1 Corinthians 4:13
Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
Study Note
Study Note
Paul's self-description — 'we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day' — uses two of the most degrading terms in Greek: 'perikatharma' (scum used in purification rites) and 'peripsēma' (refuse, scrapings), both associated with ritual cleansing or the scapegoat tradition. The irony of the passage is deliberate: the Corinthians are 'full,' 'rich,' and 'kings' (verse 8) while the apostles are fools, weak, and despised — a contrast that exposes how thoroughly the Corinthians have misunderstood the theology of the cross. The 'fool for Christ's sake' identity Paul adopts (verse 10) anticipates his theology of divine power-through-weakness in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ('when I am weak, then am I strong'). Hebrews 11:36-38's catalogue of honoured sufferers ('of whom the world was not worthy') provides a canonical context for Paul's embrace of ignominy.
Other Translations
being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things, even until now.
being spoken evil of, we entreat; as filth of the world we did become--of all things an offscouring--till now.
When evil things are said about us we give gentle answers: we are made as the unclean things of the world, as that for which no one has any use, even till now.