1 Corinthians 4:12

12 We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;

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1 Corinthians 4:12 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)

12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:

English Standard Version (ESV)

12 and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure;

New Living Translation (NLT)

12 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.

The Message Bible (MSG)

12 and we pick up odd jobs anywhere we can to eke out a living. When they call us names, we say, "God bless you."

American Standard Version (ASV)

12 and we toil, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure;

GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)

12 We wear ourselves out doing physical labor. When people verbally abuse us, we bless them. When people persecute us, we endure it.

Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

12 we labor, working with our own hands. When we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;

New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

12 We work hard with our own hands. When others call down a curse on us, we bless them. When we are attacked, we put up with it.

1 Corinthians 4:12 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 4:12

And labour, working with our own hands
As the apostle did at Corinth, ( Acts 18:3 ) and elsewhere; partly to minister to his own necessities, and those of others; and partly that he might not be burdensome to the churches; and also to set an example of diligence and industry to others; though he had a right and power to claim a maintenance of those to whom he ministered.

Being reviled, we bless;
as Christ commanded, ( Matthew 5:44 ) and the apostle himself directed and exhorted to, ( Romans 12:14 )

being persecuted, we suffer it;
that is, patiently; neither resisting our persecutors, nor murmuring and repining at our unhappy circumstances; but taking all in good part, as what is the will of God, and will make for his glory.

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible

1 Corinthians 4:12 In-Context

10 We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored!

11 To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless.

12 We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;

13 when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world—right up to this moment.

14 I am writing this not to shame you but to warn you as my dear children.

Cross References 3

1. S Acts 18:3
2. Romans 12:14; 1 Peter 3:9
3. S Matthew 5:44