1 Corinthians 4:5 Meaning and Explanation
“Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Paul urges them to withhold final judgment until the Lord comes, who will expose every hidden thing and give each person his due praise from God.
What Does 1 Corinthians 4:5 Mean?
This gathers the previous verses into a command. Because the Lord is the true judge, the Corinthians should stop handing down premature verdicts on one another. The time for full assessment is the Lord's coming, not now.
Paul promises that day will bring two things to light: the hidden things done in darkness and the secret motives of the heart. Nothing will stay concealed. Yet the note he ends on is grace, not dread, for then each faithful one 'shall have praise of God.' The believer can leave judgment to the only One who sees all, and wait for commendation from the Lord Himself rather than scrambling for it now.
1 Corinthians 4:5 in the Original Language
boule (βουλή), 'counsels' -- the inner purposes or deliberations of the heart, one's hidden motives.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Corinthians 4:5
What does 1 Corinthians 4:5 mean?
Paul urges them to withhold final judgment until the Lord comes, who will expose every hidden thing and give each person his due praise from God.