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

The Apostle Paul issues a solemn warning to the Corinthian believers, asserting that those who practice unrighteousness will not inherit God's kingdom. He explicitly identifies various types of severe moral transgressions, particularly related to sexual immorality, idolatry, and other vices prevalent in the Greco-Roman world, to counter any deception that such practices are compatible with being an heir to God's divine reign. The verse underscores that consistent, unrepentant engagement in these sins is indicative of an unregenerate heart, and such a lifestyle is fundamentally at odds with the nature of God's kingdom and those who belong to Him.

1 Corinthians 6 9 Context

This verse stands within a larger passage (1 Cor 6:1-11) where Paul addresses profound moral and ethical problems within the Corinthian church. Immediately preceding this verse, Paul rebukes believers for suing each other in pagan courts, demonstrating a failure to live by divine wisdom and exposing the church's spiritual immaturity to unbelievers. He questions why they don't allow themselves to be wronged instead, prioritizing peace and testimony. Verse 9 then shifts focus from inter-church disputes to deeply rooted issues of personal and public immorality, connecting sinful behavior with the exclusion from God's kingdom. Historically, Corinth was a prominent, wealthy, and notoriously immoral port city, making these vices commonplace. The Corinthian Christians, having recently converted from paganism, often struggled to fully separate from their former lifestyles and cultural influences, including the pervasive sexual looseness and idol worship associated with their temples and public life. Paul's message is a polemic against the contemporary cultural acceptance of these behaviors and the false belief among some within the church that "all things are lawful" (1 Cor 6:12), thus challenging them to align their conduct with the ethical demands of their new identity in Christ and their future inheritance.

1 Corinthians 6 9 Word analysis

• Do you not know (Οὐκ οἴδατε; Ouk oidate?): A common rhetorical question used by Paul, implying that this truth should already be familiar or obvious to them, perhaps because he had taught them this before (cf. 1 Cor 5:6, 6:15-16, 19). It underscores a failure in understanding or application among the Corinthians.

• the unrighteous (ἄδικοι; adikoi): Refers to those characterized by injustice, moral wrongdoing, or a lack of conformity to God's standard of righteousness. It's the opposite of righteous (dikaios) and signifies a fundamental spiritual condition, not merely isolated acts.

• will not inherit (οὐ κληρονομήσουσιν; ou klēronomēsousin): A strong negative declaration. "Inherit" (κληρονομέω; klēronomeō) in the New Testament is often associated with receiving the blessings and privileges of God's kingdom as a spiritual child and heir (e.g., Rom 8:17, Gal 4:7). It speaks to an ultimate belonging and destiny. "Will not" (ou) is an absolute negation.

• the kingdom of God (βασιλείαν θεοῦ; basileian Theou): Refers to God's present spiritual reign, rule, and saving power in the hearts of believers, and His future, eschatological reign of righteousness and glory. Those outside of this kingdom, characterized by unrighteousness, cannot participate in its blessings or eternal destiny.

• Do not be deceived (Μὴ πλανᾶσθε; Mē planāsthe): A present imperative command in the negative, urging them to stop being led astray or misled. It suggests there was a current danger of self-deception or influence from others promoting a relaxed view of sin's consequences. It is a critical call for vigilance and discernment.

• neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality:

  • the sexually immoral (πόρνοι; pornoi): Derived from porneia (πορνεία), a broad term for all illicit sexual intercourse outside of the bounds of marriage (heterosexual, homosexual, prostitution, incest). It encompasses fornication. In the context of Corinth, porneia was rampant and deeply intertwined with pagan worship.
  • nor idolaters (οὐδὲ εἰδωλολάτραι; oude eidōlolatrai): Those who worship idols or false gods. Idolatry was a core aspect of pagan Corinthian life and religious practice, and its prohibition is fundamental to Jewish and Christian theology, signifying misplaced allegiance (Ex 20:3-5). Paul highlights its serious spiritual implication.
  • nor adulterers (οὐδὲ μοιχοί; oude moikhoi): Those who engage in sexual infidelity within the confines of a marriage covenant. This term specifies porneia within the marital bond, universally condemned in biblical law.
  • nor men who practice homosexuality (οὔτε μαλακοί οὔτε ἀρσενοκοῖται; oute malakoi oute arsenokoitai): This phrase is critical and distinct, addressing homosexual practices in two specific categories, covering both the receptive and active partners.
    • malakoi (μαλακοί): Literally meaning "soft," it could describe general effeminacy but in this context, combined with arsenokoitai, it is widely understood to refer to the passive or effeminate male participant in a male homosexual act. In ancient Greek and Roman culture, "malakos" often carried pejorative connotations for males, particularly in relation to perceived unmanliness or effeminacy, especially when associated with passive sexual roles.
    • arsenokoitai (ἀρσενοκοῖται): This is a compound word formed from arsēn (ἀρσεν - male) and koitē (κοίτη - bed, intercourse, act of lying with). It refers to the male who takes the active role in a male homosexual act or, more broadly, to male same-sex sexual activity in general. The term likely echoes Septuagintal prohibitions in Lev 18:22 and 20:13, translating miš·kə·ḇêy ’iš·šāh (lying as with a woman). Its very formation is a polemic against practices considered unnatural and unlawful according to biblical ethics (Rom 1:26-27). These two terms together leave no ambiguity about Paul's condemnation of all forms of male homosexual acts.

1 Corinthians 6 9 Bonus section

The concept of "inheriting the kingdom of God" goes beyond merely going to heaven; it implies an active participation and shared destiny with Christ in His present and future reign. It highlights that the Kingdom is not just a destination, but a domain characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Paul uses a list of vices here, which is a common rhetorical device in ancient moral instruction, both within the Bible (e.g., Gal 5:19-21; Eph 5:3-5) and in Greco-Roman literature, to clearly demarcate acceptable from unacceptable behavior for a particular community. This particular list, especially with malakoi and arsenokoitai, directly addresses practices deeply embedded in the surrounding Corinthian pagan culture, practices that believers would have been tempted to continue or downplay due to their societal pervasiveness. This firm condemnation establishes a stark counter-cultural ethical standard for the emerging Christian community.

1 Corinthians 6 9 Commentary

Paul’s direct question "Do you not know...?" serves as a powerful reminder of fundamental Christian truth: persistent, unrepentant engagement in unrighteousness demonstrates an alienation from God and His righteous rule. The explicit list of sins is not merely descriptive; it's prescriptive, detailing the kind of character and conduct incompatible with an heir of the Kingdom. The warning "Do not be deceived" underscores the insidious nature of cultural influence and self-justification that could lead believers to think these behaviors are permissible or inconsequential. These practices, ranging from all forms of sexual immorality to idol worship, fundamentally challenge the Lordship of Christ. The verse acts as a strong boundary marker for ethical conduct within the Christian life, emphasizing that while forgiveness is abundant for the repentant, a continued practice of these sins, indicating an unregenerate heart, forfeits the ultimate inheritance. It implicitly points towards the transforming power available in Christ (as seen in verse 11) for those who turn from such lifestyles.

Example: A person living in persistent, unrepentant adultery despite knowing biblical teachings, under the assumption that their profession of faith will guarantee heaven regardless of conduct, would be precisely the type of deception Paul addresses.