1 Corinthians 4:3

But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.

1 Corinthians 4:3 (KJV)

Context

Paul writes to a divided Corinthian church, where believers were evaluating ministers by human standards. In this passage, he reminds them that apostles are servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. Their faithfulness, not public opinion, is what matters.

Meaning

Paul says that being judged by the Corinthians or by any human court is “a very small thing” to him. The Greek word used here, anakrino, means to examine or scrutinize. Paul is not dismissing accountability or the value of godly feedback. Rather, he refuses to make human verdicts—whether from others or even from himself—the final measure of his ministry. His focus is on faithfulness to God’s calling.

Paul adds, “yea, I judge not mine own self.” This does not mean he avoids self-reflection. He recognizes that human judgment, including his own, is limited and flawed. Only God can truly examine the heart and motives. Paul’s confidence rests in God’s assessment, not in his own or anyone else’s evaluation.

Biblical connections

This verse connects to Paul’s broader teaching that believers should live for an eternal perspective and seek God’s approval above all else. The same Greek verb appears in 1 Corinthians 4:4, where Paul acknowledges that his conscience is clear but that this does not make him righteous—the Lord is his judge.

Application

Believers today can be paralyzed by the opinions of others or by harsh self-criticism. Paul’s example frees us to serve God faithfully without being controlled by human approval. At the same time, we should remain open to correction from the church and honest in self-examination, while ultimately resting in God’s righteous judgment.

Reflection

Whose opinion shapes your sense of worth and success? Paul’s words invite us to place our identity and ministry under God’s loving, all-knowing evaluation, trusting that His verdict is the one that truly matters.