By
An Archaic English Usage
The word "by" is one of the most common words in the English language, but in the King James Version of the Bible, it occasionally carries a meaning that has fallen out of standard use. In 1 Corinthians 4:4, the KJV reads: "For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified." Here, "by myself" does not mean "on my own" but rather "against myself," reflecting an older English usage where "by" could mean "against" or "concerning." Modern translations render this more clearly.
The Meaning of 1 Corinthians 4:4
In this verse, Paul is addressing the Corinthian church about how they should regard him and other apostles. He states that his conscience is clear, that he is not aware of anything against himself, but he quickly adds that this does not make him innocent before God. "It is the Lord who judges me" (1 Corinthians 4:4). Paul is making the important distinction between self-assessment and divine judgment. A clear conscience is valuable but not ultimate, because only God sees the full truth of a person's heart.
The Broader Context of 1 Corinthians 4
Paul's statement about knowing nothing "by" himself comes in a passage where he addresses the Corinthians' tendency to evaluate and rank their leaders. Some favored Paul, others Apollos, and still others Cephas (1 Corinthians 1:12; 3:4-6). Paul insists that human evaluations are unreliable: "With me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court" (1 Corinthians 4:3). The only judgment that ultimately matters is God's, which will come when the Lord returns and brings hidden things to light.
Conscience in Biblical Theology
Paul's teaching in this verse contributes to the biblical understanding of conscience. The conscience serves as an internal witness, affirming or accusing a person's actions (Romans 2:15). However, the conscience is not infallible. It can be weak (1 Corinthians 8:7), seared (1 Timothy 4:2), or defiled (Titus 1:15). Paul's acknowledgment that a clear conscience does not guarantee innocence before God demonstrates the limitations of human self-knowledge and the necessity of divine evaluation.
Translation and Understanding
The evolution of the word "by" from meaning "against" to its modern spatial and instrumental senses illustrates why Bible translation is an ongoing task. What was perfectly clear to readers in 1611 can be misleading to modern audiences. The ESV renders the verse: "I am not aware of anything against myself," while the NIV has: "My conscience is clear." Both capture Paul's intended meaning more accessibly. Understanding archaic usages like this helps readers appreciate the richness of earlier translations while recognizing the value of contemporary ones.
Biblical Context
The archaic use of 'by' meaning 'against' appears in the KJV of 1 Corinthians 4:4. The verse belongs to Paul's extended discussion of apostolic ministry and human judgment in 1 Corinthians 3-4. The broader theme of conscience appears throughout Paul's letters, including Romans 2:15, 1 Corinthians 8:7, and 1 Timothy 4:2.
Theological Significance
Paul's statement teaches that human self-assessment, even a clear conscience, is insufficient for determining one's standing before God. Only divine judgment is fully reliable, because only God knows the hidden motives and thoughts of the heart. This teaching promotes humility, discourages judgmental attitudes toward others, and directs believers to trust in God's evaluation rather than their own or others' opinions.
Historical Background
The King James Version was published in 1611, drawing on the English of the late Elizabethan and early Jacobean period. Many words in the KJV carried meanings that have since shifted or become obsolete. The usage of 'by' meaning 'against' was documented in dialectal English well into the modern period. Understanding these linguistic changes is essential for the accurate interpretation of older Bible translations and helps explain why new translations continue to be produced.