1 Corinthians 1:10

KJV

¶ Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and [that] there be no divisions among you; but [that] ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} I beseech {G3870} you {G5209}, brethren {G80}, by {G1223} the name {G3686} of our {G2257} Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, that {G2443} ye {G3004} all {G3956} speak {G3004} the same thing {G846}, and {G2532} that there be {G5600} no {G3361} divisions {G4978} among {G1722} you {G5213}; but {G1161} that ye be {G5600} perfectly joined together {G2675} in {G1722} the same {G846} mind {G3563} and {G2532} in {G1722} the same {G846} judgment {G1106}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Nevertheless, brothers, I call on you in the name of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah to agree, all of you, in what you say, and not to let yourselves remain split into factions but be restored to having a common mind and a common purpose.

Berean Standard Bible

I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction.

American Standard Version

Now I beseech you, brethren, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 1:10, the Apostle Paul issues a profound and urgent appeal to the church in Corinth, imploring them, by the very authority and identity found in Jesus Christ, to abandon internal strife and factionalism. He passionately calls for a radical unity of speech, thought, and purpose, emphasizing that the health and witness of the Christian community depend on their being perfectly aligned in mind and judgment, rather than fragmented by divisions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the powerful thesis statement and foundational appeal for Paul's entire letter to the Corinthian church. Following his customary salutation and a brief thanksgiving for their spiritual gifts (though notably lacking the usual praise for their spiritual maturity, which hints at the problems to come), Paul immediately confronts the most pressing issue: the rampant divisions within the community. The subsequent chapters, particularly [1 Corinthians 1:11-17](/1_corinthians/1-11-17 "1 Corinthians 1:11-17 - Factions in the Church"), detail the specific factions that had formed around various leaders (Paul, Apollos, Cephas, or even Christ exclusively), demonstrating the practical outworking of the disunity he addresses here. This initial charge for unity sets the stage for his corrective teachings on everything from spiritual gifts and worship to immorality and resurrection hope.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient city of Corinth was a bustling, wealthy, and strategically important Roman colony, known for its vibrant trade, diverse population, and a reputation for moral laxity (hence the term "Corinthianize" meaning to live immorally). This cosmopolitan environment, with its diverse philosophies, social strata, and religious practices, inevitably influenced the nascent Christian community. The church itself was a diverse mix of Jews and Gentiles, slaves and free, rich and poor, each bringing their own cultural baggage and social hierarchies. This inherent diversity, coupled with a tendency towards intellectual pride and a competitive spirit, contributed to the factions and "divisions" (Greek: _schismata_) that plagued the church, hindering its corporate witness and spiritual growth.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme of [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians - Paul's Letter to the Church in Corinth") that this verse introduces is **Christian Unity**. Paul stresses that this unity is not merely superficial agreement but a profound spiritual oneness rooted in their shared identity in Christ, which is essential for the church's health and its mission. Directly confronting the prevailing factions, the verse highlights the **Elimination of Divisions**, emphasizing that these "tears" or "rents" were tearing the church apart, hindering its testimony and growth. Furthermore, the call to "speak the same thing" and be "perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment" points to the theme of **Shared Mind and Judgment**. This does not imply a robotic uniformity of opinion on every minor issue, but rather a fundamental agreement on core Christian doctrine, purpose, and values, fostering a shared spiritual outlook and a common commitment to Christ, allowing believers to be [of the same mind and spirit](/philippians/2-2 "Philippians 2:2 - Paul's Call for Unity and Humility"), serving God together.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **beseech (Greek, _parakaléō_):** This word (G3870) means "to call near," "to invite," "to invoke," or "to exhort." Paul's use of _parakaléō_ here is not a command, but a deeply earnest, pastoral appeal. It conveys a sense of strong urging, entreaty, and comfort, highlighting his deep concern and desire for their well-being and unity. It's a plea from the heart of a spiritual father to his children.
* **divisions (Greek, _schísma_):** Derived from _schízō_ (G4978), meaning "to split" or "to tear," _schísma_ refers to a literal tear or a figurative division or schism. It vividly portrays the destructive nature of disunity, indicating a tearing apart of the fabric of the community. In the Corinthian context, these were not just minor disagreements but deep rifts that threatened the very integrity and witness of the church.
* **perfectly joined together (Greek, _katartízō_):** This powerful verb (G2675) means "to complete thoroughly," "to repair," "to adjust," or "to restore." It was used in various contexts, such as mending fishing nets, setting a broken bone, or equipping a ship for its voyage. Paul's choice of this word implies that the Corinthian church was in a state of disrepair and needed to be brought back into proper alignment, functionality, and harmonious fellowship. It speaks to a divine restoration and equipping for their intended purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,"**: Paul opens with a heartfelt, pastoral appeal, not a harsh command. The term "brethren" (G80, _adelphós_) underscores their shared spiritual family identity, making the subsequent call for unity even more poignant. Crucially, his appeal is "by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." This is not a mere formality but an invocation of Christ's authority, character, and redemptive work. It grounds the call for unity not in Paul's personal preference, but in the very essence of their shared identity and allegiance to Christ, whose name embodies all that is holy, unified, and redemptive.
* **"that ye all speak the same thing,"**: This clause is the first practical manifestation of the desired unity. It does not imply a suppression of individual thought or robotic conformity, but rather a unified message, especially regarding the gospel. In a church rife with factions, speaking "the same thing" means presenting a united front to the world, proclaiming the same truth of Christ without internal contradiction or partisan rhetoric that would undermine their witness. It speaks to a common confession and a shared narrative rooted in Christ.
* **"and [that] there be no divisions among you;"**: This is the negative command, directly addressing the core problem. The "divisions" (G4978, _schísma_) refer to the factions and quarrels that were literally tearing the church apart. Paul insists on the eradication of these internal rifts, recognizing that they undermine the church's mission, discredit its testimony, and grieve the Holy Spirit. This call is for the active dismantling of barriers that separate believers.
* **"but [that] ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment."**: This is the positive command, outlining the desired state of unity. "Perfectly joined together" (G2675, _katartízō_) implies a restoration to wholeness, a mending of what is broken, and a full equipping for purpose. This unity is to be manifested "in the same mind" (G3563, _noûs_) and "in the same judgment" (G1106, _gnṓmē_). "Mind" refers to the intellect, understanding, and inner disposition, while "judgment" refers to one's opinion, purpose, or resolve. Together, they signify a profound spiritual and intellectual alignment on fundamental Christian truths, values, and the church's mission. It's a call for a shared spiritual outlook and a common commitment to Christ's purposes, transcending personal preferences and factional loyalties.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices to convey his urgent message. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Exhortation**, a direct and earnest appeal from the apostle to his spiritual children, underscored by the use of _parakaléō_. There is a clear **Antithesis** at play, contrasting the negative state of "divisions" with the desired positive state of being "perfectly joined together." This stark contrast highlights the destructive nature of disunity versus the restorative power of Christ-centered harmony. Furthermore, Paul uses **Metaphor** with the term "divisions" (_schísma_), which literally means a "tear" or "rending," vividly illustrating how internal strife rips apart the fabric of the community. Conversely, "perfectly joined together" (_katartízō_) carries the metaphorical sense of mending a net or setting a bone, suggesting a restoration to wholeness and proper function. Finally, the repeated phrase "in the same" ("mind" and "judgment") acts as a form of **Repetition** or **Parallelism**, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the unity Paul desires, extending to both intellectual understanding and practical resolve.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's passionate plea for unity in 1 Corinthians 1:10 is not merely a pragmatic strategy for church management; it is deeply theological, rooted in the very nature of God and the work of Christ. The church, as the body of Christ, is called to reflect the unity that exists within the Godhead, a unity of purpose, love, and being. Divisions within the church not only contradict this divine nature but also undermine the gospel message itself, as a fragmented body cannot effectively bear witness to a unifying Savior. True Christian unity, therefore, is not uniformity but a Spirit-empowered harmony that embraces diversity while holding fast to the essential truths of the faith, prioritizing the glory of Christ and the advancement of His kingdom above all personal preferences or partisan loyalties. This unity is a powerful testimony to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel to reconcile diverse individuals into one new humanity.

* [John 17:20-23](/john/17-20-23 "John 17:20-23 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity")
* [Ephesians 4:1-3](/ephesians/4-1-3 "Ephesians 4:1-3 - Unity in the Body of Christ")
* [Philippians 2:1-4](/philippians/2-1-4 "Philippians 2:1-4 - The Mind of Christ and Humility")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's appeal for unity in 1 Corinthians 1:10 remains profoundly relevant for the church in every age. In a world increasingly fragmented by ideological, cultural, and political divides, the church is called to be a beacon of reconciliation and oneness. This verse challenges believers to examine the sources of disunity within their own communities, whether they stem from theological disagreements, personal preferences, leadership disputes, or cultural differences. True Christian unity is not achieved by ignoring differences or demanding robotic conformity, but by actively pursuing oneness rooted in our shared identity in Christ. It calls for humility, a willingness to listen, and a commitment to prioritize love and the gospel above personal agendas or factions. By striving to "speak the same thing" – the truth of the gospel – and to be "perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment" – aligning our thoughts and purposes with Christ's – the church can present a powerful, unified witness to a watching world, demonstrating the transforming power of God's love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the primary sources of division in my local church or Christian community today, and how do they compare to the issues in Corinth?**
* **In what practical ways can I personally contribute to speaking "the same thing" and fostering unity, rather than division, in my interactions with other believers?**
* **How does striving for "the same mind and in the same judgment" require me to set aside personal preferences or opinions for the greater good of Christ's body?**

### FAQ
**What kind of "unity" is Paul calling for in 1 Corinthians 1:10?**

Answer: Paul is calling for a profound, Spirit-empowered unity that transcends mere superficial agreement. It's a unity rooted in their shared identity in Christ and a common commitment to the gospel. This "unity of mind and judgment" (G3563, _noûs_ and G1106, _gnṓmē_) implies a fundamental agreement on core Christian doctrine, purpose, and values, rather than uniformity on every minor opinion. It's about having a shared spiritual outlook and a common commitment to Christ's mission, allowing believers to function harmoniously as one body, as described in [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4-5 "Romans 12:4-5 - One Body in Christ"). It's a call to eliminate destructive factions and to be "perfectly joined together" (G2675, _katartízō_), implying restoration and proper alignment for effective ministry.

**Does "speaking the same thing" mean everyone must agree on everything, suppressing individual thought or expression?**

Answer: No, "speaking the same thing" does not mean a robotic uniformity of opinion on every minor issue or the suppression of individual thought. Instead, it refers primarily to a unified proclamation of the gospel and a shared commitment to the core truths of the Christian faith. In the context of Corinth, where factions were boasting allegiance to different leaders, "speaking the same thing" meant presenting a united front to the world, proclaiming the same Christ without internal contradiction or partisan rhetoric that would undermine their witness. It's about having a common confession and a shared narrative that centers on Jesus Christ, as Paul emphasizes throughout [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians - Paul's Letter to the Church in Corinth"). It allows for diverse expressions and gifts, as seen in [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ"), but within a framework of essential doctrinal agreement and mutual love.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The call for unity in 1 Corinthians 1:10 finds its ultimate fulfillment and imperative in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul's appeal, made "by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ," underscores that Christ himself is the foundation and source of all true Christian unity. It is through His atoning sacrifice that Jew and Gentile, slave and free, male and female are reconciled to God and to one another, forming "one new humanity" in Him, as profoundly articulated in [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace and Unity"). The "same mind" Paul desires for the Corinthians is ultimately the mind of Christ, characterized by humility, self-sacrifice, and obedience, as exemplified in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - The Humility of Christ"). Christ Himself prayed for the unity of His followers, that they might be one "just as you, Father, are in me and I in you," so that the world might believe ([John 17:21](/john/17-21 "John 17:21 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity")). Therefore, when believers are "perfectly joined together," it is a reflection of Christ's own seamless body, and their unified witness becomes a powerful testament to His redemptive power, drawing others into the saving knowledge of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The church's unity is not merely a human endeavor but a divine imperative, empowered by the Spirit, to embody the very nature of Christ to a fragmented world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Philippians 2:1

¶ If [there be] therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

Philippians 2:4

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Ephesians 4:1

¶ I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

Ephesians 4:7

But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:25

That there should be no schism in the body; but [that] the members should have the same care one for another.

Romans 12:16

[Be] of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

2 Corinthians 13:11

¶ Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.