures--not to be found in any one particular passage, but in the general tone and scope of the Old Testament writings, which ever ascribe glory to God alone (as found in the passages referred to in 1Corinthians 1:19; 1Corinthians 1:31; 1Corinthians 3:19)--that none of you be puffed up on behalf of one (i.e., Apollos) against another (i.e., Paul), and vice versa. The Apostle here touches on the fact that this exaltation of teachers was really a gratification of their own pride. It was not that they "puffed up" the teacher, but themselves.

Verses 6-13. - Contrast between the inflated self sufficiency of the Corinthians and the earthly humiliation of the apostles. Verse 6. - Brethren. The occasional use of this and similar expressions ("beloved," etc.) often serves to strengthen an appeal, or, as here, to soften the sternness of a rebuke. I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos. The meaning seems to be that St. Paul has prominently transferred to himself and to Apollos, or rather to the parties who chose their names as watchwords, the proof as to the sin and futility of partisanship which applied equally well to the parties which ranged themselves under other names. (For the verb "transfer" - more often "transform" see 2 Corinthians 11:13, 14, 15; Philippians 3:21.) He abstains purposely and generously from publicly naming the fuglemen of the antagonistic factions. For your sakes. By rebuking party spirit in his own partisans and those of the teacher who was most closely allied to himself, he robbed his remarks of all semblance of personality or bitterness. It showed his generous delicacy not to allude rather to the adherents of Cephas and the Judaean emissary. Than ye might learn in us. I made Apollos and myself instances of the undesirability of over exalting human teachers, that by our case you might learn the general principle. Not to think of men above that which is written. The true reading is merely, not above the things which have been written, as though the words were a sort of proverb, like Ne quid nimis or Milton's "The rule of not too much" (μηδὲν ἄγαν). The word "to think" is omitted in the best manuscripts. The phrase, "which have been written," is of very uncertain meaning. It may refer generally to "the scriptural rule" that all boasting is wrong (Jeremiah 9:23), or to the humble estimate of teachers which he has just been writing down for them. All his Old Testament quotations so far (ch. 1:19, 31; 3:19) have referred to humility. Some see in it a reference to Matthew 23:8 "Be not ye called Babbi;" but it is uncertain whether St. Matthew's Gospel was yet written; and St. Paul never refers so directly to any written Gospel. Perhaps it is a sort of proverb," Keep always to strict evidence;" "Say nothing which cannot be proved in black and white." The text, like so many others, has only a very remote connection with the sense in which it is usually quoted. That no one of you he puffed up. St. Paul was painfully impressed by this inflation of the Corinthians, and he often recurs to this word as a description of their vain conceit (1 Corinthians 4:18, 19; 1 Corinthians 5:2; 1 Corinthians 8:1; 1 Corinthians 13:4; 2 Corinthians 12:20). In other Epistles the word is only found once (in Colossians 2:18). For one against another. The expression is a profound one. The glorying in men (1 Corinthians 3:21), undesirable in any circumstances, becomes the more pernicious because the exaltation of one set of teachers is almost invariably accompanied by mean and unjust depreciation of any who could be supposed to be their rivals. The Corinthian who was "for Cephas" would be almost certain to be, to some extent, "against Paul."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Brothers,
ἀδελφοί (adelphoi)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.

I have applied
μετεσχημάτισα (meteschēmatisa)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3345: From meta and a derivative of schema; to transfigure or disguise; figuratively, to apply.

these things
Ταῦτα (Tauta)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

myself
ἐμαυτὸν (emauton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1683: 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'.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

Apollos
Ἀπολλῶν (Apollōn)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 625: Apollos, a Jew of Alexandria. Probably from the same as Apollonia; Apollos, an Israelite.

for your benefit,
δι’ (di’)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

so that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

you may learn
μάθητε (mathēte)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 3129: Prolongation from a primary verb, another form of which, matheo, is used as an alternate in certain tenses; to learn.

from
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

us
ἡμῖν (hēmin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

not
Μὴ (Mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

[to go] beyond
ὑπὲρ (hyper)
Preposition
Strong's 5228: Gen: in behalf of; acc: above.

what
(ha)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

is written.
γέγραπται (gegraptai)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1125: A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.

Then
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

you will not take pride
φυσιοῦσθε (physiousthe)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 5448: From phusis in the primary sense of blowing; to inflate, i.e. make proud.

in
ὑπὲρ (hyper)
Preposition
Strong's 5228: Gen: in behalf of; acc: above.

one [man]
ἑνὸς (henos)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 1520: One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.

over
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

another.
ἑτέρου (heterou)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2087: (a) of two: another, a second, (b) other, different, (c) one's neighbor. Of uncertain affinity; other or different.


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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 4:6 Now these things brothers I have (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)
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