5:12 5:12

1 Corinthians 5:13

6:1 6:1

Bible Versions

But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
But {G1161} them that are without {G1854} God {G2316} judgeth {G2919}. Therefore {G2532} put away {G1808} from {G1537} among yourselves {G5216} that {G846} wicked person {G4190}.
God will judge those who are outside. Just expel the evildoer from among yourselves.
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”
But them that are without God judgeth. Put away the wicked man from among yourselves.

1 Corinthians 5:13 is the powerful conclusion to Paul's instruction regarding a severe case of immorality within the Corinthian church. It underscores the distinct roles of divine judgment and congregational discipline, emphasizing the church's responsibility to maintain purity.

Context

This verse directly follows Paul's sharp rebuke of the Corinthian believers for tolerating a man who was living in an incestuous relationship with his stepmother, a sin so grievous that it was not even practiced among pagans (1 Corinthians 5:1). The Apostle Paul had previously urged them to "purge out therefore the old leaven" (referring to the corrupting influence of sin) so that the church, as a new lump, might be holy. His concern was not only for the individual's soul but also for the integrity and witness of the entire congregation.

Meaning & Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment for Outsiders: The first part, "But them that are without God judgeth," clearly defines the scope of the church's authority. Paul asserts that judging those outside the Christian faith (those "without" – exō in Greek, meaning outside the community) is God's prerogative alone. Believers are not called to condemn the world but to live righteously within it.
  • Church Discipline for Insiders: The command, "Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person," highlights the critical responsibility of the church to exercise internal discipline. This is not about condemnation but about maintaining the holiness and moral integrity of the Christian community. The "wicked person" (ton ponēron, literally "the evil one" or "the evil person") specifically refers to the unrepentant individual whose sin was causing scandal and potentially corrupting others.
  • Purity of the Body of Christ: A core theme is the preservation of the church's purity. Just as a little leaven sours the whole batch of dough, unaddressed sin can compromise the entire body of believers (1 Corinthians 5:6). This act of removal (often referred to as excommunication) serves to protect the congregation, warn the offender, and uphold God's standards. This principle is echoed in other New Testament passages concerning church discipline, such as Matthew 18:17 and 2 Thessalonians 3:6.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word for "without" is exō (ἔξω), emphasizing those external to the Christian fellowship, distinct from those "within" (esō, ἔσω), whom Paul discusses in earlier verses of this chapter regarding judgment. This clear distinction is crucial for understanding the boundaries of church authority.
  • "Wicked person" translates ton ponēron (τὸν πονηρὸν). While it can refer to evil in general or even the devil, in this context, it specifically denotes the morally corrupt individual whose presence was defiling the church. It's a strong term indicating severe moral depravity and unrepentance.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 5:13 offers vital lessons on the nature and responsibility of the church:

  • Focus on Internal Holiness: The primary call for the church is to maintain its own spiritual and moral integrity, rather than to judge the world. Our mission is to share the Gospel, not to condemn those who don't know Christ.
  • The Necessity of Church Discipline: While a difficult and often avoided topic, this verse affirms that loving church discipline, when exercised biblically and redemptively, is essential for the health, purity, and witness of the body of Christ. It's an act of love for the individual (hoping for repentance) and for the congregation (protecting it from harmful influence).
  • Clear Moral Standards: The passage reminds us that God has clear standards for those who claim His name. Tolerating unrepentant, scandalous sin within the church undermines its identity as God's temple and its mission in the 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.

  • Deuteronomy 17:7

    The hands of the witnesses shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterward the hands of all the people. So thou shalt put the evil away from among you.

  • Deuteronomy 13:5

    And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn [you] away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.

  • Deuteronomy 21:21

    And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.

  • 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.

  • Deuteronomy 22:24

    Then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them with stones that they die; the damsel, because she cried not, [being] in the city; and the man, because he hath humbled his neighbour's wife: so thou shalt put away evil from among you.

  • Deuteronomy 17:12

    And the man that will do presumptuously, and will not hearken unto the priest that standeth to minister there before the LORD thy God, or unto the judge, even that man shall die: and thou shalt put away the evil from Israel.

  • Deuteronomy 22:21

    Then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her father's house, and the men of her city shall stone her with stones that she die: because she hath wrought folly in Israel, to play the whore in her father's house: so shalt thou put evil away from among you.
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