1 Corinthians 3:3

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

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}?

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?

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?

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

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:3 (KJV)

In 1 Corinthians 3:3, the Apostle Paul continues his rebuke of the Corinthian church, directly confronting their spiritual immaturity and the behavioral evidence of their "carnality." This verse serves as a pivotal point, explaining *why* he had to address them as babes in Christ, unable to handle deeper spiritual truths.

Context

This verse follows Paul's assertion in 1 Corinthians 3:1-2 that he could not speak to them as spiritual people, but only as "carnal, even as babes in Christ." He had fed them milk, not solid food, because they were not ready for it. Verse 3 then provides the undeniable proof of their unreadiness: the presence of envying, strife, and divisions among them. These internal conflicts were a clear indicator that their conduct was no different from that of unbelievers, rather than reflecting transformed lives in Christ. Paul had initially addressed these issues of disunity in the opening chapter (1 Corinthians 1:10-13), and here he returns to the root cause.

Key Themes

  • Carnality vs. Spirituality: The core message is the stark contrast between walking in the Spirit and walking in the flesh. Paul identifies the Corinthian believers as "carnal" (Greek: sarkikos), meaning they were still dominated by their sinful nature and worldly thinking, despite their conversion. This was not a denial of their salvation but a lament over their lack of spiritual growth.
  • Evidences of Immaturity: The specific behaviors listed—"envying" (zelos, intense rivalry or jealousy), "strife" (eris, contention, discord), and "divisions" (dichostasia, dissensions or factions)—are concrete manifestations of their carnal state. These are not minor disagreements but deep-seated conflicts that tear at the fabric of the church.
  • Walking "as Men": To "walk as men" implies behaving according to human wisdom and worldly standards, rather than divine principles. It suggests a lack of distinction between the conduct of a believer and an unbeliever, highlighting the failure to live out the transformation that Christ brings. These attitudes are characteristic of those who set their minds on the things of the flesh.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "carnal," sarkikos (σαρκικός), literally means "fleshly" or "pertaining to the flesh." It describes a person who is governed by the desires and impulses of the sinful nature, in contrast to someone who is pneumatikos (πνευματικός), or "spiritual," guided by the Holy Spirit. The terms "envying," "strife," and "divisions" are strong indicators of disunity and self-centeredness, often listed among the "works of the flesh" in other Pauline epistles (cf. Galatians 5:19-21).

Significance and Application

1 Corinthians 3:3 serves as a timeless warning to believers and churches alike. It challenges us to examine our own lives and communities for signs of spiritual immaturity. Are envy, strife, or divisions present? These are not merely personality clashes but symptoms of a deeper issue: a failure to fully yield to the Holy Spirit and grow in Christlikeness.

True spiritual maturity is marked by love, unity, humility, and a focus on Christ, not on human leaders or personal preferences. This verse calls believers to move beyond spiritual infancy, to embrace the solid food of God's Word, and to live in a way that truly reflects their new identity in Christ, fostering peace and mutual edification within the body.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • James 3:16 (13 votes)

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

  • Titus 3:3 (10 votes)

    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 (10 votes)

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

  • Ephesians 4:22 (7 votes)

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

  • Ephesians 4:24 (7 votes)

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

  • Galatians 5:19 (6 votes)

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

  • Galatians 5:21 (6 votes)

    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.