1 Corinthians 6 5

1 Corinthians 6:5 kjv

I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?

1 Corinthians 6:5 nkjv

I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you, not even one, who will be able to judge between his brethren?

1 Corinthians 6:5 niv

I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers?

1 Corinthians 6:5 esv

I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers,

1 Corinthians 6:5 nlt

I am saying this to shame you. Isn't there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these issues?

1 Corinthians 6 verses

1 Corinthians 6 5 Meaning

This verse highlights the inadequacy of believers resorting to secular courts to settle disputes among themselves. It questions their ability to judge even minor matters, suggesting their spiritual immaturity makes them unfit for such worldly responsibilities. The implication is that unity and brotherhood within the church should prevent the need for external, ungodly judgment.

1 Corinthians 6 5 Context

In 1 Corinthians chapter 6, Paul addresses a persistent issue within the Corinthian church: members suing each other in pagan courts. This practice brought shame upon the Christian community and demonstrated a lack of spiritual maturity. The preceding verses (6:1-4) lay the groundwork for this condemnation by asserting the believer's future role in judging the world and questioning their inability to judge minor disputes. This verse acts as a direct, rhetorical question to underscore the absurdity of their actions. Historically, Corinth was a prosperous but morally corrupt city, and the church there likely struggled with incorporating pagan customs and societal norms.

1 Corinthians 6 5 Word Analysis

• “Does (Ouda)": This is a negative particle, meaning "and not," indicating a stronger negation than a simple "no."
• any (tis): An indefinite pronoun, referring to "some" or "any" of the Corinthians.
• of you (ex humon): Referring to the members within the church community.
• have (echein): The verb "to have," indicating possession or the ability to possess something.
• a lawsuit (kritérion): This noun refers to a tribunal, judgment seat, or the authority to judge. In this context, it means to bring a case before a secular judge or court.
• against (kata): A preposition indicating opposition or proceeding against someone.
• another (ton plēsion): Literally "the neighbor." In a broader sense, it refers to a fellow Christian, a brother or sister in the faith.
• to be judged (krinesthai): The passive infinitive of krino, meaning "to judge" or "to be judged." Here, it implies being brought before a court for adjudication.
• by (hypo): A preposition indicating agency.
• the (tous): The definite article, referring to the specific group of people who are the subject.
• unbelievers (apestōn): Non-believers, those outside the Christian faith.
• What (ti): An interrogative pronoun, seeking information.
• indeed (men): A particle used for emphasis or to introduce a contrast or statement of fact.
• furthermore (ge): Another particle often used with men for emphasis, reinforcing the previous statement.
• do (oud') (referring to "do you not have"): Continues the negative interrogation from the beginning of the verse.
• you (umeis): Plural pronoun, directly addressing the Corinthian believers.
• have (echete): The second-person plural present indicative of echo, "to have."
• knowledge (oida): "To know," implying intellectual understanding or awareness.
• in (en): A preposition indicating a state or condition.
• all (pas): All encompassing, complete.
• matters (krísima): Noun derived from krino, meaning "judgments," "decisions," or "legal cases." Paul is referring to civil disputes and issues that require judgment.

Group Analysis:

• "to be judged by the unbelievers": This phrase signifies the core of Paul's concern. The Greek word for "unbelievers" (apestōn) starkly contrasts with the spiritual standing of believers. The act of seeking judgment from those outside the covenant community (the Church) demonstrated a failure to uphold Christian principles of reconciliation and fellowship.
• "Do you not have ... any knowledge ... to be judged ... even by the weakest among the saints?": This rhetorical question from the original Greek phrasing (6:1 "Does any one of you dare...") points to an assumed possession of righteous judgment among believers, particularly those considered spiritually mature or "strong" in faith, which directly contrasts with the lowest spiritual standing or "weakest" among the saints. Paul is essentially saying that if they cannot even resolve minor disagreements amongst themselves, they are demonstrating a profound lack of the wisdom and spiritual discernment that should characterize those destined to judge the world.

1 Corinthians 6 5 Bonus Section

The specific mention of "the weakest among the saints" (though paraphrased as "even the weakest" in many English translations for flow) in the original Greek of verse 6:1, to which verse 6:5 is directly related, is significant. Paul is saying that even the least mature Christian should be capable of judging over matters that the Corinthians are bringing to pagan courts. This underscores the potential for spiritual insight and righteousness that should reside within the believing community, a capacity utterly lacking when they resort to the ungodly. This internal judicial capacity reflects the believer's participation in Christ's ultimate judgment, as alluded to in verse 6:2.

1 Corinthians 6 5 Commentary

Paul confronts the Corinthians for their reliance on pagan legal systems to resolve internal disputes. This practice revealed a severe spiritual immaturity. Instead of bearing with one another, forgiving, or seeking resolution within the church, they exposed their brotherhood to the scorn of unbelievers. Paul emphasizes that believers are called to a higher standard of reconciliation and love, empowered by the Holy Spirit to resolve differences internally. Taking brethren to secular courts undermines the unity of the body of Christ and makes a mockery of their claims to spiritual knowledge and righteousness. The very act demonstrates a failure to live out the transformative power of the Gospel in their daily relationships.

• Practical Application: When disagreements arise among Christians, the first resort should be prayer and private conversation within the church community, not external legal action. This reflects trust in God's guidance and a commitment to maintaining brotherly unity.