1 Corinthians 3:3

KJV

For ye are yet carnal: for whereas [there is] among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} ye are {G2075} yet {G2089} carnal {G4559}: for {G1063} whereas {G3699} there is among {G1722} you {G5213} envying {G2205}, and {G2532} strife {G2054}, and {G2532} divisions {G1370}, are ye {G2075} not {G3780} carnal {G4559}, and {G2532} walk {G4043} as {G2596} men {G444}?

Complete Jewish Bible

For you are still worldly! Isn’t it obvious from all the jealousy and quarrelling among you that you are worldly and living by merely human standards?

Berean Standard Bible

for you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of man?

American Standard Version

for ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you jealousy and strife, are ye not carnal, and do ye not walk after the manner of men?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul powerfully confronts the Corinthian church in [1 Corinthians 3:3](/1_corinthians/3-3 "1 Corinthians 3:3 - Paul's Rebuke of Corinthian Carnality"), identifying their persistent internal conflicts—envying, strife, and divisions—as undeniable evidence of their spiritual immaturity and "carnal" nature. This verse serves as a crucial explanation for why Paul had to address them as spiritual infants, unable to receive deeper theological truths, highlighting a critical disconnect between their professed faith and their worldly conduct.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [1 Corinthians 3:3](/1_corinthians/3-3 "1 Corinthians 3:3 - Paul's Rebuke of Corinthian Carnality") directly follows Paul's initial assessment of the Corinthian believers in [1 Corinthians 3:1-2](/1_corinthians/3-1-2 "1 Corinthians 3:1-2 - Paul's Assessment of Corinthian Immaturity"), where he laments that he could not speak to them as spiritual people but only as "carnal, even as babes in Christ." He had to feed them "milk" rather than "solid food" because they were not yet ready for deeper doctrines. Verse 3 then provides the irrefutable evidence for this judgment: the presence of "envying, and strife, and divisions" among them. These internal conflicts were not merely minor disagreements but profound schisms that betrayed their lack of spiritual growth. Paul had already addressed the pervasive issue of disunity and factionalism in the very opening of his epistle, pleading for unity in [1 Corinthians 1:10-13](/1_corinthians/1-10-13 "1 Corinthians 1:10-13 - Paul's Plea for Unity"). Here, he returns to the root cause, linking their divisive behaviors directly to their carnal state before transitioning into a discussion about the roles of various spiritual leaders (Paul, Apollos, Cephas) and the true foundation of the church, which is Christ.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, wealthy, and cosmopolitan Roman port city, notorious for its moral laxity and diverse religious practices. Its culture was deeply influenced by Greek philosophy and rhetoric, leading many Corinthians to admire eloquent speakers and intellectual prowess. This cultural backdrop contributed to the factionalism Paul observed, as believers began to align themselves with particular leaders based on their speaking styles or perceived wisdom, rather than on the unified message of Christ. The concept of "wisdom" was highly valued, but Paul consistently contrasts the "wisdom of the world" with the "wisdom of God" throughout [1 Corinthians 1-2](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians 1 - Divisions in the Church") and [1 Corinthians 2](/1_corinthians/2 "1 Corinthians 2 - The Wisdom of God"). The early church in Corinth, composed of both Jews and Gentiles, struggled to shed the divisive attitudes and pagan influences of their former lives, often failing to live out the transformative power of the Gospel. Their "carnal" behavior reflected a failure to distinguish themselves from the prevailing worldly ethos, despite their new identity in Christ.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully underscores several key themes central to Paul's epistle. Firstly, it highlights the stark contrast between **Carnality vs. Spirituality**. Paul identifies the Corinthian believers as "carnal" (Greek: *sarkikos*), meaning they were still largely governed by their sinful nature and worldly thinking, rather than being "spiritual" (*pneumatikos*), guided by the Holy Spirit. This was not a denial of their salvation but a lament over their profound lack of spiritual maturation. Secondly, the passage explicitly lists the **Evidences of Immaturity**: "envying" (*zēlos*, intense rivalry or jealousy), "strife" (*éris*, contention or discord), and "divisions" (*dichostasía*, dissensions or factions). These are not minor disagreements but deep-seated conflicts that tear at the very fabric of the church, echoing similar lists of the "works of the flesh" found in passages like [Galatians 5:19-21](/galatians/5-19-21 "Galatians 5:19-21 - Works of the Flesh"). Finally, the phrase **Walking "as Men"** signifies behaving according to human wisdom and worldly standards, rather than divine principles. It suggests a failure to live out the radical transformation that Christ brings, indicating that their conduct was indistinguishable from that of unbelievers, who "set their minds on the things of the flesh" as described in [Romans 8:5](/romans/8-5 "Romans 8:5 - Mind of the Flesh").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Carnal (Greek, _sarkikós'_):** This term (G4559) derives from *sarx*, meaning "flesh." It describes something pertaining to the flesh, and by extension, that which is bodily, temporal, or, in a spiritual sense, animalistic or unregenerate. In this context, it signifies a state where believers are still dominated by the impulses and desires of their fallen nature, rather than being fully guided by the Holy Spirit. It points to a lack of spiritual maturity and a continued adherence to worldly patterns of thought and behavior.
* **Envying (Greek, _zēlos'_):** This word (G2205) primarily means "heat" or "zeal." While it can denote positive ardor, in an unfavorable sense, as used here, it refers to jealousy, intense rivalry, or malice. It describes a passionate, often negative, desire for what another possesses or a competitive spirit that breeds resentment and division within the community.
* **Divisions (Greek, _dichostasía'_):** This term (G1370) is derived from a word meaning "two ways" and "standing." It signifies disunion, dissension, or sedition. It refers to the act of standing apart or creating factions, indicating a fracturing of unity and the formation of opposing groups within the church, a direct contradiction to the body of Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For ye are yet carnal:"** Paul reiterates his initial assessment from [1 Corinthians 3:1](/1_corinthians/3-1 "1 Corinthians 3:1 - Paul's Address to the Carnal Corinthians"). The conjunction "For" (G1063, *gar*) indicates that this clause provides the reason or explanation for his inability to speak to them as spiritual persons. The phrase "yet carnal" (G2089, *eti* + G4559, *sarkikós*) emphasizes their continuing state of spiritual immaturity, implying that despite the passage of time since their conversion, they had not progressed beyond an infantile spiritual condition.
* **"for whereas [there is] among you envying, and strife, and divisions,"** This clause further elaborates on *why* they are carnal, presenting the concrete evidence of their fleshly nature. The presence of "envying" (G2205, *zēlos*), "strife" (G2054, *éris*), and "divisions" (G1370, *dichostasía*) among them serves as undeniable proof. These behaviors are not merely minor disagreements but profound manifestations of a self-centered, worldly mindset that undermines the unity and love characteristic of a Spirit-filled community. The phrase "among you" (G1722, *en* + G5213, *hymîn*) highlights that these destructive behaviors were internal to the church itself.
* **"are ye not carnal, and walk as men?"** This is a powerful rhetorical question (G3780, *ouchí* for "not") that serves to drive Paul's point home. It is designed to elicit an obvious affirmative answer, confronting the Corinthians with the undeniable truth of their condition. The repetition of "carnal" reinforces the central accusation. To "walk as men" (G4043, *peripatéō* + G2596, *katá* + G444, *ánthrōpos*) means to live according to purely human standards, wisdom, and impulses, behaving no differently from unbelievers. It implies a failure to exhibit the transformed life that should distinguish followers of Christ from the world around them.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's communication in [1 Corinthians 3:3](/1_corinthians/3-3 "1 Corinthians 3:3 - Paul's Rebuke of Corinthian Carnality") is highly effective due to his strategic use of several literary devices. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**: "are ye not carnal, and walk as men?" This question is not posed to solicit information but to emphasize an obvious truth and to challenge the Corinthians directly, compelling them to acknowledge their spiritual state. It serves as a powerful indictment, leaving no room for denial. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Metaphorical Extension** from the "milk and solid food" analogy in the preceding verses. Their "carnality" is the reason they are still on "milk"; the envy, strife, and divisions are the symptoms of this inability to digest "solid food," representing deeper spiritual truths and mature Christian living. The specific vices listed—envying, strife, and divisions—function as a **Synecdoche** or **Metonymy**, where these specific manifestations represent the broader category of fleshly, worldly behavior that is antithetical to the Spirit. They are vivid, concrete examples that stand for the entire spectrum of their immaturity. Finally, the **Repetition** of the word "carnal" (G4559, *sarkikós*) at the beginning and end of the verse serves to underscore the central point of Paul's rebuke, making their spiritual condition the undeniable focus of his argument.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound theological implication of [1 Corinthians 3:3](/1_corinthians/3-3 "1 Corinthians 3:3 - Paul's Rebuke of Corinthian Carnality") lies in its stark portrayal of the ongoing struggle between the flesh and the Spirit within the life of a believer and the church. While salvation is a gift received by grace through faith, this verse highlights that conversion does not automatically eradicate the influence of the sinful nature. True spiritual growth involves a continuous yielding to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to transform one's character and conduct. The presence of envy, strife, and divisions among believers is a direct contradiction to the unity, love, and peace that the Spirit cultivates. It reveals a mindset still tethered to worldly values, self-interest, and human wisdom, rather than being conformed to the image of Christ. This passage serves as a timeless reminder that authentic faith is not merely intellectual assent but a dynamic process of spiritual maturation evidenced by transformed behavior and harmonious relationships within the body of Christ.

* [Galatians 5:19-21](/galatians/5-19-21 "Galatians 5:19-21 - Works of the Flesh")
* [Romans 8:5-8](/romans/8-5-8 "Romans 8:5-8 - Mind of the Flesh vs. Spirit")
* [James 4:1-2](/james/4-1-2 "James 4:1-2 - Source of Conflicts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Corinthians 3:3](/1_corinthians/3-3 "1 Corinthians 3:3 - Paul's Rebuke of Corinthian Carnality") serves as a timeless mirror for individual believers and church communities today. It compels us to honestly examine our own lives and the collective health of our congregations. Are we truly progressing in spiritual maturity, or are we still exhibiting behaviors characteristic of spiritual infancy? The presence of envying, strife, and divisions—whether overt conflicts, subtle resentments, or persistent factions—is a serious indicator that we may be "walking as men," governed by carnal impulses rather than by the Spirit of God. True spiritual maturity is not merely about accumulating knowledge but about embodying the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This verse challenges us to move beyond superficial Christianity, to embrace the "solid food" of God's Word, and to actively pursue unity, humility, and Christ-likeness, fostering an environment where mutual edification and love prevail over self-interest and discord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "envying, strife, or divisions" might be present in my own life or my church community, and how might these indicate spiritual immaturity?**
* **How does my daily conduct reflect either a "carnal" or "spiritual" walk, particularly in my relationships with other believers?**
* **What steps can I take to move from spiritual infancy to maturity, embracing the "solid food" of God's Word and yielding more fully to the Holy Spirit's transforming power?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "carnal" in this context?**
Answer: When Paul calls the Corinthians "carnal" (Greek: *sarkikós*), he is not denying their salvation but rather describing their spiritual state and behavior. It means they were "fleshly" or "governed by the flesh," indicating that their conduct was still dominated by the desires and impulses of their sinful nature, rather than being fully guided by the Holy Spirit. Despite being believers, they were acting like worldly people, showing a profound lack of spiritual maturity, as evidenced by their internal conflicts. This contrasts with being "spiritual" (*pneumatikos*), which signifies being led by the Spirit, as described in [Romans 8:9](/romans/8-9 "Romans 8:9 - You are in the Spirit").

**Are "envying, strife, and divisions" always signs of spiritual immaturity?**
Answer: Yes, within the context of the church, Paul consistently presents "envying, strife, and divisions" as clear indicators of spiritual immaturity and a carnal mindset. These behaviors directly contradict the unity, love, and peace that the Holy Spirit produces in believers. They are listed among the "works of the flesh" in passages like [Galatians 5:19-21](/galatians/5-19-21 "Galatians 5:19-21 - Works of the Flesh") and are antithetical to the "fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22-23). Their presence reveals a failure to live by divine principles and to prioritize the well-being and unity of the body of Christ.

**How does "walking as men" differ from a spiritual walk?**
Answer: To "walk as men" (Greek: *peripatéō katá ánthrōpon*) means to live according to purely human wisdom, standards, and self-centered impulses, without the transformative influence of the Holy Spirit. It implies a lack of distinction between the conduct of a believer and an unbeliever. A spiritual walk, by contrast, involves living a life transformed by the power of God, guided by the Holy Spirit, and reflecting the character of Christ. This means setting one's mind on the things of the Spirit, which leads to life and peace, rather than the things of the flesh, which lead to death and hostility towards God, as articulated in [Romans 8:5-8](/romans/8-5-8 "Romans 8:5-8 - Mind of the Flesh vs. Spirit").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 3:3](/1_corinthians/3-3 "1 Corinthians 3:3 - Paul's Rebuke of Corinthian Carnality"), though a rebuke, powerfully points to the necessity and transformative power of Christ. The "carnal" state of the Corinthians, marked by envy, strife, and divisions, stands in stark contrast to the very nature and mission of Jesus Christ. Christ Himself is the embodiment of spiritual maturity and perfect humility, who "made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). His ultimate sacrifice on the cross was precisely to break down the walls of hostility and division, uniting all believers into one new humanity, as beautifully described in [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace"). The Holy Spirit, poured out by Christ after His ascension ([John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - The Coming of the Holy Spirit")), is the divine agent who empowers believers to overcome the desires of the flesh and walk in newness of life ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - The Righteous Requirement of the Law Fulfilled")). The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit"))—directly counters the envy, strife, and divisions that plagued the Corinthian church. Thus, the call to move beyond carnality and "walk as men" is fundamentally a call to be more like Christ, who is the Head of the Church ([Ephesians 5:23](/ephesians/5-23 "Ephesians 5:23 - Christ, Head of the Church")) and the one through whom true unity and spiritual maturity are not only possible but commanded.

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

James 3:16

For where envying and strife [is], there [is] confusion and every evil work.

Titus 3:3

For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.

Galatians 5:15

But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

Ephesians 4:22

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

Ephesians 4:24

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Galatians 5:19

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

Galatians 5:21

Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.