Deep Dive

I Corinthians 5:3

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Although I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, and I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present.

Deep dive References (9)

Commentaries

Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brownv. 3

as absent--The best manuscripts read, "being absent." present in spirit-- (Kg2 5:26; Col 2:5). so done--rather, "perpetrated," as the Greek word here is stronger than that for "done" in Co1 5:2. "So," that is, so scandalously while called a brother.

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Matthew Henry Bible Commentaryv. 3

In this chapter the apostle, I. Blames them for their indulgence in the case of the incestuous person, and orders him to be excommunicated, and delivered to Satan (Co1 5:1-6). II. He exhorts them to Christian purity, by purging out the old leaven (Co1 5:7, Co1 5:8). And, III. Directs them to shun even the common conversation of Christians who were guilty of any notorious and flagitious wickedness (Co1 5:9 to the end).

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Tyndale Open Study Notesv. 3

5:3 in the Spirit: Paul’s spiritual unity with them and the authority he had received from God through the Spirit were effective among them.

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Original language

The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).

Strong's Concordancev. 3

γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ἐγώ (egṓ, G1473) μέν (mén, G3303) — properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a… ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) ἄπειμι (ápeimi, G548) — to be away σῶμα (sōma, G4983) — the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. πάρειμι (páreimi, G3918) — to be near, i.e. at hand; neuter present participle (singular) time being, or (plural)… πνεῦμα (pneûma, G4151) — a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit,… κρίνω (krínō, G2919) — by implication, to try, condemn, punish ἤδη (ḗdē, G2235) — even now κατεργάζομαι (katergázomai, G2716) — to work fully, i.e. accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion οὕτω (hoútō, G3779) — in this way (referring to what precedes or follows) τοῦτο (toûto, G5124) — that thing

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Cross-references

Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.

Colossians 2:5rank 13

For although I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, and I delight to see your orderly condition and firm faith in Christ.

I Thessalonians 2:17rank 7

Brothers, although we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in heart), our desire to see you face to face was even more intense.

II Corinthians 13:2rank 3

I already warned you the second time I was with you. So now in my absence I warn those who sinned earlier and everyone else: If I return, I will not spare anyone,

II Corinthians 10:11rank 2

Such people should consider that what we are in our letters when absent, we will be in our actions when present.

II Corinthians 10:1rank 1

Now by the mildness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am humble when face to face with you, but bold when away.

Commentaries

Original language

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