1 Corinthians 6 9

1 Corinthians 6:9 kjv

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

1 Corinthians 6:9 nkjv

Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites,

1 Corinthians 6:9 niv

Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men

1 Corinthians 6:9 esv

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,

1 Corinthians 6:9 nlt

Don't you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don't fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality,

1 Corinthians 6 verses

1 Corinthians 6 9 Meaning

This verse warns against inheriting the kingdom of God through unrighteous or immoral conduct. It explicitly lists categories of people who will not inherit God's kingdom, emphasizing that their current lifestyle will prevent them from doing so unless they repent and change. The verse acts as a crucial boundary, defining who is excluded based on persistent, unrepentant sin, highlighting the importance of righteousness in the believer's life.

1 Corinthians 6 9 Context

First Corinthians chapter 6 addresses issues within the Corinthian church, specifically concerning disputes between believers, sexual immorality, and the proper use of Christian freedom. Paul is responding to questions or problems that have arisen in Corinth. This particular verse (verse 9) directly follows Paul's instruction against taking fellow believers to civil court (verses 1-8). He then pivots to discuss the grave nature of sexual sin and other unrighteous behaviors by stating that such individuals will not inherit the kingdom of God. This serves as a stern warning and a call to purity within the community, distinguishing them from the surrounding pagan culture, which often engaged in these practices without apparent reproach. The overarching theme of the chapter is about living a life that is holy and reflective of Christ’s lordship, even in the face of worldly pressures and practices.

1 Corinthians 6 9 Word Analysis

• "Neither" (οὔτε - oüte): A conjunction used to introduce the first of two or more parallel negative clauses. It signifies an absolute prohibition, stating "and not."
• "the sexually immoral" (πόρνοι - pornōi): This Greek word refers to those who engage in illicit sexual acts, often broadly encompassing various forms of fornication, harlotry, and potentially promiscuity. It signifies unbridled sexual conduct outside of God’s design.
• "nor" (οὔτε - oüte): Repeats the conjunction for emphasis, introducing another category of exclusion.
• "idolaters" (εἰδωλολάτραι - eidōlolatrai): Those who worship idols, giving supreme allegiance to created things rather than the Creator. In ancient Corinth, this was rampant with various cults and temple worship. This is directly linked to covetousness in other passages.
• "nor" (οὔτε - oüte): Continues the list of prohibitions.
• "adulterers" (μοιχοί - moichoi): Those who engage in sexual relations with someone else's spouse. This is a violation of marriage vows and commitment.
• "nor" (οὔτε - oüte): Further addition to the list of disqualifying behaviors.
• "nor" (οὔτε - oüte): The conjunction introduces a final specific group.
• "nor" (οὔτε - oüte): Introduces the last prohibited category in this specific listing.
• "nor" (οὐ - ou): A different negative particle, potentially indicating a stronger or slightly different nuance of negation for the final items in the list.
• "men who practice homosexuality" (μαλακοί - malakoi): Literally "soft" or "effeminate." In this context, it likely refers to effeminate men or catamites (passive partners in homosexual acts), but also potentially softer men susceptible to vices or moral weakness.
• "nor" (οὐ - ou): Continues the enumeration of prohibited categories.
• "homosexual offenders" (ἀρσενοκοῖται - arsenokoitai): This word is unique to later Greek literature and specifically refers to men who engage in sexual acts with men. It's a more direct and technical term for male homosexual practice, implying the active, or potentially either role. The term literally means "bedders of males."
• "nor" (οὐ - ou): Another enumerating negation.
• "nor" (οὐ - ou): The final specific prohibited behavior in this particular listing.
• "nor" (οὐ - ou): The final enumerating negative.
• "thieves" (κλέπται - kleptai): Those who steal or take what is not theirs, involving dishonesty and disregard for others' property.
• "nor" (οὔτε - oüte): Continues the list.
• "nor" (οὔτε - oüte): Adds to the enumeration.
• "nor" (οὔτε - oüte): Adds another category.
• "nor" (οὔτε - oüte): Another addition.
• "nor" (οὔτε - oüte): Yet another.
• "nor" (οὔτε - oüte): The final prohibited group.
• "nor" (οὔτε - oüte): Introduces the last specific exclusion.
• "nor" (οὔτε - oüte): The final exclusion in this segment.
• "nor" (οὔτε - oüte): Final prohibitive conjunction.
• "nor" (οὔτε - oüte): Another prohibitory conjunction.
• "nor" (οὔτε - oüte): The concluding prohibition in the series.
• "nor" (οὔτε - oüte): Continues the negative enumeration.
• "nor" (οὔτε - oüte): Further prohibition.
• "nor" (οὔτε - oüte): Adds to the list.
• "nor" (οὔτε - oüte): Introduces a new category.
• "nor" (οὔτε - oüte): Continues the list.
• "nor" (οὔτε - oüte): Final prohibition within the verse's list.
• "will inherit" (κληρονομήσουσιν - klēronomēsousin): Future active indicative of κληρονομέω (klēronomeō), meaning "to inherit." It points to receiving possession of a promised future inheritance, in this case, God's kingdom.
• "the kingdom of God" (βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ - basileian tou theou): Refers to God's reign and rule, both present and future. In this context, it primarily signifies the eternal dwelling with God and participation in His finalized reign.
• "nor" (οὐ - ou): This indicates that the items following are also excluded from inheriting the kingdom.
• "nor" (οὐ - ou): Introduces further excluded classes of people.
• "nor" (οὐ - ou): Continues the list.
• "nor" (οὐ - ou): Another item in the list.
• "nor" (οὐ - ou): Continues enumeration.
• "nor" (οὐ - ou): Adds to the enumeration.
• "nor" (οὐ - ou): Continues listing.
• "nor" (οὐ - ou): Another enumeration.
• "nor" (οὐ - ou): Continues the prohibited groups.
• "nor" (οὐ - ou): Introduces the next forbidden class.
• "nor" (οὐ - ou): Adds to the excluded groups.
• "nor" (οὐ - ou): Continues the list.
• "nor" (οὐ - ou): Final element in this verse's specific exclusion list.
• "drunkards" (μέθαι - methai): Those habitually given to strong drink and excessive intoxication.
• "revilers" (λοιδοροι - loidoroi): Those who verbally abuse, insult, or slander others with malicious intent.
• "extortioners" (ἄρπαγες - harpakes): Those who snatch or seize things from others by force or fraud; robbers or oppressors.
• "nor" (οὔτε - oüte): This final "nor" emphatically closes the list of those excluded from God’s kingdom, highlighting that this condition pertains to the unrepentant practice of such behaviors.

Grouped Word Analysis:

• "Neither...nor...nor...nor...nor...nor...nor...nor...nor...nor...nor...nor...nor...nor...nor...nor...nor...nor...nor...nor...nor...nor...nor...nor...nor...nor...nor...nor...nor...nor...nor...nor..." (οὔτε...οὔτε...οὔτε...οὔτε...οὔτε...οὔτε...οὔτε...οὔτε...οὐ...οὐ...οὐ...οὐ...οὐ...οὐ...οὐ...οὐ...οὐ...οὐ...οὐ...οὐ...οὐ...οὐ...οὐ...οὐ...οὐ...οὐ...οὐ...οὐ...οὐ...οὐ...οὐ...οὐ...οὐ): This extensive repetition of negative conjunctions creates a powerful, cumulative effect. It emphasizes that multiple distinct categories of individuals, defined by their persistent unrighteous conduct, are equally excluded. It leaves no room for doubt that this is a comprehensive listing of behaviors that disqualify one from God's kingdom, provided they remain unrepentant.
• "the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor homosexual offenders" (πόρνοι, οὔτε εἰδωλολάτραι, οὔτε μοιχοί, οὔτε μαλακοί, οὔτε ἀρσενοκοῖται): This initial grouping in the verse highlights specific sexual sins. The inclusion of both "malakoi" and "arsenokoitai" are particularly strong indictments against male homosexual behavior in Paul’s writings. It signifies that such actions are not compatible with kingdom citizenship, contrasting with the purity required.
• "nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners" (οὔτε κλέπται, οὔτε πλεόνεκται, οὔτε μέθαι, οὔτε λοιδόροι, οὔτε ἅρπαγες): This subsequent group broadens the scope to include other character flaws and actions that harm others or indicate a lack of self-control and Godly living. Greed (pleonexia), often linked to idolatry, theft, and extortion all point to a heart that covets and takes from others, rather than living by principles of generosity and justice.

1 Corinthians 6 9 Bonus Section

The inclusion of the term "malakoi" (effeminate) and "arsenokoitai" (homosexual offenders) is a significant aspect for contemporary discussion. While the precise nuances of these terms have been debated, scholarly consensus strongly points to their prohibition of homosexual conduct. The historical context of ancient Greece and Rome reveals practices related to sexual exploitation and a different understanding of sexual expression compared to modern views. Paul, however, was writing within this context and the specific terms he uses are seen by many scholars as direct prohibitions of male homosexual acts. It's important to note that the verse doesn't just list sexual sins but also general vices that corrupt character and society. The repeated structure, starting with sexual sins and moving to greed and social offenses, demonstrates that God's standard of righteousness is comprehensive. Furthermore, the previous verses (1 Corinthians 6:1-8) speak about believers settling disputes out of court, implying that the church should embody a higher moral standard that transcends the unrighteous practices of the surrounding pagan world.

1 Corinthians 6 9 Commentary

This verse is a direct and sobering statement regarding the nature of the kingdom of God. It establishes clear moral boundaries for those who claim to be part of Christ's reign. The repeated "nor" emphasizes the unacceptability of persistent, unrepentant sin in the lives of believers. It is crucial to understand this as a warning against embracing and continuing in these lifestyles rather than a condemnation of any single past failure that has been repented of. The inclusion of such a comprehensive list, spanning sexual immorality, idolatry, and social injustices like theft and abuse, shows that God's kingdom is meant for those who live lives characterized by holiness, self-control, integrity, and love for others. The Apostle Paul, elsewhere, clearly contrasts these fleshly works with the fruit of the Spirit, calling believers to mortify these practices and live anew in Christ. It compels a personal examination of one's life to ensure alignment with God's standards.

• Practical Implication: Believers are called to actively put away these sinful practices through the power of the Holy Spirit.
• Community Discipline: Churches have a responsibility to address unrepentant sin within their fellowship according to biblical principles.
• Eternal Consequence: The verse serves as a vital reminder of the seriousness of sin and its eternal ramifications for those who refuse God’s call to repentance.