BHT with Abridged Translator’s Notes1 Corinthians 6 =
6
“But You Were Washed!”
1 If one of you has with another believer a dispute, how can he bring himself to take his complaint before judges who don’t worship the true God+ and not before the Lord’s holy people+? 2 Surely you understand, don’t you, that the Lord’s holy people+ will preside as rulers+ and judges over the world?+ And if it is you who are to rule and judge the world, are you unqualified to handle even these trivial cases? 3 Don’t you realize that we will rule and judge the very angels themselves? Surely, then, the matters of this life!+ 4 If it is cases pertaining to matters of this life, therefore, that you are handling,+ go ahead and appoint over them even the least esteemed people in the assembly!+ 5 It is to your shame that I am saying this. Can it be that there is in your fellowship+ not even a single wise person, who will be capable enough to examine and settle disputes between his brothers and sisters? 6 A brother or sister goes to court, instead, against another brother or sister—and this in front of unbelievers! 7 The very fact that you have lawsuits against one another indicates that you have already been completely defeated. Why not rather allow yourselves to be wronged? Why not rather let yourselves be cheated? 8 You, rather, are the ones doing the wrong and doing the cheating—and this to your brothers and sisters! 9 Surely you understand, don’t you, that evildoers will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t be deceived! Neither sexually immoral people, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor sodomites, nor the passive partners in such,+ 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor swindlers, will inherit this the Kingdom of God.+ 11 And these things some of you used to be. But you were washed! But you were set apart to belong specially and exclusively to God!+ But you were mercifully+ held to be righteous in the name of the Lord Jesus the Messiah and by the Spirit of our God!
“So Glorify God by What You Do with Your Body”
12 “All things+ I am free to enjoy”+—yes, but that doesn’t mean that all things necessarily lead to what is good. “I am free to enjoy all things”—yes, but as for me, I’m not going to allow myself to be mastered by anything.+ 13 “Food is intended for the stomach and the stomach for food”—God, however, will reduce to nothing both stomach and food.+ The body, moreover, is meant not for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.+ 14 God, in other words, raised the Lord himself to life, and will raise us to life by his power, too. 15 Surely you understand, d­on’t you, that your bodies are the very limbs and ligaments+ of the Messiah? Shall I take, then, the parts of the Messiah’s body+ and join them to the body of+ a prostitute? God forbid! 16 Surely you understand, don’t you, that if a man is united with a prostitute, he becomes one body with her? For it says, “the two will become one flesh.”+ 17 If someone is united with the Lord, though, he becomes one spirit with him. 18 Flee from sexual immorality! No other kind of sin a person may commit so directly defiles the body.+ If someone engages in sexual immorality, it is against+ his own body that he is sinning. 19 Surely you realize, don’t you, that your body is the very sanctuary of the Holy Spirit,+ who dwells in+ you, whom you have received from God, and that you don’t belong to yourselves? 20 You were bought at a high price, you see. So glorify God by what you do with+ your body.
+1:1Or called. Following L-N in translation here (see L-N, 33.314).+1:2Lit summoned to be holy, or called/summoned to be saints. Cf 1 Th 4:7, 5:23; 2 Th 2:13.+1:3Unless otherwise marked (through superscript—ˢyou), all second person pronouns are in the second person plural.+1:5Or speech.+1:6Cf 1 Th 1:5.+1:6Cf 1 Co 2:1-5; Th 1:5. Translating ἐν ὑμῖν ( en humin) in a way similar to 1 Th 1:5 (cf CJB, ISV, NCV, NLT, and TEV at 1 Th 1:5). Paul’s point here is similar to his statements in 1 Th 1:4-5.+1:8Lit who.+1:8Cf Php 1:10; Col 1:22 Th 3:12, 5:23; Jud 24.+1:9Or trustworthy. Cf 1 Th 5:24; 2 Th 3:3.+1:9Or called, or invited.+1:9Cf Rm 5:3, 8:17, 8:27-30; Ga 2:20-21, 3:26-29; Php 3:10, 3:21; Col 3:1-4.+1:10Lit speak the same thing. ME (see BDAG, 588, sv λέγω 1.a.α.; ESS [1 Co 1-9], 32; UBSHS [1 Co], 20).+1:10For the basis of this rendering of νοῦς ( nous), see BDAG, 680, sv 2.b. An attitude of humility is what Paul means here (cf Php 2).+1:10Lit be restored to order/unity in the same mind and in the same conviction.+1:11Lit for it was made clear to me concerning you, my brothers, by those of Chloe, that there are bitter arguments/quarrels among you. ME. The mismatch in languages here is obvious.+1:12Lit each of you says. In English, this type of statement is more clearly and naturally expressed by distributing the subject and grouping it with the claim. Cf CJB, NCV, NIV, NLT.+1:12Lit I am of Paul. ME (see UBSHS [1 Co], 21). Variations of this are used here and in 1 Co 3:1, to aid in the translation of 3:21 (where the genitive is functioning on multiple levels at the same time, and where the things referred to are very diverse in nature).+1:13Or on your behalf, or in your place. See note at Ga 1:3.+1:13Cf Col 1:13.+1:16Cf CJB, NLT, TEV.+1:17Lit not with wisdom of speech/word. ME (see BDAG, 599, sv λόγος 1.a.β.; notes at 1 Th 1:5).+1:18Or deliverance.+1:19Cf Mt 11:25.+1:19Is 29:14+1:20Lit where. EFE. Though intelligible to some degree, the intended effect and meaning of the rhetorical question here doesn’t transfer as naturally into English simply with “where” (cf UBSHS [1 Co], 31). The CJB, LB, NCV, and TEV are best here.+1:20Lit where. EFE. See previous note.+1:20Lit where. EFE. See previous two notes.+1:20Lit Did not God make foolish the wisdom of the world? ME (see UBSHS [1 Co], 31). Cf TEV.+1:21Lit Since in the wisdom of God. ME (see ESS [1 Co 1-9], 52; UBSHS [1 Co], 32). Cf CJB, NLT, TEV.+1:21Cf Mt 11:25-28; Jn 1:18.+1:21IT. Cf TEV; UBSHS [1 Co], 32; v 1:18 above.+1:21Or in him. The object of faith is implied contextually. Cf CJB.+1:22Lit Greeks.+1:23Cf Dt 32:21; Ps 118:22; Is 28:16; Ac 22:22; Rm 9:33, 10:19, 11:9; 1 Pe 2:6-8.+1:23Because of the importance of the “stumbling block” motif in NT teaching, especially with regard to the Jewish people (see, eg, Ps 118:22; Is 28:16; Rm 9:33, 11:9; 1 Pe 2:6-8), I thought it important to maintain the literal imagery here. I have clarified the meaning (see L-N, 25.181), though, with an appositional phrase.+1:23See previous note.+1:23Cf Ac 17:16-21.+1:24Or called, or invited.+1:24Lit Greeks.+1:26Lit look at your calling. ME (see NET Bible Notes, 1 Co 1:26; UBSHS [1 Co], 37). Cf NET, TEV.+1:27Lit the foolish things of the world. ME Cf CJB, NLT, TEV.+1:27Or chose, or has chosen.+1:27Cf Dt 7:7-9; 1 Sm 16:1-12; 2 Sm 7:8; Am 7:14; Ac 4:13.+1:27Lit the weak things of the world. ME. Cf CJB, TEV.+1:28Lit the insignificant things of the world and the despised things. ME. Cf NCV, TEV.+1:28Lit the things not being. ME (see ESS [1 Co 1-9], 65; UBSHS [1 Co], 39). Cf NLT, NCV, TEV.+1:28Lit the things being. ME. Cf CJB, NCV, NLT, TEV. Here, the opposite of “the things not being” is meant (see note earlier in this verse).+1:29Lit all flesh, or any flesh, or any kind of flesh. Translated according to “Flesh” M, N (see FBT Chart). Cf translation and note at Ac 2:17.+1:29Lit so that no flesh may boast. ME (see notes at 2 Co 1:14).+1:30Lit out of him, or from him, or because of him, or by him. ME. Cf NASB, NCV, NLT, REB, TEV, TNT. Cf Dt 7:7-9, 9:4-6; Jr 9:23-24; Rm 9:14-18; 1 Jn 4:19; v 31.+1:30Cf CJB, ISV, NLT, TEV.+1:30This may well be an allusion to the cornerstone motif (cf Ps 118:22; Mt 21:42-43; Mk 12:10-11; Ac 4:11). Cf παρὰ κυρίου ( para kuriou) in Mt 21:42 with ἐξ αὐτοῦ ( ex autou) and ἀπὸ θεοῦ ( apo theou) in this verse, and note how this element receives focal prominence here and in Mt 21:42. Cf also the TEV’s translation of γίνομαι at Mt 21:28.+1:30Lit sanctification. ME/IT (see Timothy Miller, “Paul’s Priestly Mission and Salvation from the Coming Wrath: A Missiological Probe of Romans 15:16 and the Question of Divine Anger through the Worldview of Leviticus” [PhD diss., Columbia International University, 2024]).+1:31Lit boasts. ME (see notes at 2 Co 1:14).+1:31Lit in the Lord. ME(OTB) (see UBSHS [1 Co], 42; cf, eg, Ps 77:11, 78:4, 106:2). Cf TEV. Ga 6:14 confirms that the TEV has rightly identified the intending meaning here. Cf Rm 1:16-17.+1:31Jr 9:24+2:4Lit in persuasion of wisdom. ME. Cf NCV, NIV, NLT.+2:4Lit proof/demonstration [consisting] of the Spirit and power. ME. Following the lead of BDAG in translation here (see BDAG, 109, sv ἀπόδειξις), with the information in the verbal noun activated in verb form for more natural expression in English. Cf Ac 10:44-48, 11:15-17; Ga 4:6-7; 1 Th 1:5.+2:6Cf Ps 110:5-6; Is 24:21-23; Dn 10; Zc 14; 1 Co 6:1-3; Eph 3:10-11; 1 Jn 5:19; Re 19:11-21:15.+2:7Cf Rm 16:25; Eph 3:3-9; Col 1:25-28.+2:7The antecedent here is “wisdom.” When used with προορίζω ( proorizō), a wise plan or decision is meant (see L-N, 30.84; UBSHS [1 Co], 54; Ac 4:28; Eph 3:9). Cf NCV, NLT.+2:7Lit unto/for/with a view to our glory. ME (see BDAG, 257, sv δόξα 1.c.; translation and notes at Jn 7:39, Rm 8:30). Cf Is 52:12-53:12; 1 Pt 1:20.+2:8Cf Is 40:13-14; Rm 11:34.+2:8Cf Is 53:1; Jn 1:14, 12:38; Php 2:6-11; 1 Ti 3:16.+2:9Lit not ascend in/on the heart of man. ME(I/F) (see BDAG, 58, sv ἀναβαίνω 2; L-N, 30.17; UBSHS [1 Co], 56). Cf HCSB.+2:9Is 64:4+2:10Cf Eph 3:4-6; Col 1:26-27.+2:10Lit the deep things of God. ME (see L-N, 28.76; UBSHS [Re], 61). Cf Dn 2:20-23; 1 Pt 1:11.+2:11Lit Who among men knows the things of the man except the spirit of the man that is in him? ME. The gap between languages here is obvious. Cf NLT.+2:11Lit the things. What the “things” are is made clear from the context. Cf ESV, HCSB, NASB, RSV.+2:13Cf Is 54:13. Cf Jr 31:33-34; Jn 6:45, 16:13; Rm 2:15; 1 Th 4:9; Heb 8:10-11; 1 Jn 2:27.+2:13Or comparing things of the Spirit with things of the Spirit. Though I am not dogmatic here, Paul’s use of πνευματικοῖς ( pneumatikois) in 1 Co 3:1 causes me to favor the interpretation reflected in the translation. Also, looking to the context for the intended meaning of πνευματικὰ ( pneumatika) here: “My message and my preaching” (v 4); “God has revealed them to us by the Spirit” (v 10); “so that we may understand” (v 12); “taught by the Spirit” (v 13); “unable to understand” (v 14); “examined and understood” (v 14); “examine and understand all things” (v 15).+2:14Lit the natural man. ME (see ANLEX, 414, sv ψυχικός 2; UBSHS [1 Co], 61). In addition to the immediate context, Jude 19 makes it clear what is meant by ψυχικός ( psuchikos) here. Cf NIV, NCV, TEV.+2:14Cf Jn 14:15-17.+2:14Lit they.+2:15Cf 1 Co 4:8-13; Heb 11.+2:16A loose quotation of Is 40:13 (LXX).+2:16IT/ME(OTB) (see BDAG, 680, sv νοῦς 3; UBSHS [1 Co], 63; MT of Is 40:13, where rûach [“spirit/breath/mind”] is used). Many English readers might not realize the close relationship between spirit and mind presupposed by Paul’s statement here. Therefore, the IT has been made explicit in translation, so that the connection between this statement and information activated in the broader context is not lost in translation.+3:1Lit as to fleshly people. ME (see L-N, 41.42; UBSHS [1 Co], 67). Cf CJB, ISV, NIV, NLT, TEV.+3:3Lit for still you are fleshly. ME (see note at v 1).+3:3Lit according to man. ME (see NET Bible Notes, 1 Co 3:3). Cf CJB, LET, NCV, NET, NLT, TEV.+3:4Lit Are you not men? ME (see NET Bible Notes, 1 Co 3:3; UBSHS [1 Co], 70).+3:5Lit to each as the Lord gave. ME. Cf NCV, NLT.+3:7Cf NAB.+3:8Or are united. Lit are one. ME (see ESS [1 Co 1-9], 119; UBSHS [1 Co], 73). Cf HCSB, ISV, NCV, NIV, NLT, NRSV.+3:8Or wages.+3:9Lit we. The “we” here is an exclusive we, referring to Paul and Apollos (see UBSHS [1 Co], 74). Cf NLT. Cf also 1 Co 4:6.+3:9Lit For we are fellow-workers for God, or For we are God’s fellow-workers. ME. Cf REB, NCV, NRSV, TEV.+3:10Lit according to the grace/gracious gift of God that was given to me. ME (see ANLEX, 407, sv χάρις 3; UBSHS [1 Co], 75).+3:12ME(H)/IT (see ESS [1 Co 1-9], 128; UBSHS [1 Co], 77). Cf v 14.+3:12ME (H)/IT (see previous note).+3:13Or because each person’s work. Lit it.+3:13Cf 2 Pt 3.+3:15Or he will be punished. Cf REB.+3:15Lit but so as through fire. ME (see BDAG, 898, sv πῦρ a.; UBSHS [1 Co], 79). Cf CJB, HCSB ISV, NCV, NIV, NLT, TEV.+3:16Or in you, or among you.+3:18Lit in this age. ME (see L-N, 41.38). Cf NIV, NLT.+3:19Jb 5:13+3:20Ps 94:11. Cf the translation of μάταιος [ mataios] here with that at 1 Co 15:17. I have also used “worthless,” though, to preserve potential links in thought with Rm 1:21.+3:21Lit let no one boast in men. ME (see UBSHS [1 Co], 84; notes at Mt 19:26; 1 Co 1:12, 3:4). Cf HCSB, NET, NCV.+3:21The genitive is functioning at maximum capacity here, with different shades of meaning simultaneously at work because of the diverse nature of the things referred to in the list that follows. With Paul, Apollos, and Cephas, the meaning is that these men are given by God to serve the Corinthians. With “world,” the inheritance that believers will receive at the Second Coming is in view (cf Rm 4:13; Ga 4). “Life” could also conceivably be included with the inheritance, but because it is grouped with death (which certainly isn’t part of the inheritance), “life or death” most likely means something along the lines of passages like 2 Co 2:15, 4:1-12, and 2 Co 11:23, Eph 3:1, Php 1:20-25, Col 1:24, and 1 Th 1:5. “Things present” means the things experienced in this age for our good (cf Rm 8:28-29), and “things to come” refers again to the future inheritance (cf, eg, Rm 8:17). Cf ESS (1 Co 1-9), 143-6.+3:22Cf Jn 13:12-17; Rm 4:13, 8:17, 8:28-9; 2 Co 2:15, 4:1-12; Ga 4; Eph 3:1; Php 1:20-25, 3:10-11; Col 1:24; 1 Th 1:5.+3:23Lit You are of the Messiah. Maintaining consistency in translation with 1 Co 1:12 (see translation and note there).+3:23Lit the Messiah is of God. ME (see ESS [1 Co 1-9], 146). Cf Rm 8:17; 1 Co 11:3, 15:28.+4:1Cf Rm 16:25-26; 1 Co 2:1, 7; Eph 3:5; Col 1:26; 1 Th 2:4.+4:2Cf HCSB.+4:4Lit I am not conscious of anything against myself. ME (see UBSHS [1 Co], 90). Cf ISV, NIV, NLT, TEV.+4:4Cf translation and notes at 1 Co 2:15.+4:4Lit examines me, or discerns me.+4:5Lit the purposes/intentions of the heart. ME(H/OTB) (see note at Mk 3:5).+4:6Lit in us, or by us. ME (see ESS [1 Co 1-9], 161; UBSHS [1 Co], 93). Cf NCV, TEV, REB.+4:6Or learn.+4:6Lit the not above what is written. ME (see ESS [1 Co 1-9], 162; L-N, 88.95; UBSHS [1 Co], 93).+4:6Lit so that none of you are inflated with pride for/in favor of the one against the other. ME. The mismatch in languages is significant here. The meaning is clear from the context. Cf ESS (1 Co 1-9), 164; UBSHS (1 Co), 94.+4:7Lit Who differentiates you? ME (see UBSHS [1 Co], 95). Cf Re 3:17-19.+4:8Cf Dn 7:21-22; 1 Co 4:5, 6:2-3; 1 Th 4:17; Heb 12:39-40; Re 2:25-28.+4:9Lit God has appointed/publicly displayed us apostles last/at the end like men condemned to death. ME(H)/IT (see BDAG, 108, sv ἀποδείκνυμι 1; ESS [1 Co 1-9], 170-171; FSB, 1 Co 4:9, sv ἀποδείκνυμι; UBSHS [1 Co], 97).+4:17Or faithful, or dependable, or loyal.+4:18Lit as though my not coming to you. ME (see UBSHS [1 Co], 105). Cf NCV, NLT, TEV.+4:19Lit I will know not the word of those inflated with pride, but the power. ME (see UBSHS [1 Co], 106). Cf ISV, NLT, TEV.+4:20Cf CSB, NIV, REB. For another possibility, see VPR (see VCC, 1 Co 4:19). The verb is not explicit, and therefore must be inferred from the context. Cf Dn 2:34, 44; Mt 16:27, 25:31; Mk 9:2, 13:26; Lk 17:21-25, 21:28-30; 2 Th 1:5-8; 2 Ti 4:1-8.+5:1Lit Everywhere it is being reported, or it is actually being reported. ME (see BDAG, 704, sv ὅλως; UBSHS [1 Co], 109).+5:1Lit and such immorality which is not even among the Gentiles. ME (see UBSHS [1 Co], 109). Cf NLT, TEV.+5:1Lit so that someone has the wife of the father. ME (see UBSHS [1 Co], 111). Cf CJB, NLT, TEV.+5:3Lit though absent in the body. ME. Cf NCV, NLT.+5:3Cf Mt 16:19, 18:15-20.+5:4Lit and my own spirit. ME. Cf NET, NIV.+5:5Lit the (that is, the man’s).+5:5Cf Pr 20:30.+5:6Lit your boasting.+5:6καλός ( kalos) can mean “good” in the sense of “beautiful” (see, eg, L-N, 79.9) or “advantageous” (see, eg, L-N, 65.43). Here it has been translated as the opposite of these (ie, “not beautiful,” and “not advantageous” [in this context, “not advantageous” in the sense of “dangerous” fits the context well]).+5:6Lit leavens. ME(H/OTB) (see note at Ga 5:9).+5:7Cf Ex 12:15; Eph 4:17-32; Col 3:5-10.+5:7Cf Ex 12:1-28; Jn 19:36.+5:8Cf Ex 12:1-28; Lv 23:4-8; Nu 9:1-5.+5:9Lit I wrote to you in the letter. ME(H) (see ESS [1 Co 1-9], 214; UBSHS [1 Co], 117). Cf CJB, NCV, NLT, TEV.+5:10Lit not by any means/entirely the sexually immoral people of this world. ME (see UBSHS [1 Co], 118). Cf FrCL.+5:10Lit since then you would be obligated to go out of the world. ME(I/F) (see BDAG, 348, sv ἐξέρχομαι 2).+5:11Or Now I am writing to you. Cf NLT, TEV.+5:12Cf Mt 16:17-20, 18:10-20.+5:13Cf Rm 2:1-16, 12:19-20.+5:13Dt 17:7+6:1Lit the unrighteous, or the unjustified. ME (see ANLEX, 35, sv ἄδικος 5; UBSHS [1 Co], 124).+6:1Lit the holy ones.+6:2Lit the holy ones.+6:2Cf ISV.+6:2Cf Is 1:26-27; Dn 7:21-27.+6:3Cf NCV, NIV, NLT, TEV; UBSHS (1 Co), 125. Paul’s argument here is an example of a lesser-to-greater argument (cf, eg, Mt 6:26, 12:12), though here the greater is stated first. Paul obviously isn’t saying that the matters leaders must deal with in this age (like immorality in the church; see ch 5) are unimportant, but that they are less weighty in comparison to the responsibilities that will be entrusted to the saints in the age to come.+6:4Lit you have. Cf ISV at v 2.+6:4Or Those who are despised in the assembly, are you going to seat these people? Lit Those who are despised/least esteemed/disdained in the assembly, these people seat. ME (see BDAG, 491, sv καθίζω 2; ESS [1 Co 1-9], 226; L-N, 37.104; UBSHS [1 Co], 125-7).+6:5Lit among you. ME. Cf TEV.+6:9The two Greek terms used here refer to the passive and active partners in a male homosexual relationship (see L-N, 88.281, 88.280). Cf NET.+6:10Cf Re 21:6-8.+6:11Lit you were sanctified. ME/IT (see Timothy Miller, “Paul’s Priestly Mission and Salvation from the Coming Wrath: A Missiological Probe of Romans 15:16 and the Question of Divine Anger through the Worldview of Leviticus” [PhD diss., Columbia International University, 2024]).+6:11IT. The extension of mercy is implied here. See James B. Prothro, A Pauline Theology of Justification: Forgiveness, Friendship, and Life in Christ. (Eugene, Oregon: Cascade Books, 2023). Cf Rom 4:1-8.+6:12Here Paul is obviously talking about all things that are good in themselves (such as food and sex, for example).+6:12Lit all things for me are permitted. ME. Looking to 1 Co 10:23-25, Ga 2:11-13, and 1Ti 6:18 for clarity as to the intended meaning of the saying here. Cf ESS (1 Co 1-9), 236; REB, TEV.+6:12Cf 1 Ti 6:17-19.+6:13Lit both this [the stomach] and these [foods]. The antecedents have been made explicit in translation for the sake of clarity.+6:13Cf 1 Co 3:16-17; 2 Co 11:2; Eph 5:25-33; Col 3:4; 2 Th 1:10.+6:15Lit members, or parts. Cf REB.+6:15Lit the members of the Messiah.+6:15Lit make them members of. Cf NCV.+6:16Gn 2:24+6:18Lit is outside the body, or is independent of the body. ME (see UBSHS [1 Co], 138; Spence, PC [1 Co], 194). The meaning of this phrase is difficult to determine, but the context (note the contrast with “sins against his own body,” or “sins in his own body,” or “sins with reference to his own body”) seems to favor an interpretation somewhere between those of Spence, NLT, and GeCL. Following their lead in the translation here. Cf also 2 Co 7:2.+6:18Or in, or with reference to.+6:19Cf Rm 14:7–8; 1Co 3:16; 2 Co 6:16.+6:19Or among.+6:20Lit in, or by. Cf CJB, TEV. I like the clarity of these translations, but wanted to keep “in your body” in clause-final. Hence the translation here.
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