4I give thanks to my God always concerning you for the grace of God given to you in Christ Jesus — [1:5] that in everything you have been made wealthy in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, [1:6] just as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you — [1:7] so that you are not lacking in any gift, eagerly awaiting the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, [1:8] who will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. [1:9] Faithful is God, through whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
1CO 1:4-9
Thanksgiving
In the world it was spoken into
In 1st-century Corinth, a bustling Roman colony with a diverse population, Paul’s thanksgiving would resonate deeply with the cultural and social dynamics of the city. The term (grace) would evoke the Greco-Roman concept of patronage, where benefactors bestowed gifts or favors, often expecting loyalty in return. Here, Paul reorients this idea, emphasizing God’s unearned generosity given through Christ. The enrichment Paul mentions would contrast sharply with Corinth’s materialistic ethos, pointing instead to spiritual abundance in speech and knowledge, likely referencing the Corinthians’ pride in rhetorical and intellectual prowess. The (fellowship) Paul speaks of would challenge the fragmented social hierarchies of Corinth, calling for a shared, active participation in Christ’s life. The (eagerly awaiting) reflects an eschatological hope common in early Christian communities, anticipating Christ’s return amidst Roman imperial claims of eternal rule. Paul’s assurance of being sustained blameless would counter the honor-shame culture, offering divine validation over societal approval.
›See the receipts
How other translations render this
1CO 1:4
- KJV
- I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
- BSB
- I always thank my God for you because of the grace He has given you in Christ Jesus.
- Koinōnos
- I give thanks to my God always concerning you for the grace of God given to you in Christ Jesus —
1CO 1:5
- KJV
- That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;
- BSB
- For in Him you have been enriched in every way, in all speech and all knowledge,
- Koinōnos
- that in everything you have been made wealthy in Him, in all speech and all knowledge,
1CO 1:6
- KJV
- Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:
- BSB
- because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you.
- Koinōnos
- just as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you —
1CO 1:7
- KJV
- So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
- BSB
- Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly await the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Koinōnos
- so that you are not lacking in any gift, eagerly awaiting the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ,
1CO 1:8
- KJV
- Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- BSB
- He will sustain you to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Koinōnos
- who will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1CO 1:9
- KJV
- God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
- BSB
- God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
- Koinōnos
- Faithful is God, through whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
1CO 1:4
- grace:The word translated 'grace' here often referred to a favor or gift freely given, emphasizing the unearned and benevolent nature of the act, rather than just a general sense of divine favor.
1CO 1:5
- you have been enriched:The phrase 'you have been enriched' uses a word that literally means to be made wealthy or to gain riches, suggesting an abundance of spiritual blessings rather than just a sufficient amount.
1CO 1:7
- eagerly awaiting:The term translated 'eagerly awaiting' conveys a strong sense of anticipation and patient endurance, like someone straining to see something that is expected but not yet visible.
1CO 1:9
- fellowship:The word translated 'fellowship' implies a deep, shared participation and partnership, often involving common interests, activities, or even possessions, not just casual association.