I Corinthians 3
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual - This is a continuation of the preceding discourse. See the notes on Co1 2:14, Co1 2:15 (note), and Co1 2:16 (note). But as unto carnal - Σαρκικοις, Persons under the influence of fleshly appetites; coveting and living for the things of this life. Babes in Christ - Just beginning to acquire some notion of the Christian religion, hut as yet very incapable of judging what is most suitable to yourselves, and consequently utterly unqualified to discern between one teacher and another; so that your making the distinctions which you do make, so far from being a proof of mature judgment, is on the contrary a proof that you have no right judgment at all; and this springs from your want of knowledge in Divine things.
Open source ↗PAUL COULD NOT SPEAK TO THEM OF DEEP SPIRITUAL TRUTHS, AS THEY WERE CARNAL, CONTENDING FOR THEIR SEVERAL TEACHERS; THESE ARE NOTHING BUT WORKERS FOR GOD, TO WHOM THEY MUST GIVE ACCOUNT IN THE DAY OF FIERY JUDGMENT. THE HEARERS ARE GOD'S TEMPLE, WHICH THEY MUST NOT DEFILE BY CONTENTIONS FOR TEACHERS, WHO, AS WELL AS ALL THINGS, ARE THEIRS, BEING CHRIST'S. (1Co. 3:1-23) And I--that is, as the natural (animal) man cannot receive, so I also could not speak unto you the deep things of God, as I would to the spiritual; but I was compelled to speak to you as I would to MEN OF FLESH. The oldest manuscripts read this for "carnal." The former (literally, "fleshy") implies men wholly of flesh, or natural. Carnal, or fleshly, implies not they were wholly natural or unregenerate (Co1 2:14), but that they had much of a carnal tendency; for example their divisions. Paul had to speak to them as he would to men wholly natural, inasmuch as they are still carnal (Co1 3:3) in many respects, notwithstanding their conversion (Co1 1:4-9). babes--contrasted with the perfect (fully matured) in Christ (Col 1:28; compare Heb 5:13-14). This implies they were not men wholly of flesh, though carnal in tendencies. They had life in Christ, but it was weak. He blames them for being still in a degree (not altogether, compare Co1 1:5, Co1 1:7; therefore he says as) babes in Christ, when by this time they ought to have "come unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ" (Eph 4:13). In Rom 7:14, also the oldest manuscripts read, "I am a man of flesh."
Open source ↗And I, brethren, could not speak unto you,.... Though the apostle was a spiritual man himself, had spiritual gifts, even the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit, could judge all things, had the mind of Christ, and was able to speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, yet could not speak it to them, as unto spiritual; not but that they had the Spirit of God in them, and a work of grace upon them; for they were, as the apostle afterwards says, the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwelt in them; they were washed, sanctified, and justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God; but had not that spiritual discerning, or judgment in spiritual things, which some believers had, at least when the apostle was first with them; and now they were under great spiritual declensions, and had not those spiritual frames, nor that spiritual experience and conversation, which some other Christians had: but as unto carnal: not that they were in a carnal state, as unregenerate men are; but had carnal conceptions of things, were in carnal frames of soul, and walked in a carnal conversation with each other; though they were not in the flesh, in a state of nature, yet the flesh was in them, and not only lusted against the Spirit, but was very predominant in them, and carried them captive, so that they are denominated from it: even as unto babes in Christ; they were in Christ, and so were new creatures; they were, as the Arabic version reads it, "in the faith of Christ"; though babes and weaklings in it, they were believers in Christ, converted persons, yet children in understanding, knowledge, and experience; had but little judgment in spiritual things, and were unskilful in the word of righteousness; at least this was the case of many of them, though others were enriched i…
Open source ↗Here, I. Paul blames the Corinthians for their weakness and nonproficiency. Those who are sanctified are so only in part: there is still room for growth and increase both in grace and knowledge, Pe2 3:18. Those who through divine grace are renewed to a spiritual life may yet in many things be defective. The apostle tells them he could not speak to them as unto spiritual men, but as unto carnal men, as to babes in Christ, Co1 3:1. They were so far from forming their maxims and measures upon the ground of divine revelation, and entering into the spirit of the gospel, that is was but too evident they were much under the command of carnal and corrupt affections. They were still mere babes in Christ. They had received some of the first principles of Christianity, but had not grown up to maturity of understanding in them, or of faith and holiness; and yet it is plain, from several passages in this epistle, that the Corinthians were very proud of their wisdom and knowledge. Note, It is but too common for persons of very moderate knowledge and understanding to have a great measure of self-conceit. The apostle assigns their little proficiency in the knowledge of Christianity as a reason why he had communicated no more of the deep things of it to them. They could not bear such food, they needed to be fed with milk, not with meat, Co1 3:2. Note, It is the duty of a faithful minister of Christ to consult the capacities of his hearers and teach them as they can bear. And yet it is natural for babes to grow up to men; and babes in Christ should endeavour to grow in Stature, and become men in Christ. It is expected that their advances in knowledge should be in proportion to their means and opportunities, and their time of professing religion, that they may be able to bear discourses o…
Open source ↗3:1–4:7 Having contrasted human and spiritual wisdom, Paul now returns to the divisiveness in the Corinthian church (see 1:10-12), particularly their misplaced devotion to himself and Apollos. 3:1-4 Paul rebukes the Christians in Corinth for their spiritual immaturity. 3:1 The Corinthians’ behavior was not that of the spiritual people whom Paul described in 2:15, but like that of unbelievers who are attracted to the wisdom and values of this world. • infants in Christ: Though they were converted, their lives and thinking did not reflect maturity in Christ and the transforming perspective of his Spirit.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐγώ (egṓ, G1473) ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) δύναμαι (dýnamai, G1410) — to be able or possible οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not λαλέω (laléō, G2980) — to talk, i.e. utter words ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) πνευματικός (pneumatikós, G4152) — non-carnal, i.e. (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (dæmoniacally) a spirit… ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) σαρκικός (sarkikós, G4559) — pertaining to flesh, i.e. (by extension) bodily, temporal, or (by implication) animal,… νήπιος (nḗpios, G3516) — not speaking, i.e. an infant (minor); figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus
Open source ↗ποτίζω (potízō, G4222) — to furnish drink, irrigate ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) γάλα (gála, G1051) — milk (figuratively) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not βρῶμα (brōma, G1033) — food (literally or figuratively), especially (ceremonially) articles allowed or forbidden… γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… οὔπω (oúpō, G3768) — not yet δύναμαι (dýnamai, G1410) — to be able or possible ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) οὔτε (oúte, G3777) — not too, i.e. neither or nor; by analogy, not even ἔτι (éti, G2089) — "yet," still (of time or degree) νῦν (nŷn, G3568) — "now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or…
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ἐστέ (esté, G2075) — ye are ἔτι (éti, G2089) — "yet," still (of time or degree) σαρκικός (sarkikós, G4559) — pertaining to flesh, i.e. (by extension) bodily, temporal, or (by implication) animal,… ὅπου (hópou, G3699) — what(-ever) where, i.e. at whichever spot ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you ζῆλος (zēlos, G2205) — properly, heat, i.e. (figuratively) "zeal" (in a favorable sense, ardor; in an… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἔρις (éris, G2054) — a quarrel, i.e. (by implication) wrangling διχοστασία (dichostasía, G1370) — disunion, i.e. (figuratively) dissension οὐχί (ouchí, G3780) — not indeed περιπατέω (peripatéō, G4043) — to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively,… κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case…
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ὅταν (hótan, G3752) — whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively… τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… ἐγώ (egṓ, G1473) μέν (mén, G3303) — properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a… εἰμί (eimí, G1510) — I exist (used only when emphatic) Παῦλος (Paûlos, G3972) — (little; but remotely from a derivative of G3973 (παύω), meaning the same); Paulus, the… δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἕτερος (héteros, G2087) — (an-, the) other or different Ἀπολλῶς (Apollōs, G625) — Apollos, an Israelite ἐστέ (esté, G2075) — ye are οὐχί (ouchí, G3780) — not indeed σαρκικός (sarkikós, G4559) — pertaining to flesh, i.e. (by extension) bodily, temporal, or (by implication) animal,…
Open source ↗τίς (tís, G5101) — an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions) οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are Παῦλος (Paûlos, G3972) — (little; but remotely from a derivative of G3973 (παύω), meaning the same); Paulus, the… δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. Ἀπολλῶς (Apollōs, G625) — Apollos, an Israelite ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) ἤ (ḗ, G2228) — disjunctive, or; comparative, than διάκονος (diákonos, G1249) — an attendant, i.e. (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties);… διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that πιστεύω (pisteúō, G4100) — to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
Open source ↗ἐγώ (egṓ, G1473) φυτεύω (phyteúō, G5452) — to set out in the earth, i.e. implant; figuratively, to instil doctrine Ἀπολλῶς (Apollōs, G625) — Apollos, an Israelite ποτίζω (potízō, G4222) — to furnish drink, irrigate ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very αὐξάνω (auxánō, G837) — to grow ("wax"), i.e. enlarge (literal or figurative, active or passive)
Open source ↗ὥστε (hṓste, G5620) — so too, i.e. thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow) οὔτε (oúte, G3777) — not too, i.e. neither or nor; by analogy, not even ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are φυτεύω (phyteúō, G5452) — to set out in the earth, i.e. implant; figuratively, to instil doctrine τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object ποτίζω (potízō, G4222) — to furnish drink, irrigate ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very αὐξάνω (auxánō, G837) — to grow ("wax"), i.e. enlarge (literal or figurative, active or passive)
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. φυτεύω (phyteúō, G5452) — to set out in the earth, i.e. implant; figuratively, to instil doctrine καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ποτίζω (potízō, G4222) — to furnish drink, irrigate εἰσί (eisí, G1526) — they are εἷς (heîs, G1520) — one ἕκαστος (hékastos, G1538) — each or every λαμβάνω (lambánō, G2983) — while G138 (αἱρέομαι) is more violent, to seize or remove)) ἴδιος (ídios, G2398) — pertaining to self, i.e. one's own; by implication, private or separate μισθός (misthós, G3408) — pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… κόπος (kópos, G2873) — a cut, i.e. (by analogy) toil (as reducing the strength), literally or figuratively; by…
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ἐσμέν (esmén, G2070) — we are συνεργός (synergós, G4904) — a co-laborer, i.e. coadjutor θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very ἐστέ (esté, G2075) — ye are γεώργιον (geṓrgion, G1091) — cultivable, i.e. a farm οἰκοδομή (oikodomḗ, G3619) — architecture, i.e. (concretely) a structure; figuratively, confirmation
Open source ↗κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… χάρις (cháris, G5485) — graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) δίδωμι (dídōmi, G1325) — to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or… μοί (moí, G3427) — to me ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) σοφός (sophós, G4680) — wise (in a most general application) ἀρχιτέκτων (architéktōn, G753) — a chief constructor, i.e. "architect" τίθημι (títhēmi, G5087) — to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive… θεμέλιος (themélios, G2310) — something put down, i.e. a substruction (of a building, etc.), (literally or figuratively) δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἄλλος (állos, G243) — "else," i.e. different (in many applications) ἐποικοδομέω (epoikodoméō, G2026) — to build upon, i.e. (figuratively) to rear up
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ἄλλος (állos, G243) — "else," i.e. different (in many applications) θεμέλιος (themélios, G2310) — something put down, i.e. a substruction (of a building, etc.), (literally or figuratively) δύναμαι (dýnamai, G1410) — to be able or possible οὐδείς (oudeís, G3762) — not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e. none, nobody, nothing τίθημι (títhēmi, G5087) — to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive… παρά (pará, G3844) — properly, near; i.e. (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with… κεῖμαι (keîmai, G2749) — to lie outstretched (literally or figuratively) ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. εἴ τις (eí tis, G1536) — if any ἐποικοδομέω (epoikodoméō, G2026) — to build upon, i.e. (figuratively) to rear up ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… τοῦτον (toûton, G5126) — this (person, as objective of verb or preposition) θεμέλιος (themélios, G2310) — something put down, i.e. a substruction (of a building, etc.), (literally or figuratively) χρυσός (chrysós, G5557) — gold; by extension, a golden article, as an ornament or coin ἄργυρος (árgyros, G696) — silver (the metal, in the articles or coin) τίμιος (tímios, G5093) — valuable, i.e. (objectively) costly, or (subjectively) honored, esteemed, or… λίθος (líthos, G3037) — a stone (literally or figuratively) ξύλον (xýlon, G3586) — timber (as fuel or material); by implication, a stick, club or tree or other wooden… χόρτος (chórtos, G5528) — a "court" or "garden", i.e. (by implication, of pasture) herbage or vegetation καλάμη (kalámē, G2562) — a stalk of grain, i.e. (collectively) stubble
Open source ↗ἕκαστος (hékastos, G1538) — each or every ἔργον (érgon, G2041) — toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… φανερός (phanerós, G5318) — shining, i.e. apparent (literally or figuratively); neuter (as adverb) publicly,… γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but… δηλόω (dēlóō, G1213) — to make plain (by words) ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ἀποκαλύπτω (apokalýptō, G601) — to take off the cover, i.e. disclose ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. πῦρ (pŷr, G4442) — "fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… δοκιμάζω (dokimázō, G1381) — to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve ὁποῖος (hopoîos, G3697) — of what kind that, i.e. how (as) great (excellent) (specially, as an indefinite…
Open source ↗εἴ τις (eí tis, G1536) — if any ἔργον (érgon, G2041) — toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act μένω (ménō, G3306) — to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy) ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ἐποικοδομέω (epoikodoméō, G2026) — to build upon, i.e. (figuratively) to rear up λαμβάνω (lambánō, G2983) — while G138 (αἱρέομαι) is more violent, to seize or remove)) μισθός (misthós, G3408) — pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
For everyone who lives on milk is still an infant, inexperienced in the message of righteousness.
Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.
Among the mature, however, we speak a message of wisdom—but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.
We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin.
Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.
I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven through His name.
But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me. For you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”