1 Corinthians 5:9

KJV

¶ I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:

KJV (with Strong's)

I wrote {G1125} unto you {G5213} in {G1722} an epistle {G1992} not {G3361} to company {G4874} with fornicators {G4205}:

Complete Jewish Bible

In my earlier letter I wrote you not to associate with people who engage in sexual immorality.

Berean Standard Bible

I wrote you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people.

American Standard Version

I wrote unto you in my epistle to have no company with fornicators;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 5:9, the Apostle Paul reminds the Corinthian church of a previous letter he had sent, instructing them not to associate intimately with fornicators. This verse serves as a crucial preamble to Paul's immediate clarification, revealing a misunderstanding on the part of the Corinthians regarding the scope and intent of his earlier command, particularly concerning fellowship within the Christian community versus interaction with the unchurched world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Paul's broader discussion of church discipline and purity in [1 Corinthians 5](/1_corinthians/5 "1 Corinthians 5 - Church Discipline and Purity"). The immediate preceding verses (1 Corinthians 5:1-8) detail a shocking case of incest within the Corinthian congregation—a man living with his stepmother—which the church had tolerated. Paul condemns their complacency and calls for decisive action, including expelling the unrepentant individual from their fellowship. Verse 9 then acts as a pivot, acknowledging a prior, misunderstood instruction, which Paul clarifies in the subsequent verses ([1 Corinthians 5:10-11](/1_corinthians/5-10-11 "1 Corinthians 5:10-11 - Paul's Clarification")). This clarification is vital, as the Corinthians likely interpreted his initial command to mean complete isolation from all immoral people, including those outside the church, which Paul immediately corrects as an impossible and unbiblical stance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Corinth was a prominent Roman city, a bustling port known for its trade, wealth, and notoriously for its widespread immorality, particularly sexual vice. The temple of Aphrodite, with its cultic prostitution, contributed to the city's reputation. Christians in Corinth lived in a highly pagan and morally lax environment. Paul's letters frequently address the challenges of maintaining Christian distinctiveness and holiness within such a culture. The concept of "fornication" (πορνεία, _porneia_) was pervasive, encompassing various illicit sexual acts. The church's struggle to navigate its identity—being "in the world but not of the world"—was a constant tension, and Paul's instructions were designed to guide them in establishing boundaries that preserved their witness and spiritual integrity without retreating entirely from society.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes woven throughout Paul's letter to the Corinthians. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Church Purity and Holiness**, emphasizing that the Christian community must reflect Christ's moral standards and not tolerate unrepentant sin within its ranks. Paul consistently calls the church to live out its identity as a holy temple of God, as he does in [1 Corinthians 3:16-17](/1_corinthians/3-16-17 "1 Corinthians 3:16-17 - The Church as God's Temple"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Apostolic Authority and Pastoral Care**, as Paul, despite his absence, continues to guide and correct the church, demonstrating his concern for their spiritual well-being and understanding. His willingness to clarify misunderstandings, as seen in [1 Corinthians 7:1-2](/1_corinthians/7-1-2 "1 Corinthians 7:1-2 - Paul's Teaching on Marriage"), shows his commitment to effective communication. Finally, the verse introduces the critical distinction regarding **Fellowship and Association**, laying the groundwork for understanding how believers are to interact with both the world and with professing believers who live in unrepentant sin, a principle further developed in passages like [2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wrote (Greek, _gráphō'_):** This primary verb means "to grave," "to write," or figuratively, "to describe." In this context, it refers to Paul's act of composing and sending a written message, an "epistle." This highlights the authoritative and intentional nature of his communication, even if the specific letter he references is not preserved for us today. It underscores the importance of written instruction in the early church.
* **epistle (Greek, _epistolḗ'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to send a message," this noun specifically denotes a "written message" or "letter." Paul's use of "epistle" here confirms that his earlier communication was a formal, written instruction, not merely an oral teaching. This term emphasizes the official and binding nature of his apostolic guidance to the Corinthian church.
* **company (Greek, _synanamígnymi'_):** This compound verb, formed from _syn_ (with), _ana_ (up), and _mígnymi_ (to mix), literally means "to mix up together" or "to associate intimately with." It implies a deep, close, and shared social relationship, such as sharing meals, intimate gatherings, or close fellowship. It denotes more than casual interaction or contact in the marketplace; it speaks to a deliberate and sustained pattern of association.
* **fornicators (Greek, _pórnos'_):** This noun, derived from a root meaning "to sell" (referring to prostitution), describes a "prostitute" or, by analogy, a "debauchee" or "libertine." It is a broad term encompassing anyone who engages in illicit sexual immorality. In the context of Corinth, this term would have been highly resonant, given the city's pervasive sexual laxity. Paul uses it here to identify a specific category of individuals whose unrepentant lifestyle is incompatible with Christian fellowship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I wrote unto you in an epistle":** This opening clause establishes Paul's prior communication with the Corinthian church. It indicates that the instructions he is about to clarify were not new, but a reiteration and refinement of guidance already given in a previous, non-extant letter. This underscores Paul's ongoing pastoral relationship with them and his consistent concern for their conduct.
* **"not to company with fornicators":** This is the core instruction from the earlier letter. The phrase "not to company with" (Greek: _mḗ synanamígnymi_) signifies a prohibition against intimate or close association, fellowship, or mixing. The term "fornicators" (Greek: _pórnos_) refers to those engaged in sexual immorality. The command, therefore, was to avoid deep, shared social life with individuals characterized by unrepentant sexual sin. This instruction was evidently misunderstood, prompting Paul's subsequent clarification.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Direct Address** ("unto you") to personally engage the Corinthian believers, reminding them of his previous communication. The verse also functions as a **Proleptic Reference**, anticipating and setting up the detailed clarification that immediately follows in [1 Corinthians 5:10-11](/1_corinthians/5-10-11 "1 Corinthians 5:10-11 - Paul's Clarification"). This literary technique builds suspense and highlights the importance of the forthcoming explanation. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates **Apostolic Authority**, as Paul, despite his physical absence, continues to issue authoritative commands and corrections to the church, leveraging his established role as their spiritual father and guide. The **Didactic Tone** is evident in his clear, concise instruction, even as he prepares to elaborate on its nuances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though brief, is foundational for understanding the nature of Christian fellowship and the boundaries of the church's interaction with the world. It initiates a critical distinction: while believers are called to be a light in the world and engage with non-believers, they must exercise discernment regarding intimate association, especially with those who claim to be part of the Christian community but persist in unrepentant sin. This principle is not about self-righteous isolation but about maintaining the purity and witness of the church, protecting its members from negative influence, and ultimately, encouraging repentance in those who have strayed. The church's holiness reflects God's own character, and its discipline serves to preserve its integrity as the body of Christ.

* [2 Thessalonians 3:14](/2_thessalonians/3-14 "2 Thessalonians 3:14 - Note that person")
* [Romans 16:17](/romans/16-17 "Romans 16:17 - Mark them which cause divisions")
* [Matthew 18:17](/matthew/18-17 "Matthew 18:17 - Treat them as a heathen and a publican")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 5:9, especially when read in its full context, offers profound guidance for believers today regarding our relationships and the health of the church. It challenges us to reflect on the nature of our "company" – with whom we share intimate fellowship, our deepest values, and our spiritual journey. While we are unequivocally called to love and engage with all people, including those outside the faith, this verse distinguishes between evangelistic interaction and deep, affirming fellowship. It reminds us that the church, as a holy community, must maintain a clear boundary against unrepentant sin within its own ranks. This is not about judgmentalism but about preserving the integrity of the Gospel witness, protecting the flock, and, paradoxically, loving the unrepentant by calling them to accountability and repentance. Our discernment in relationships, particularly within the professing Christian community, is a vital aspect of living out our faith and upholding the honor of Christ's name.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I balance the call to engage with the world (as clarified in 1 Corinthians 5:10) with the instruction to avoid intimate fellowship with those who persist in unrepentant sin?**
* **What does "company with" truly mean in my contemporary context, and how might I apply this principle discerningly in my own relationships?**
* **In what ways does my church community uphold or neglect the principle of maintaining purity and holiness through appropriate discipline and loving accountability?**

### FAQ

**What was the "epistle" Paul refers to in this verse?**

Answer: The "epistle" Paul refers to in [1 Corinthians 5:9](/1_corinthians/5-9 "1 Corinthians 5:9 - Paul's Previous Letter") is a prior letter he had sent to the Corinthian church that is no longer extant. This means it has not been preserved in the biblical canon. Scholars often refer to it as the "previous letter" or "lost letter." Paul's reference here indicates that his communication with the Corinthians was ongoing and that he had already given them instructions on matters of conduct, which they had evidently misunderstood, prompting this current letter (1 Corinthians) to clarify and elaborate.

**Does this verse mean Christians should avoid all contact with non-believers who engage in immoral behavior?**

Answer: No, this verse, when read in its full context with [1 Corinthians 5:10-11](/1_corinthians/5-10-11 "1 Corinthians 5:10-11 - Paul's Clarification on Association"), explicitly clarifies that Christians are *not* to avoid all contact with non-believers who engage in immoral behavior. Paul states that such a command would require believers to "go out of the world" ([1 Corinthians 5:10](/1_corinthians/5-10 "1 Corinthians 5:10 - Not to Avoid the World")), which is impossible. Instead, his instruction to "not to company with fornicators" specifically refers to those *within the church* who claim to be believers but persist in unrepentant sexual immorality. The distinction is crucial: engage with the world to share the Gospel, but maintain holy boundaries within the fellowship of believers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 5:9, with its emphasis on purity and the separation from unrepentant sin, finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Christ. Jesus himself embodied perfect holiness, setting Himself apart from sin while actively engaging with sinners to bring them to repentance and salvation. His mission was to gather a people for Himself, a church that would reflect His own purity and holiness ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). Paul's instruction to the Corinthians is a pastoral application of Christ's call for His followers to be "in the world but not of the world" ([John 17:15-16](/john/17-15-16 "John 17:15-16 - In the World, Not of the World")). The church's discipline, including the call to separate from unrepentant sin within its ranks, is a reflection of Christ's own commitment to a pure bride, prepared for His return without "spot or wrinkle or any such thing" ([Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - A Spotless Bride")). Ultimately, it is Christ who purifies His church through His atoning sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Purifies")) and empowers believers to live lives of holiness, enabling them to discern and uphold the standards of His kingdom in their fellowship.

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

Ephesians 5:11

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [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.

2 Corinthians 6:14

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

Proverbs 9:6

Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

1 Corinthians 5:2

And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.

1 Corinthians 5:7

¶ Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: