BY.In the Authorized Version of is generally used for the agent and by for the instrument. Thus Mat_1:22 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of (RV [Note: Revised Version.] by) the Lord by (RV [Note: Revised Version.] through) the prophet.
In 1Co_4:4 I know nothing by myself, by means contrary to, against, as in Hamiltons Catechism, 1559 (the Tabil), Jugis quhilk fur lufe of rewardis dols ony thing by the ordour of justice; also fol. vii., curslt ar thai quhilk gaogis by ye commondis of God.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible
Edited by James Hastings, D.D. Published in 1909
In the sense of ?against? which survives only in dialectal English (compare Wright, Dialect Dict., I, 470, for examples) is the King James Version rendering of the dative ἐμαυτῷ, emautō̇ of 1Co_4:4 (the American Standard Revised Version renders this ?against?). In classical Greek the same idiom sunoı́da with dative = ?be conscious? or ?be cognizant of? a thing.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PRINTER 1915.