1 Corinthians 3 3

1 Corinthians 3:3 kjv

For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

1 Corinthians 3:3 nkjv

for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?

1 Corinthians 3:3 niv

You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?

1 Corinthians 3:3 esv

for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?

1 Corinthians 3:3 nlt

for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn't that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren't you living like people of the world?

1 Corinthians 3 verses

1 Corinthians 3 3 Meaning

This verse identifies the foundational reason for divisions within the Corinthian church: they were still operating on a purely human, fleshly level, influenced by worldly wisdom and leadership allegiances rather than a unified reliance on God's spiritual truths and authority.

1 Corinthians 3 3 Context

This verse is part of Paul's discourse to the church in Corinth, which was experiencing severe disunity and factionalism. The Corinthians had divided themselves into groups, each claiming allegiance to a different spiritual leader, such as Paul, Apollos, or Peter. Paul, addressing these divisions, explains that such divisions are a clear sign that they are still functioning on a carnal, human level, not yet mature in their faith and dependent on the Holy Spirit for guidance and unity. He contrasts this carnal mindset with the spiritual foundation they should have in Christ.

1 Corinthians 3 3 Word Analysis

• καὶ (kai): "and." A conjunctive particle, often used to link clauses or ideas smoothly.

• γάρ (gar): "for," "because." Explanatory conjunction, introducing the reason for the preceding statement.

• ἔτι (eti): "still," "yet." Indicates a continuing state or action; they have not moved beyond this condition.

• σαρκικοί (sarkikoi): "fleshly," "carnal." Adjective derived from sarx (flesh). It describes a state of being dominated by the desires, weaknesses, and perspectives of the fallen human nature, rather than by the Spirit. This denotes immaturity and a focus on worldly, human distinctions.

• εἰμί (eimi): "I am," "am." Third-person singular present active indicative of eimi, functioning here as "you are." The use of the singular "I am" followed by plural "fleshly" points to individual expressions of this carnal nature leading to group divisions.

• μόνοι (monoi): "only," "alone." Emphasizes the limited nature of their spiritual capacity; their spiritual perspective is restricted to human observation.

• ἐν (en): "in," "among." Preposition indicating location or participation.

• ὑμῖν (hymin): "you" (plural). Refers to the Corinthian believers.

• ζῆλος (zelos): "envy," "zeal," "jealousy," "ardor." Often has a negative connotation, referring to passionate rivalry or contentious spirit, as seen in the context of division. It's an intense emotion that can fuel factionalism.

• ἔρις (eris): "strife," "dispute," "contention." Directly relates to the divisions and arguments occurring within the church. It signifies a contentious and quarrelsome attitude.

• Word Group Analysis:

  • "ἔτι γὰρ σαρκικοί ἐστε" (eti gar sarkikoi este): This phrase encapsulates the core problem. "For you are still fleshly." The "still" highlights their failure to progress spiritually. "Fleshly" defines the nature of their thinking and behavior, emphasizing that their current state is marked by reliance on their unregenerated, worldly selves.
  • "ζῆλος καὶ ἔρις ἐν ὑμῖν" (zelos kai eris en hymin): This idiom describes the outward manifestation of their fleshly nature. "Zeal and strife among you." The strong emotions (zelos) combined with conflict (eris) are the direct consequences of operating from a carnal mindset, leading to factionalism and quarrels instead of unity and love.

1 Corinthians 3 3 Bonus Section

The term sarkikos (fleshly) is a crucial distinction Paul makes throughout his letters. It describes believers who, despite being in Christ, are still living according to the old Adamic nature rather than the new nature imparted by the Holy Spirit. This condition is not necessarily about overt sinfulness, but a wrong orientation of the mind and affections. Their admiration for human teachers was misplaced, substituting spiritual reverence for Christ with partisan loyalty to men. This highlights a pervasive tendency in the church, even today, to form cliques and identify primarily with personalities or specific doctrines interpreted through a human lens, rather than with the singular body of Christ, empowered by His Spirit. This carnal mindset obstructs the Spirit's work of producing unity, love, and true spiritual discernment.

1 Corinthians 3 3 Commentary

The Corinthian believers' continued attachment to human leaders (Paul, Apollos, etc.) as points of primary allegiance, rather than to Christ alone, reveals their immaturity. Paul declares them "fleshly" because this is precisely how the unsaved world operates: through admiration and emulation of influential people. The true Christian life, empowered by the Spirit, should transcend these worldly loyalties and recognize that all ministry leaders are simply instruments used by God. The presence of "envy" (zelos) and "strife" (eris) are undeniable proof of their fleshly mindset, as these are works of the flesh identified elsewhere (Galatians 5:20). Their inability to move beyond these human divisions indicates a lack of spiritual discernment and unity that comes from Christ.