1 Corinthians 6:3 meaning summary explained with word-by-word analysis enriched with context, commentary and Cross References from KJV, NIV, ESV and NLT.
1 Corinthians 6:3 kjv
Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
1 Corinthians 6:3 nkjv
Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?
1 Corinthians 6:3 niv
Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!
1 Corinthians 6:3 esv
Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life!
1 Corinthians 6:3 nlt
Don't you realize that we will judge angels? So you should surely be able to resolve ordinary disputes in this life.
1 Corinthians 6 3 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Believers Judging Angels & the World | ||
| 1 Cor 6:2 | Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? How much more...? | Immediate context: Saints judge world, then angels. |
| Matt 19:28 | ...when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. | Apostles will judge, pointing to shared believer authority. |
| Luke 22:30 | ...that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. | Reaffirms the judicial role in the Kingdom. |
| Rev 2:26-27 | ...To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations—that ‘they will rule them with an iron scepter’ | Believers' authority and rule with Christ. |
| Rev 20:4 | I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. | Believers judging during the millennium. |
| Dan 7:22 | ...the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the holy people of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom. | Saints receiving judgment and kingdom. |
| Ps 49:14 | The upright will rule over them in the morning... | Figurative language pointing to saints' future rule. |
| Judgment of Fallen Angels | ||
| Jude 1:6 | And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day. | Angels kept for judgment; implies believers participate. |
| 2 Pet 2:4 | For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment; | God's judgment on fallen angels, awaiting finality. |
| Matt 25:41 | Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’ | Devil and his angels' condemnation. |
| Eph 6:12 | For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. | Spiritual adversaries the church confronts. |
| Col 2:15 | And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. | Christ's victory over spiritual powers, anticipating believers' role. |
| Christian Wisdom & Judgment of Earthly Matters | ||
| 1 Cor 5:12 | What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? | Believers are expected to judge internal church matters. |
| Jas 3:17 | But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. | Characteristics of divine wisdom for discerning issues. |
| Col 3:12-13 | Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other... | Instructions for resolving conflict in a godly manner. |
| Prov 29:9 | If a wise man goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace. | Wisdom in handling disputes, avoiding unnecessary strife. |
| Phil 4:8 | Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble... think about such things. | Paul encourages a mindset suitable for wise discernment. |
| 1 Cor 2:15 | The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things... | The spiritual person's ability to discern and judge. |
| Matt 18:15-17 | If your brother or sister sins against you, go and point out their fault... If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church. | Scriptural pattern for internal conflict resolution. |
1 Corinthians 6 verses
1 Corinthians 6 3 meaning
Believers possess an astonishing future authority to participate in the judgment of spiritual beings, specifically fallen angels. Paul uses this profound truth to highlight the absurdity and shamefulness of the Corinthian Christians, who were demonstrating a lack of wisdom and spiritual discernment by taking their internal, mundane disputes to secular, pagan courts instead of resolving them within the church community. If they are destined for such a high judicial role, they are certainly capable of judging everyday matters.
1 Corinthians 6 3 Context
First Corinthians chapter 6 immediately follows Paul's scathing critique of sexual immorality within the Corinthian church (chapter 5). This chapter then addresses a different yet related issue: lawsuits between believers. Paul expresses deep dismay that Christians, destined for incredible future spiritual authority, are dragging their internal disputes into secular pagan courts, effectively asking unbelievers to arbitrate spiritual matters or trivial disagreements. Verse 3 builds upon the rhetorical question of verse 2 ("Do you not know that the saints will judge the world?"). Paul is emphasizing that if believers are qualified to judge the world—and by extension, spiritual entities like angels—then they are certainly capable of resolving mundane, "things pertaining to this life" among themselves. The broader Corinthian context includes spiritual immaturity, pride, and a failure to live out Christian wisdom in practical, everyday life. They sought status and wisdom in worldly ways, rather than recognizing and exercising the profound spiritual truths given to them by God.
1 Corinthians 6 3 Word analysis
- οὐκ οἴδατε (ouk oidate): "Do you not know?" This is a strong rhetorical question used frequently by Paul (1 Cor 6:2, 9, 15, 16, 19; 9:13, 24). It's not a genuine inquiry but a stern rebuke, expressing surprise and disappointment. Paul implies this is foundational knowledge that the Corinthians should possess, perhaps from previous teaching or generally accepted Christian eschatology, yet they are acting in contradiction to it. It challenges their claims of spiritual wisdom.
- ὅτι (hoti): "that." This particle introduces the content of the knowledge they ought to possess—the astounding truth about their future role.
- ἀγγέλους (angelous): "angels." While 'angelos' can mean messenger, in the context of judgment, it refers specifically to spiritual beings, understood here as fallen angels, often identified as demons. There's no scriptural support for righteous, unfallen angels being judged. This is a staggering revelation, signifying a position of immense spiritual authority that believers will exercise over cosmic, rebellious powers.
- κρινοῦμεν (krinoumen): "we shall judge." This is a future active indicative verb, denoting a definitive, certain, and participatory role for believers. It means to discern, to decide, to condemn, or to govern. It's not merely witnessing judgment, but actively administering or ratifying it, alongside Christ. This authority points to a glorious future status as co-regents with Christ.
- Πόσῳ μᾶλλον (Posō mallon): "How much more." This phrase functions as a forceful a fortiori (from the stronger) argument. If believers are capable and destined for the immensely significant task of judging angels, then resolving much less significant, everyday "matters pertaining to this life" should be an obvious and easily achievable task. It underlines the Corinthians' spiritual deficiency by comparing their present failure with their future glory.
- βιωτικά (biōtika): "things pertaining to this life." This adjective, derived from βίος (bios - life), specifically refers to worldly or secular matters, practical affairs of daily living, or legal disputes concerning possessions or relationships on earth. It stands in stark contrast to "angels," highlighting the vast difference in the nature and importance of what the Corinthians are struggling to judge versus what they are destined to judge.
1 Corinthians 6 3 Bonus section
- The "We": The "we" (κρινοῦμεν - krinoumen) is not limited to apostles or specific leaders, but encompasses all genuine believers, the "saints" of verse 2. This underlines the universal, eschatological co-regency and priesthood of believers with Christ.
- Prophetic Disclosure: This verse functions as a brief, but weighty, prophetic disclosure of believers' role during Christ's future reign. It hints at a participatory role in administering justice during the Millennial Kingdom and possibly even beyond, demonstrating Christ's sharing of His authority with His church.
- Wisdom vs. Worldly Understanding: Paul intentionally juxtaposes this grand spiritual truth against the Corinthians' worldly approach to conflict resolution. They sought the "wise" judgment of secular courts, unaware or unmindful that they, as spiritual persons, possessed a far greater and more authentic wisdom capable of judging even cosmic powers.
1 Corinthians 6 3 Commentary
1 Corinthians 6:3 delivers a profound shock to the Corinthian believers, acting as an intensified challenge to their spiritual immaturity. Paul reminds them of an incredible future reality: not only will the "saints" (believers) judge the world (humanity), but they will also judge angels. This revelation highlights the immense, almost incomprehensible, authority and exalted status that Christ bestows upon His redeemed. The "angels" referred to are generally understood to be fallen angels, given that righteous angels do not require judgment. By pointing to this future cosmic judicial role, Paul exposes the ludicrous nature of their present conduct. If they are destined to participate in such monumental judgment, how can they be so utterly incompetent at resolving petty squabbles among themselves? This verse underscores the spiritual privilege and responsibility of believers. It implies that spiritual insight and godly wisdom, rooted in their eschatological destiny, should govern their present interactions and decision-making in earthly matters. It's a call to elevate their perspective and live in light of their future glory, applying spiritual discernment to mundane affairs.