1 Corinthians 4:7

5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

6 Brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written. Then you will not take pride in one man over another.

For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?

8 Already you have all you want. Already you have become rich. Without us, you have become kings. How I wish you really were kings, so that we might be kings with you!

9 For it seems to me that God has displayed us apostles at the end of the procession, like prisoners appointed for death. We have become a spectacle to the whole world, to angels as well as to men.

Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?
KJV
For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?
WEB
For who makes you different? And what do you have that you didn’t receive? But if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
ASV
For who maketh thee to differ? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? but if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory as if thou hadst not received it?
DARBY
For who makes thee to differ? and what hast thou which thou hast not received? but if also thou hast received, why boastest thou as not receiving?
BLB
For who makes you different? And what do you have that you did not receive? And if also you did receive [it], why do you boast as not having received [it]?
ÅB
For hvem gir vel deg fortrinn? Og hva har du, som du ikke har fått? Men om du nå har fått noe, hvorfor roser du deg da som om du ikke hadde fått det?
OTB
For hvem anser deg som overlegen? Og hva har du som du ikke har mottatt? Men hvis du har mottatt det, hvorfor roser du deg som om du ikke hadde mottatt det?
B1930
For hvem gir vel dig fortrin? Og hvad har du, som du ikke har fått? Men om du nu har fått noget, hvorfor roser du dig da som om du ikke hadde fått det?

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • John 3:27

    John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.

    Read in context
  • 1 Peter 4:10

    As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.

    Read in context
  • James 1:17

    Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.

    Read in context
  • 1 Chronicles 29:11–16

    Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in heaven and on earth belongs to You. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom, and You are exalted as head over all.

    Read in context
  • John 1:16

    From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace.

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  • Romans 12:6

    We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith;

    Read in context
  • Proverbs 2:6

    For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

    Read in context
  • Luke 19:13

    Beforehand, he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Conduct business with this until I return,’ he said.

    Read in context