1 Corinthians 5:5

To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

To deliver {G3860} such an one {G5108} unto Satan {G4567} for {G1519} the destruction {G3639} of the flesh {G4561}, that {G2443} the spirit {G4151} may be saved {G4982} in {G1722} the day {G2250} of the Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424}.

hand over such a person to the Adversary for his old nature to be destroyed, so that his spirit may be saved in the Day of the Lord.

hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the Day of the Lord.

to deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

Context of 1 Corinthians 5:5

The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians chapter 5, addresses a grave and scandalous issue within the Corinthian church: a man was living in an incestuous relationship, and astonishingly, the church body was complacent, even arrogant, rather than sorrowful and repentant (1 Corinthians 5:2). This verse is part of Paul's stern instruction to the Corinthians on how to deal with such unrepentant immorality to maintain the purity and spiritual health of the community.

Meaning of "Deliver Such an One Unto Satan"

This startling phrase signifies a formal act of church discipline, specifically excommunication. It does not imply literally handing the individual over to demonic possession, but rather removing them from the fellowship and protection of the church community. By putting them outside the sphere of the church, they are effectively placed back into the world, which is often associated with the influence of Satan, the "god of this world" (2 Corinthians 4:4). This drastic measure is intended to be a severe shock, highlighting the seriousness of their sin and the consequences of remaining unrepentant.

Purpose: "For the Destruction of the Flesh"

The "destruction of the flesh" (Greek: sarx) does not necessarily mean physical death, but rather the weakening, mortification, or ultimate subjugation of the sinful nature and its desires. It refers to the carnal self, the unredeemed human nature prone to sin. The discipline aims to allow the individual to experience the painful, natural consequences of their unrepentant sin outside the church's protective spiritual environment. This process is designed to break the power of sin in their life, leading them to repentance and a turning away from their sinful ways.

Ultimate Goal: "That the Spirit May Be Saved in the Day of the Lord Jesus"

Crucially, the overriding purpose of this harsh discipline is profoundly redemptive. The ultimate aim is the spiritual recovery and restoration of the individual. "That the spirit may be saved" emphasizes God's desire for repentance and ultimate salvation, even through painful means. This points to the future "Day of the Lord Jesus," referring either to the day of judgment or the Lord's return, underscoring the eternal stakes involved and the hope for the individual's reconciliation with God.

Key Themes

  • Church Purity: Paul emphasizes the necessity for the church to remain holy and free from unrepentant sin, comparing it to purging out old leaven (1 Corinthians 5:7).
  • Redemptive Discipline: The discipline, though severe, is not punitive for its own sake but aims at the spiritual salvation and restoration of the individual.
  • Consequences of Sin: The verse highlights the serious consequences of persistent, unrepentant sin within the Christian community.
  • God's Mercy and Desire for Salvation: Even in severe judgment, God's ultimate desire is for the repentance and salvation of the sinner.

Linguistic Insights

  • Sarx (flesh): In Paul's writings, "flesh" often refers not just to the physical body but to the sinful human nature, alienated from God and prone to rebellion.
  • Pneuma (spirit): Refers to the inner, spiritual part of a person, often synonymous with their soul or true self, which is capable of being saved and united with God.

Practical Application

This verse underscores the seriousness with which God views sin within His church and the importance of maintaining holy conduct among believers. It teaches that church discipline, though painful and difficult, is a necessary and loving act intended for the spiritual health of both the individual and the wider community. It's a stark reminder that the ultimate goal of such discipline is always repentance, restoration, and spiritual growth, not condemnation. While direct "delivery to Satan" is a specific apostolic instruction, the principle of redemptive church discipline remains vital for the integrity and witness of the body of Christ.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Timothy 1:20

    Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

  • 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 3:15

    Yet count [him] not as an enemy, but admonish [him] as a brother.

  • Galatians 6:1

    ¶ Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

  • Galatians 6:2

    Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

  • James 5:19

    Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;

  • James 5:20

    Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

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