1 Corinthians 5:11

KJV

But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} now {G3570} I have written {G1125} unto you {G5213} not {G3361} to keep company {G4874}, if {G1437} any man {G5100} that is called {G3687} a brother {G80} be {G2228} a fornicator {G4205}, or {G2228} covetous {G4123}, or {G2228} an idolater {G1496}, or {G2228} a railer {G3060}, or {G2228} a drunkard {G3183}, or {G2228} an extortioner {G727}; with such an one {G5108} no not {G3366} to eat {G4906}.

Complete Jewish Bible

No, what I wrote you was not to associate with anyone who is supposedly a brother but who also engages in sexual immorality, is greedy, worships idols, is abusive, gets drunk or steals. With such a person you shouldn’t even eat!

Berean Standard Bible

But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.

American Standard Version

but as it is, I wrote unto you not to keep company, if any man that is named a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such a one no, not to eat.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 5:11, the Apostle Paul issues a crucial clarification regarding Christian fellowship, instructing the Corinthian church to cease close association, particularly shared meals, with any individual who claims to be a "brother" but persists unrepentantly in a list of egregious sins, including fornication, covetousness, idolatry, railing, drunkenness, or extortion. This directive distinguishes between judging those outside the church and exercising necessary internal discipline to maintain the purity and witness of the believing community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct continuation and clarification of Paul's instructions regarding church discipline in [1 Corinthians 5](/1_corinthians/5 "1 Corinthians 5 - Church Discipline"). In the preceding verses, Paul has sternly rebuked the Corinthian church for their arrogant complacency in tolerating a severe case of sexual immorality—a man living with his stepmother ([1 Corinthians 5:1](/1_corinthians/5-1 "1 Corinthians 5:1 - Incestuous Behavior")). He had already commanded them to "deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh" ([1 Corinthians 5:5](/1_corinthians/5-5 "1 Corinthians 5:5 - Delivering to Satan")), signifying excommunication. Paul then references an earlier letter where he had vaguely told them "not to company with fornicators" ([1 Corinthians 5:9](/1_corinthians/5-9 "1 Corinthians 5:9 - Paul's Earlier Instruction")). Realizing this instruction might be misunderstood as a call to withdraw entirely from the world, Paul clarifies in [1 Corinthians 5:10](/1_corinthians/5-10 "1 Corinthians 5:10 - Clarification on Judging Outsiders") that he was not referring to unbelievers, as that would necessitate leaving the world altogether. Therefore, [1 Corinthians 5:11](/1_corinthians/5-11 "1 Corinthians 5:11 - Paul's Clarified Instruction") precisely defines the scope of his command: it applies *only* to those within the church who claim to be brothers yet live in open, unrepentant sin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling port city, known for its commercial prosperity and notorious for its moral laxity. The temple of Aphrodite, with its cultic prostitution, contributed to a pervasive atmosphere of sexual immorality. Against this backdrop, the early Christian community in Corinth, comprised of both Jews and Gentiles, struggled to maintain distinct moral standards. Shared meals, often held in homes, were a central feature of early Christian fellowship, symbolizing unity, communion, and acceptance. To "eat with" someone was to affirm a close bond and shared identity. Conversely, to refuse to eat with someone, especially a "brother," was a profound act of social and religious ostracism, a clear declaration of broken fellowship. This cultural understanding of table fellowship makes Paul's instruction "no not to eat" a powerful and unambiguous act of church discipline, designed to separate the holy from the profane within the community.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians "1 Corinthians - Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians"). Foremost is the theme of **Church Purity and Holiness**, emphasizing the necessity for the Christian community to reflect God's holy character and not tolerate unrepentant sin within its ranks ([1 Corinthians 6:9-11](/1_corinthians/6-9-11 "1 Corinthians 6:9-11 - The Unrighteous Will Not Inherit the Kingdom")). Closely related is **Church Discipline**, which Paul presents not as punitive vengeance, but as a restorative measure aimed at bringing the erring individual to repentance and protecting the spiritual health of the entire body ([1 Corinthians 5:5](/1_corinthians/5-5 "1 Corinthians 5:5 - Purpose of Discipline")). The verse also highlights the **Distinction Between Believers and Unbelievers**, clarifying that while Christians are to engage with the world, a different standard of accountability applies to those who claim Christ's name ([1 Corinthians 5:12-13](/1_corinthians/5-12-13 "1 Corinthians 5:12-13 - Judging Those Within")). Finally, it underscores the **Nature of Christian Fellowship**, demonstrating that true communion is predicated on shared faith and a commitment to righteous living, making the breaking of fellowship a serious, necessary step when these foundational elements are compromised.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **keep company (Greek, _synanamígnymi'_):** This compound verb, from _syn_ (with), _ana_ (up), and _mígnymi_ (to mix), literally means "to mix up together." Figuratively, as used here, it denotes close association, intimate fellowship, or mingling with. Paul's command "not to keep company" implies a cessation of intimate social and spiritual interaction, a deliberate separation from those who claim brotherhood but live in open sin.
* **fornicator (Greek, _pórnos'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to sell," this term refers to a (male) prostitute or, by extension, any debauchee or libertine. In the biblical context, it broadly encompasses all forms of sexual immorality outside of the covenant of marriage. Its inclusion at the head of Paul's list underscores the prevalence and seriousness of sexual sin in Corinth and its incompatibility with Christian identity.
* **to eat (Greek, _synesthíō'_):** From _syn_ (with) and _esthíō_ (to eat), this verb specifically means "to take food in company with." In the ancient world, and particularly in early Christian communities, sharing a meal was a profound symbol of unity, acceptance, and intimate fellowship. Therefore, the instruction "no not to eat" with such a person is a powerful and culturally understood act of disassociation, signifying a break in communion and a withdrawal of affirmation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But now I have written unto you not to keep company,"**: Paul introduces a clarification (the "but now") to his previous, potentially misunderstood instruction. He explicitly reiterates his command to avoid close association or intimate fellowship (to "keep company") with certain individuals.
* **"if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner;"**: This is the crucial qualification. Paul specifies *who* the instruction applies to: not unbelievers, but "any man that is called a brother"—someone who professes to be a Christian. He then provides a comprehensive list of persistent, unrepentant behaviors that necessitate this separation: sexual immorality, greed, idolatry (which can include covetousness), abusive speech, habitual drunkenness, and dishonest gain. This list indicates a pattern of life, not an isolated stumble.
* **"with such an one no not to eat."**: This final phrase emphatically states the practical implication of the command "not to keep company." The strongest form of disassociation is the refusal of table fellowship. This act serves as a clear sign that the individual's conduct is incompatible with the shared life and witness of the Christian community, aiming to shame them into repentance and protect the integrity of the church.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs a **catalogue of vices** in this verse, listing six specific sinful behaviors: fornicator, covetous, idolater, railer, drunkard, and extortioner. This literary device serves to provide clear, concrete examples of the types of persistent, unrepentant sin that warrant church discipline, leaving no ambiguity for the Corinthian believers. The phrase "no not to eat" functions as a powerful **metonymy**, where the act of sharing a meal stands for the broader concept of intimate fellowship and acceptance within the community. The repetition of "or" throughout the list of vices emphasizes that any one of these persistent behaviors is sufficient grounds for the prescribed action. Furthermore, the entire passage is framed by Paul's **apostolic authority**, as he issues direct commands and clarifications, underscoring the divine mandate behind these instructions for the church's health and purity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's instruction in 1 Corinthians 5:11 is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of God's holiness and the church's call to reflect that holiness. It underscores the vital distinction between the church as a distinct, holy community and the world around it. While the church is called to be a light to the world and engage with unbelievers, it cannot tolerate open, unrepentant sin among those who claim the name of Christ, as this compromises its witness and defiles its corporate identity. The purpose of such discipline is not punitive destruction, but redemptive restoration—to awaken the erring brother to the gravity of their sin, leading them to repentance, and to protect the spiritual health of the entire body from the leavening effect of sin.

* [Matthew 18:15-17](/matthew/18-15-17 "Matthew 18:15-17 - Principles of Church Discipline")
* [2 Thessalonians 3:14-15](/2_thessalonians/3-14-15 "2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 - Withdrawal for Discipline")
* [Ephesians 5:5-7](/ephesians/5-5-7 "Ephesians 5:5-7 - No Inheritance for the Immoral")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 5:11 provides a challenging yet essential framework for maintaining the integrity and witness of the Christian community. It calls believers to a discerning love that prioritizes the holiness of God and the spiritual well-being of the church over superficial harmony. This passage reminds us that while the church is a hospital for sinners, it is not a haven for unrepentant sin. True love, in this context, involves confronting sin and, if necessary, withdrawing fellowship to awaken the erring brother to the seriousness of their condition and to protect the flock from spiritual contamination. This is not about self-righteous judgment of the world, but about upholding God's standards within the covenant community, fostering an environment where repentance and genuine transformation are valued and pursued. It compels us to consider the quality of our fellowship and our commitment to biblical holiness, both individually and corporately.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does our church balance grace for sinners with a firm stance against unrepentant sin within its membership?**
* **What is the purpose of church discipline, and how can it be exercised redemptively rather than punitively?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or as a church, inadvertently "keep company" with professing believers whose lives contradict the Gospel?**
* **How can we cultivate a culture of accountability and loving confrontation within our Christian communities?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean Christians should never interact with people who commit these sins?**

No, absolutely not. Paul explicitly clarifies this in the preceding verses. In [1 Corinthians 5:10](/1_corinthians/5-10 "1 Corinthians 5:10 - Not Judging Outsiders"), he states that he was "not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world." His point is that it's impossible, and indeed undesirable, to completely avoid contact with unbelievers who engage in such sins, as Christians are called to be a light in the world ([Matthew 5:14-16](/matthew/5-14-16 "Matthew 5:14-16 - You Are the Light of the World")). The instruction in [1 Corinthians 5:11](/1_corinthians/5-11 "1 Corinthians 5:11 - Paul's Clarification") is specifically directed at those who *claim* to be "a brother" (a fellow believer) yet persist unrepentantly in these behaviors. It's about maintaining the purity of the church's internal fellowship, not about isolating from the world.

**What does "no not to eat" specifically mean in this context?**

In the ancient world, sharing a meal was a profound symbol of intimate fellowship, acceptance, and unity. Early Christians often shared meals as part of their regular gatherings, including the Lord's Supper ([1 Corinthians 11:20-22](/1_corinthians/11-20-22 "1 Corinthians 11:20-22 - Abuses at the Lord's Supper")). Therefore, "no not to eat" signifies a complete withdrawal of intimate social and spiritual fellowship. It means refusing to share meals, which were a primary expression of community and affirmation. This act of disassociation is a serious form of church discipline, intended to mark the individual as outside the bounds of acceptable Christian conduct, to shame them into repentance, and to protect the integrity of the church body ([2 Thessalonians 3:14-15](/2_thessalonians/3-14-15 "2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 - Admonish as a Brother")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 5:11 details a necessary aspect of church discipline, its ultimate fulfillment and underlying principle are found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ himself is the embodiment of perfect holiness, yet He came "not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" ([Matthew 9:13](/matthew/9-13 "Matthew 9:13 - Jesus Calls Sinners")). He associated with sinners not to affirm their sin, but to draw them to Himself for transformation. The church's call to purity, as articulated by Paul, is a reflection of Christ's own purity and His desire for His bride to be "without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish" ([Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). The "leaven" of unrepentant sin, which Paul warns about in [1 Corinthians 5:6-7](/1_corinthians/5-6-7 "1 Corinthians 5:6-7 - Cleanse Out the Old Leaven"), is ultimately purged by the "unleavened bread" of Christ's perfect sacrifice, which cleanses us from all unrighteousness ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Walking in the Light")). Therefore, church discipline, though painful, is a Christ-like act of love, aiming to restore a fallen brother to fellowship with God and His people, reflecting the Good Shepherd's pursuit of the lost sheep ([Luke 15:4-7](/luke/15-4-7 "Luke 15:4-7 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep")) and ultimately preserving the holiness of the community purchased by Christ's blood ([Acts 20:28](/acts/20-28 "Acts 20:28 - Purchased with His Own Blood")).

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

Romans 16:17

¶ Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

2 Thessalonians 3:14

And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.

2 Thessalonians 3:6

¶ Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

Matthew 18:17

And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell [it] unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

1 Corinthians 5:13

But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

2 John 1:10

¶ If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into [your] house, neither bid him God speed:

Galatians 5:19

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