1 Corinthians 5:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 5:5 outlines a severe but redemptive act of church discipline: the formal expulsion of an unrepentant sinner from the community, symbolically "delivering" them to the realm outside the church's protection, which is associated with Satan's influence. The purpose of this drastic measure is not punitive destruction for its own sake, but the mortification of the individual's sinful nature ("destruction of the flesh"), with the ultimate, hopeful goal that their spirit might be saved and restored to God in the future "Day of the Lord Jesus."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's stern rebuke of the Corinthian church's shocking complacency regarding a case of incestuous immorality (a man living with his stepmother), which was so egregious that even pagans would condemn it. Paul expresses his astonishment and grief that the church, instead of mourning and dealing with the sin, was arrogant and boastful ([1 Corinthians 5:1-2](/1-corinthians/5-1-2 "1 Corinthians 5:1-2 - Paul's Rebuke of Corinthian Immorality")). He then, though absent in body, declares his judgment (as if present in spirit) and instructs them to gather, invoke the authority of the Lord Jesus, and carry out this act of excommunication ([1 Corinthians 5:3-4](/1-corinthians/5-3-4 "1 Corinthians 5:3-4 - Paul's Judgment and Instruction")). The immediate context reveals Paul's concern for the purity of the church, comparing the unrepentant sinner to "leaven" that must be purged to keep the whole batch holy ([1 Corinthians 5:6-7](/1-corinthians/5-6-7 "1 Corinthians 5:6-7 - The Leaven Analogy")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city with a reputation for widespread immorality, including sexual license (hence the term "Corinthianize" meaning to practice fornication). The early Christian community in Corinth, therefore, faced unique challenges in maintaining its distinct identity and moral purity amidst a pagan culture that often tolerated or even celebrated behaviors anathema to Christian ethics. Paul's instruction here reflects not only a Jewish understanding of community purity (e.g., expelling defiling elements from the camp) but also the nascent Christian church's need to establish clear boundaries for membership and conduct. The concept of "delivering to Satan" would have resonated with the ancient worldview where the world outside the divine covenant community was often seen as the domain of evil forces, in contrast to the protective sphere of God's presence within the community.
* **Key Themes:** First Corinthians 5:5 contributes significantly to several major themes present in 1 Corinthians and Paul's broader theology. It underscores the vital theme of **Church Purity and Holiness**, emphasizing that the church, as the body of Christ, must reflect God's holiness and not tolerate unrepentant sin in its midst ([1 Corinthians 3:16-17](/1-corinthians/3-16-17 "1 Corinthians 3:16-17 - The Church as God's Temple")). It also highlights the theme of **Redemptive Discipline**, demonstrating that even severe measures are ultimately intended for the restoration and salvation of the individual, not merely their punishment ([2 Corinthians 2:5-11](/2-corinthians/2-5-11 "2 Corinthians 2:5-11 - Paul's Instruction on Restoring the Repentant Sinner")). Furthermore, it touches upon the **Nature of Sin** and its destructive power, particularly the "flesh" as the locus of sinful desires, and the **Eschatological Hope** tied to the "Day of the Lord Jesus," when all will be judged and ultimate salvation realized ([1 Corinthians 1:7-8](/1-corinthians/1-7-8 "1 Corinthians 1:7-8 - Waiting for the Revelation of Christ")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Deliver (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** This verb, from G3860, means "to surrender, i.e. yield up, intrust, transmit." In this context, it signifies a formal, authoritative act of handing over or consigning the individual. It is not a passive letting go, but an active, deliberate expulsion from the protective sphere of the church community into the realm outside.
* **Destruction (Greek, _ólethros'_):** Derived from G3639, this word denotes "ruin, i.e. death, punishment." It does not necessarily imply annihilation or physical death, but rather a severe undoing, impairment, or ruin of something. Here, it refers to the breaking down or mortification of the sinful power of the flesh.
* **Flesh (Greek, _sárx'_):** From G4561, "flesh" refers not merely to the physical body but, in Pauline theology, frequently to the sinful human nature, the unredeemed self, or the sphere of existence alienated from God and prone to rebellion and sin. Its "destruction" implies the breaking of its power and influence over the individual.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To deliver such an one unto Satan":** This clause describes the act of excommunication. It means removing the unrepentant individual from the fellowship, protection, and spiritual benefits of the Christian community. In the ancient worldview, the world outside the church, outside God's direct covenantal protection, was considered Satan's domain ("the god of this world," [2 Corinthians 4:4](/2-corinthians/4-4 "2 Corinthians 4:4 - Satan, the God of this World")). This is not an instruction for literal demonic possession, but a symbolic act of placing the individual back into the sphere of worldly influence where the consequences of their sin might become painfully evident, stripped of the church's spiritual covering.
* **"for the destruction of the flesh":** This phrase specifies the immediate purpose of the discipline. The "flesh" (Greek: _sarx_) here denotes the sinful, unredeemed human nature, with its desires and impulses that lead to sin. The "destruction" (Greek: _ólethros_) is not necessarily physical death, but the mortification, weakening, or breaking of the power of this sinful nature. The intent is that, by experiencing the harsh realities of life outside the church's spiritual protection, the individual's sinful habits and desires would be exposed, humbled, and ultimately brought to an end, leading to repentance.
* **"that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus":** This clause reveals the ultimate, redemptive goal of this severe discipline. The "spirit" (Greek: _pneûma_) refers to the person's inner, true self, their spiritual being. The aim is its "salvation" (Greek: _sṓzō_), meaning its deliverance, preservation, and ultimate wholeness. This salvation is anticipated "in the day of the Lord Jesus," which refers to Christ's second coming or the day of final judgment. This demonstrates that even the most severe church discipline is fundamentally an act of love, driven by a desire for the individual's eternal welfare and reconciliation with God.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several **literary devices** in this verse to convey the gravity and purpose of church discipline. The phrase "deliver such an one unto Satan" functions as a powerful **euphemism** for excommunication, vividly portraying the spiritual consequences of being cast out of the believing community. It also contains strong **symbolism**, where "Satan" represents the realm of ungodliness and worldly influence outside the church's protective sphere, and "flesh" symbolizes the sinful human nature. Furthermore, the verse presents a profound **paradox**: a seemingly destructive act ("destruction of the flesh") is commanded for a redemptive purpose ("that the spirit may be saved"), highlighting the counter-intuitive wisdom of God's ways in bringing about spiritual restoration through painful means.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The instruction in 1 Corinthians 5:5 is a profound theological statement on the nature of sin, the holiness of the church, and God's redemptive purpose even in judgment. It underscores that the church is not merely a social club but a holy community, called to reflect the character of God. Unrepentant sin, particularly grave immorality, defiles the community and must be addressed. However, the ultimate aim of such discipline is always restorative, demonstrating God's deep desire for the salvation and spiritual well-being of the individual, even when it requires painful intervention. This reflects a broader biblical principle that God's discipline, though it may feel harsh at the moment, is intended for our good, leading to righteousness and peace.

* [Matthew 18:17](/matthew/18-17 "Matthew 18:17 - The Final Step of Church Discipline")
* [2 Corinthians 2:7-8](/2-corinthians/2-7-8 "2 Corinthians 2:7-8 - Paul's Instruction to Forgive and Comfort")
* [Hebrews 12:11](/hebrews/12-11 "Hebrews 12:11 - The Peaceful Fruit of Righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Corinthians 5:5 serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness with which God views sin within His church and the profound importance of maintaining holiness within the believing community. While the specific act of "delivering to Satan" may have been an apostolic directive for a unique context, the underlying principles of church discipline remain critically important for the spiritual health and integrity of the body of Christ today. This verse challenges us to consider our own attitudes towards sin, both individually and corporately. Are we complacent, or do we grieve over unrepentant sin? Do we understand that true love sometimes requires difficult actions for the sake of another's eternal good? The ultimate goal of such discipline is always repentance, restoration, and reconciliation with God and the community, not condemnation or permanent exclusion. It calls us to a posture of both uncompromising holiness and compassionate pursuit of the lost.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the church's response to sin reflect its understanding of God's holiness?**
* **In what ways can "destruction of the flesh" be understood in a believer's life today, even outside formal church discipline?**
* **How can we balance the call for church purity with the imperative for grace and restoration?**
* **What is my personal responsibility in upholding the holiness of the church, and how does this verse inform it?**

### FAQ
**Does "destruction of the flesh" in 1 Corinthians 5:5 mean physical death?**

Answer: No, "destruction of the flesh" (Greek: _ólethros_ of _sárx_) in this context does not primarily refer to physical death. Instead, it signifies the mortification, weakening, or breaking of the power of the sinful nature or carnal desires. Paul often uses "flesh" (_sárx_) to describe the unredeemed human nature, prone to sin, rather than just the physical body. The intent of the discipline is to allow the individual to experience the harsh consequences of living outside God's protective sphere, leading to the painful exposure and ultimate subjugation of their sinful impulses, so that their spirit might be saved. This aligns with Paul's broader teaching on putting to death the deeds of the body ([Romans 8:13](/romans/8-13 "Romans 8:13 - Putting to Death the Deeds of the Body")).

**Does "to deliver such an one unto Satan" imply literal demonic possession?**

Answer: No, this phrase does not mean that the individual would literally be handed over to demonic possession. Rather, it signifies a formal act of excommunication, removing the unrepentant sinner from the fellowship and spiritual protection of the church community. In the biblical worldview, the world outside the divine covenant community was often seen as the domain of Satan, "the prince of the power of the air" ([Ephesians 2:2](/ephesians/2-2 "Ephesians 2:2 - The Prince of the Power of the Air")). By being cast out of the church, the individual is symbolically placed back into the world, where they are more susceptible to the natural consequences of sin and the influence of evil, without the spiritual covering and support of the body of Christ. The severity of this experience is intended to shock them into repentance.

**Is church discipline, as described in this verse, still relevant for the church today?**

Answer: Yes, the principles underlying church discipline in 1 Corinthians 5:5 remain highly relevant for the church today, even if the specific apostolic command to "deliver to Satan" is unique. The core reasons for discipline—maintaining the purity and witness of the church, protecting the flock from harmful influence, and ultimately seeking the repentance and restoration of the erring individual—are timeless. While the process of discipline should always be undertaken with great prayer, humility, and a loving, redemptive heart, the church is still called to address unrepentant sin in its midst to preserve its holiness and effectively represent Christ to the world ([1 Peter 1:15-16](/1-peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy, for I Am Holy")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Corinthians 5:5, though describing a severe act of church discipline, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. Firstly, the very necessity of such discipline underscores the absolute holiness of God, perfectly embodied in Christ, who "knew no sin" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2-corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Who Knew No Sin")). The church, as Christ's body, is called to reflect this holiness, purging out the "old leaven" of sin to become a "new lump" in Him ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1-corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover Lamb")). Secondly, the redemptive purpose of this discipline—"that the spirit may be saved"—mirrors the very heart of Christ's mission. He came not to condemn the world but to save it ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - Christ Came to Save the World")), and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross was for the "destruction of the works of the devil" ([1 John 3:8](/1-john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Christ Appeared to Destroy the Works of the Devil")) and the mortification of our sinful flesh, enabling us to walk in newness of life ([Romans 6:6](/romans/6-6 "Romans 6:6 - Our Old Self Crucified with Christ")). Finally, the reference to "the day of the Lord Jesus" points to Christ as the ultimate Judge and Savior. All discipline, all striving for holiness, and all hope for salvation find their culmination in His glorious return, when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). Thus, even in the painful act of discipline, the church acts as an instrument of Christ's ongoing work of sanctification and salvation, pointing individuals back to the grace and truth found only in Him.

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

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.