I Corinthians 5
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
There is fornication among you - The word πορνεια, which we translate fornication in this place, must be understood in its utmost latitude of meaning, as implying all kinds of impurity; for, that the Corinthians were notoriously guilty of every species of irregularity and debauch, we have already seen; and it is not likely that in speaking on this subject, in reference to a people so very notorious, he would refer to only one species of impurity, and that not the most flagitious. That one should have his father's wife - Commentators and critics have found great difficulties in this statement. One part of the case is sufficiently clear, that a man who professed Christianity had illegal connections with his father's wife; but the principal question is, was his father alive or dead? Most think that the father was alive, and imagine that to this the apostle refers, Co2 7:12, where, speaking of the person who did the wrong, he introduces also him who had suffered the wrong; which must mean the father and the father then alive. After all that has been said on this subject, I think it most natural to conclude that the person in question had married the wife of his deceased father, not his own mother, but stepmother, then a widow. This was a crime which the text says was not so much as named among the Gentiles; the apostle must only mean that it was not accredited by them, for it certainly did often occur: but by their best writers who notice it, it was branded as superlatively infamous. Cicero styles it, scelus incredibile et inauditum, an incredible and unheard of wickedness; but it was heard of and practised; and there are several stories of this kind in heathen authors, but they reprobate not commend it. The word ονομαζεται, named, is wanting in almost every MS. and version…
Open source ↗THE INCESTUOUS PERSON AT CORINTH: THE CORINTHIANS REPROVED FOR CONNIVANCE, AND WARNED TO PURGE OUT THE BAD LEAVEN. QUALIFICATION OF HIS FORMER COMMAND AS TO ASSOCIATION WITH SINNERS OF THE WORLD. (Co1 5:1-13) commonly--rather, "actually" [ALFORD]. Absolutely [BENGEL]. "It is reported," implies, that the Corinthians, though they "wrote" (Co1 7:1) to Paul on other points, gave him no information on those things which bore against themselves. These latter matters reached the apostle indirectly (Co1 1:11). so much as named--The oldest manuscripts and authorities omit "named": "Fornication of such a gross kind as (exists) not even among the heathen, so that one (of you) hath (in concubinage) his father's wife," that is, his stepmother, while his father is still alive (Co2 7:12; compare Lev 18:8). She was perhaps a heathen, for which reason he does not direct his rebuke against her (compare Co1 5:12-13). ALFORD thinks "have" means have in marriage: but the connection is called "fornication," and neither Christian nor Gentile law would have sanctioned such a marriage, however Corinth's notorious profligacy might wink at the concubinage.
Open source ↗It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you,.... The apostle having reproved the Corinthians for their schisms and divisions about their ministers, proceeds to charge them with immoralities committed among them, and which were connived at, and took no notice of by them; and particularly a very notorious one, which he here mentions with its aggravated circumstances. It was done among them; not only by one of their citizens, nor merely by one of their hearers, but by one of their members, and so was cognizable by them as a church; for though they had nothing to do with them that were without, yet they were concerned with them that were within: this was a public offence; it was known by everyone, and it was in everybody's mouth; it was heard in all companies; it was "commonly", "universally" talked of, and reported; it was generally known at Corinth, and in all Achaia, so that the church could not plead ignorance, nor could they be excused from blame in not as publicly declaring their abhorrence of the fact, as it was committed, which was fornication: fornication, "generally" taken, might be committed among them in all the branches of it, as that may include simple fornication, adultery, incest, and all acts of uncleanness; wherefore the apostle proceeds to describe that particular instance of fornication, that one of their members was guilty of: and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife; not but that such unnatural copulations were practised, as among the Indians, Moors, Bactrians, Ethiopians, Medes, and Persians, as reported by sundry writers (y); and among the Arabians, before prohibited by Mahomet (z); but then such marriages and mixtures were not allowed of among the more civil and cultiv…
Open source ↗Here the apostle states the case; and, I. Lets them know what was the common or general report concerning them, that one of their community was guilty of fornication, Co1 5:1. It was told in all places, to their dishonour, and the reproach of Christians. And it was the more reproachful because it could not be denied. Note, The heinous sins of professed Christians are quickly noted and noised abroad. We should walk circumspectly, for many eyes are upon us, and many mouths will be opened against us if we fall into any scandalous practice. This was not a common instance of fornication, but such as was not so much as named among the Gentiles, that a man should have his father's wife - either marry her while his father was alive, or keep her as his concubine, either when he was dead or while he was alive. In either of these cases, his criminal conversation with her might be called fornication; but had his father been dead, and he, after his decease, married to her, it had been incest still, but neither fornication nor adultery in the strictest sense. But to marry her, or keep her as a concubine, while his father was alive, though he had repudiated her, or she had deserted him, whether she were his own mother or not, was incestuous fornication: Scelus incredibile (as Cicero calls it), et prater unum in omni vit inauditum (Orat. pro Cluent.), when a woman had caused her daughter to be put away, and was married to her husband. Incredible wickedness! says the orator; such I never heard of in all my life besides. Not that there were no such instances of incestuous marriages among the heathens; but, whenever they happened, they gave a shock to every man of virtue and probity among them. They could not think of them without horror, nor mention them without dislike and detestation.…
Open source ↗5:1-8 Paul confronts sexual immorality in the church and instructs the Christians to expel a shameless offender from their fellowship. 5:1 sexual immorality: A man was having sex with his stepmother. Such behavior even pagans didn’t do: It violated both the law of Moses (see Lev 18:7-8) and Roman law (Gaius, Institutes 1.63).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
ἀκούω (akoúō, G191) — to hear (in various senses) ὅλως (hólōs, G3654) — completely, i.e. altogether; (by analogy), everywhere; (negatively) not by any means πορνεία (porneía, G4202) — harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… τοιοῦτος (toioûtos, G5108) — truly this, i.e. of this sort (to denote character or individuality) ὅστις (hóstis, G3748) — which some, i.e. any that; also (definite) which same ὀνομάζω (onomázō, G3687) — to name, i.e. assign an appellation; by extension, to utter, mention, profess οὐδέ (oudé, G3761) — not however, i.e. neither, nor, not even ἔθνος (éthnos, G1484) — a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one… ὥστε (hṓste, G5620) — so too, i.e. thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow) τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ὑμεῖς (hymeîs, G5210) — you (as subjective of verb) ἐστέ (esté, G2075) — ye are φυσιόω (physióō, G5448) — to inflate, i.e. (figuratively) make proud (haughty) πενθέω (penthéō, G3996) — to grieve (the feeling or the act) οὐχί (ouchí, G3780) — not indeed μᾶλλον (mâllon, G3123) — (adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) τοῦτο (toûto, G5124) — that thing ἔργον (érgon, G2041) — toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act ἐξαίρω (exaírō, G1808) — to remove ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) μέσος (mésos, G3319) — middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun)
Open source ↗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
Open source ↗ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ὄνομα (ónoma, G3686) — a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character) ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… 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 ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you συνάγω (synágō, G4863) — to lead together, i.e. collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐμός (emós, G1699) — my πνεῦμα (pneûma, G4151) — a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit,… σύν (sýn, G4862) — with or together (but much closer than G3326 (μετά) or G3844 (παρά)), i.e. by… δύναμις (dýnamis, G1411) — force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a…
Open source ↗παραδίδωμι (paradídōmi, G3860) — to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit τοιοῦτος (toioûtos, G5108) — truly this, i.e. of this sort (to denote character or individuality) Σατανᾶς (Satanâs, G4567) — the accuser, i.e. the devil εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ὄλεθρος (ólethros, G3639) — a prolonged form); ruin, i.e. death, punishment σάρξ (sárx, G4561) — flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by… ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) πνεῦμα (pneûma, G4151) — a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit,… σώζω (sṓzō, G4982) — to save, i.e. deliver or protect (literally or figuratively) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but… κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites
Open source ↗ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you καύχημα (kaúchēma, G2745) — a boast (properly, the object; by implication, the act) in a good or a bad sense οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not καλός (kalós, G2570) εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because μικρός (mikrós, G3398) — small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity) ζύμη (zýmē, G2219) — ferment (as if boiling up) ζυμόω (zymóō, G2220) — to cause to ferment ὅλος (hólos, G3650) — "whole" or "all", i.e. complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter)… φύραμα (phýrama, G5445) — perhaps akin to G5453 (φύω) through the idea of swelling in bulk), mean to knead; a mass…
Open source ↗ἐκκαθαίρω (ekkathaírō, G1571) — to cleanse thoroughly οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly παλαιός (palaiós, G3820) — antique, i.e. not recent, worn out ζύμη (zýmē, G2219) — ferment (as if boiling up) ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) ὦ (ō, G5600) — (may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with G1487 (εἰ) and its… νέος (néos, G3501) — "new", i.e. (of persons) youthful, or (of things) fresh; figuratively, regenerate φύραμα (phýrama, G5445) — perhaps akin to G5453 (φύω) through the idea of swelling in bulk), mean to knead; a mass… καθώς (kathṓs, G2531) — just (or inasmuch) as, that ἐστέ (esté, G2075) — ye are ἄζυμος (ázymos, G106) — unleavened, i.e. (figuratively) uncorrupted; (in the neutral plural) specially (by… γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus
Open source ↗ὥστε (hṓste, G5620) — so too, i.e. thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow) ἑορτάζω (heortázō, G1858) — to observe a festival μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. παλαιός (palaiós, G3820) — antique, i.e. not recent, worn out ζύμη (zýmē, G2219) — ferment (as if boiling up) μηδέ (mēdé, G3366) — but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor κακία (kakía, G2549) — badness, i.e. (subjectively) depravity, or (actively) malignity, or (passively) trouble καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… πονηρία (ponēría, G4189) — depravity, i.e. (specially), malice; plural (concretely) plots, sins ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) ἄζυμος (ázymos, G106) — unleavened, i.e. (figuratively) uncorrupted; (in the neutral plural) specially (by… εἰλικρίνεια (eilikríneia, G1505) — clearness, i.e. (by implication) purity (figuratively) ἀλήθεια (alḗtheia, G225) — truth
Open source ↗γράφω (gráphō, G1125) — to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἐπιστολή (epistolḗ, G1992) — a written message μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… συναναμίγνυμι (synanamígnymi, G4874) — to mix up together, i.e. (figurative) associate with πόρνος (pórnos, G4205) — akin to the base of G4097 (πιπράσκω)); a (male) prostitute (as venal), i.e. (by analogy)…
Open source ↗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 πάντως (pántōs, G3843) — entirely; specially, at all events, (with negative, following) in no event πόρνος (pórnos, G4205) — akin to the base of G4097 (πιπράσκω)); a (male) prostitute (as venal), i.e. (by analogy)… τούτου (toútou, G5127) — of (from or concerning) this (person or thing) κόσμος (kósmos, G2889) — orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration; by implication, the world (in a wide or narrow… ἤ (ḗ, G2228) — disjunctive, or; comparative, than πλεονέκτης (pleonéktēs, G4123) — holding (desiring) more, i.e. eager for gain (avaricious, hence a defrauder) ἅρπαξ (hárpax, G727) — rapacious εἰδωλολάτρης (eidōlolátrēs, G1496) — an image- (servant or) worshipper (literally or figuratively) ἐπεί (epeí, G1893) — thereupon, i.e. since (of time or cause) ἄρα (ára, G686) — a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows) ὀφείλω (opheílō, G3784) — to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should);… ἐξέρχομαι (exérchomai, G1831) — to issue (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. νυνί (nyní, G3570) — just now γράφω (gráphō, G1125) — to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… συναναμίγνυμι (synanamígnymi, G4874) — to mix up together, i.e. (figurative) associate with ἐάν (eán, G1437) — a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other… τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object ὀνομάζω (onomázō, G3687) — to name, i.e. assign an appellation; by extension, to utter, mention, profess ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) ἤ (ḗ, G2228) — disjunctive, or; comparative, than πόρνος (pórnos, G4205) — akin to the base of G4097 (πιπράσκω)); a (male) prostitute (as venal), i.e. (by analogy)… πλεονέκτης (pleonéktēs, G4123) — holding (desiring) more, i.e. eager for gain (avaricious, hence a defrauder) εἰδωλολάτρης (eidōlolátrēs, G1496) — an image- (servant or) worshipper (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… τίς (tís, G5101) — an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions) μοί (moí, G3427) — to me κρίνω (krínō, G2919) — by implication, to try, condemn, punish καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἔξω (éxō, G1854) — out(-side, of doors), literally or figuratively οὐχί (ouchí, G3780) — not indeed ὑμεῖς (hymeîs, G5210) — you (as subjective of verb) ἔσω (ésō, G2080) — inside (as preposition or adjective)
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἔξω (éxō, G1854) — out(-side, of doors), literally or figuratively θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very κρίνω (krínō, G2919) — by implication, to try, condemn, punish καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐξαίρω (exaírō, G1808) — to remove ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… πονηρός (ponērós, G4190) — hurtful, i.e. evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from G2556…
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death.”
Even though I have given her time to repent of her immorality, she is unwilling.
Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.
But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed.
You must not have sexual relations with your father’s wife; it would dishonor your father.
You must abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell.
Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery;
Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts,
For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness.