1 Corinthians 6:10

KJV

Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Nor {G3777} thieves {G2812}, nor {G3777} covetous {G4123}, nor {G3777} drunkards {G3183}, nor {G3756} revilers {G3060}, nor {G3756} extortioners {G727}, shall inherit {G3756}{G2816} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

who steal, who are greedy, who get drunk, who assail people with contemptuous language, who rob — none of them will share in the Kingdom of God.

Berean Standard Bible

nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.

American Standard Version

nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 6:10 serves as a stark warning within Paul's letter to the Corinthian church, delineating a list of unrepentant, habitual behaviors that are fundamentally incompatible with inheriting the kingdom of God. This verse, following a similar enumeration of vices, underscores that genuine faith in Christ necessitates a profound transformation of life, moving beyond mere outward profession to an internal alignment with God's righteous character and a pursuit of holiness. It highlights the serious consequences for those who persist in a lifestyle characterized by such moral failings, emphasizing the intrinsic link between ethical conduct and authentic participation in God's eternal reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of Paul's broader argument in [1 Corinthians 6](/1_corinthians/6 "1 Corinthians 6 - Lawsuits, Immorality, and Glorifying God") concerning the conduct of believers, particularly in light of their identity in Christ. It directly follows [1 Corinthians 6:9](/1_corinthians/6-9 "1 Corinthians 6:9 - Those Who Will Not Inherit the Kingdom"), which lists other categories of unrighteous individuals. Together, these verses form a powerful and explicit declaration about who will not inherit the kingdom of God, setting the stage for Paul's subsequent affirmation in [1 Corinthians 6:11](/1_corinthians/6-11 "1 Corinthians 6:11 - Washed, Sanctified, Justified") that many in the Corinthian church *were* once characterized by such sins but have been transformed by God's grace. The immediate context also includes Paul's rebuke of the Corinthians for taking one another to court ([1 Corinthians 6:1-8](/1_corinthians/6-1-8 "1 Corinthians 6:1-8 - Christians and Lawsuits")), which he views as a failure to live out their new identity and a public scandal. The lists of vices serve to define the kind of unrighteousness that is antithetical to the Christian life and the kingdom of God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city in ancient Greece, renowned for its wealth, diverse population, and a pervasive culture of moral laxity. As a major trade hub, it attracted people from all walks of life, leading to a syncretistic blend of religious practices and ethical norms that often conflicted with biblical standards. The city was particularly infamous for its widespread sexual immorality, evidenced by the temple of Aphrodite and its associated practices. The Corinthian church, composed of both Jews and Gentiles, struggled to navigate these cultural pressures, often adopting or tolerating behaviors common in their pagan environment. Paul's letter directly addresses these challenges, seeking to establish clear boundaries for Christian conduct and identity within such a morally compromised setting. His strong warnings about inheriting the kingdom of God were a direct challenge to the prevailing cultural norms and a call to radical distinctiveness for believers.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in this section is the **nature of genuine Christian transformation** and the **holiness required for participation in God's kingdom**. The lists of vices in [1 Corinthians 6:9-10](/1_corinthians/6-9-10 "1 Corinthians 6:9-10 - Warning Against Unrighteousness") underscore the seriousness of sin and the necessity of a radical break from a life characterized by unrighteousness. This is not merely about avoiding specific acts, but about a fundamental change in one's orientation and character. The phrase "inherit the kingdom of God" points to the **ultimate destiny and inheritance of believers**, emphasizing that salvation is not just forgiveness of past sins but an entry into God's righteous reign, which demands a corresponding righteous lifestyle. Furthermore, the passage implicitly highlights the **transformative power of the Gospel**, as Paul will immediately follow this warning with the declaration that the Corinthians themselves, despite their past, have been "washed, sanctified, and justified" ([1 Corinthians 6:11](/1_corinthians/6-11 "Transformation in Christ")). This establishes a crucial tension between the dire warning and the glorious reality of God's redemptive work.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **thieves (Greek, _kléptēs'_):** From a root meaning "to steal," this term refers to a stealer, whether literally or figuratively. It denotes someone who takes what does not belong to them, often covertly or by deception, highlighting a disregard for the property rights and well-being of others. In a broader sense, it can encompass any form of dishonest acquisition.
* **covetous (Greek, _pleonéktēs'_):** Derived from Greek words meaning "more" and "to have," this term describes someone who is eager for gain, avaricious, or constantly desiring more than they possess or are entitled to. It points to an insatiable greed, often leading to exploitation or defrauding others, driven by an excessive desire for material possessions or advantages.
* **inherit (Greek, _klēronoméō'_):** This verb means "to be an heir to" or "to obtain by inheritance." In a spiritual context, it signifies receiving a rightful possession or legacy, specifically participation in God's eternal reign and blessings. To "inherit the kingdom of God" means to be a recipient of its benefits, to belong to it, and to share in its future glory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners,"** This clause presents a further enumeration of specific vices, building upon the list in the preceding verse. Each term represents a distinct category of unrighteous behavior that is antithetical to God's character and the values of His kingdom. "Thieves" are those who steal, "covetous" are those driven by insatiable greed, "drunkards" are those habitually given to excessive alcohol consumption, "revilers" are those who engage in abusive or slanderous speech, and "extortioners" are those who obtain gain through force, threats, or unjust means. The repeated "nor" (Greek: _oúte_) emphasizes a complete exclusion, reinforcing the idea that none of these categories of individuals, if unrepentant and habitually practicing such sins, will be admitted.
* **"shall inherit the kingdom of God."** This concluding phrase states the dire consequence for those who persist in the behaviors listed. To "inherit the kingdom of God" signifies entrance into God's sovereign rule, participation in His divine blessings, and eternal life in His presence. The negative declaration means that those characterized by these unrighteous lifestyles are fundamentally incompatible with the nature and requirements of God's righteous reign and will be excluded from its ultimate blessings and fellowship. It underscores that a transformed life, marked by righteousness, is a necessary evidence of true belonging to God's kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in [1 Corinthians 6:10](/1_corinthians/6-10 "1 Corinthians 6:10 - Those Who Will Not Inherit"). The most prominent is **Enumeration**, where he lists a series of specific vices. This technique serves to clarify and concretize the types of unrighteous behavior that are incompatible with the kingdom of God, leaving no ambiguity for his readers. The repeated use of the negative conjunction "nor" (Greek: _oúte_) creates a strong sense of **Exclusion**, emphasizing that *none* of these categories will inherit. This stylistic choice reinforces the absolute nature of the warning. Furthermore, the passage uses **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where the specific vices listed stand in for broader categories of unrighteousness or a lifestyle fundamentally opposed to God. While specific, they represent a general orientation of life that is not aligned with God's will. The verse also functions as a stark **Contrast** to the transformed identity of believers, which Paul immediately presents in the subsequent verse, highlighting the radical change that occurs through Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates a core biblical truth: while salvation is by grace through faith, genuine faith invariably leads to a transformed life that departs from habitual sin. It underscores the intrinsic link between ethical conduct and one's standing before God, not as a means of earning salvation, but as an evidence of it. The "kingdom of God" is not merely a future heavenly realm, but also God's present reign in the lives of believers, demanding a pursuit of righteousness. The exclusion of those who practice these vices highlights God's holy character and the incompatibility of unrepentant sin with His divine nature. It warns against antinomianism—the belief that grace negates the need for moral law—and reinforces the New Testament emphasis on sanctification as a necessary outworking of justification. The warning serves as a call to self-examination and a reminder that true discipleship involves a radical reorientation of life away from the patterns of the world and towards the righteousness of Christ.

* [Galatians 5:19-21](/galatians/5-19-21 "Galatians 5:19-21 - Works of the Flesh")
* [Ephesians 5:5](/ephesians/5-5 "Ephesians 5:5 - No Inheritance for the Impure")
* [Revelation 21:8](/revelation/21-8 "Revelation 21:8 - The Second Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Corinthians 6:10 serves as a profound mirror, inviting believers to engage in honest self-examination regarding the trajectory and character of their lives. It is not intended to induce fear or legalism in those who genuinely struggle with sin, but rather to issue a clear warning against a lifestyle of unrepentant, habitual unrighteousness that fundamentally contradicts the new nature received in Christ. The verse challenges us to consider whether our daily choices and desires align with the values of the kingdom we claim to inherit. It prompts us to ask if we are actively yielding to the Holy Spirit's transforming work, allowing Him to root out the "works of the flesh" and cultivate the "fruit of the Spirit." This passage reminds us that while God's grace is boundless for forgiveness, it also empowers us to live righteously. True faith is evidenced by a departure from the dominion of sin and a pursuit of holiness, reflecting the character of the God we serve. It calls us to embrace the ongoing process of sanctification, recognizing that our inheritance in the kingdom is secured by Christ's work, but expressed through a life lived in conformity to His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tolerating or excusing behaviors that align with the vices listed in this verse, even subtly?**
* **How does my daily pursuit of holiness reflect my understanding of what it means to "inherit the kingdom of God"?**
* **What practical steps can I take to allow God's transforming grace to address any unrepentant patterns of sin in my life?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean that if a Christian commits one of these sins, they lose their salvation?**

Answer: No, this verse does not teach that a single instance of sin, even a serious one, causes a Christian to lose salvation. The context and the Greek terms used (e.g., "thieves," "drunkards") refer to those who are *characterized* by these behaviors as a habitual, unrepentant lifestyle, rather than a momentary lapse. The lists describe a state of being, a pattern of life that defines one's identity apart from Christ. Paul's subsequent statement in [1 Corinthians 6:11](/1_corinthians/6-11 "1 Corinthians 6:11 - Washed, Sanctified, Justified") clarifies this: "And such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God." This shows that those who truly belong to Christ have been fundamentally transformed and are no longer defined by these practices. The warning is for those who claim Christ but continue to live in unrepentant rebellion against God's moral standards, demonstrating that they have not truly been born into His kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The warning in [1 Corinthians 6:10](/1_corinthians/6-10 "1 Corinthians 6:10 - Those Who Will Not Inherit") finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the verse sternly declares that those characterized by unrighteousness will not inherit the kingdom, Christ Himself is the sole gateway to that inheritance. Our entry into God's kingdom is not based on our own perfect adherence to moral codes, but on the perfect righteousness of Jesus, which is imputed to us by faith ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). Furthermore, Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross not only forgives our past sins but also breaks the power of sin in our lives, enabling us to live righteously. Through union with Christ, believers are "washed, sanctified, and justified" ([1 Corinthians 6:11](/1_corinthians/6-11 "1 Corinthians 6:11 - Transformation in Christ")) by the Holy Spirit, receiving a new nature that desires to please God ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). The transformative power of the Gospel means that those who were once enslaved to the very vices listed are now empowered to walk in newness of life, demonstrating that they have indeed been transferred from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of God's beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). Thus, the kingdom is inherited not by avoiding sin through self-effort, but by embracing Christ, who both forgives and empowers genuine, Spirit-led transformation.

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 Corinthians 5:11

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.

Galatians 5:21

Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Ezekiel 22:29

The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully.

Ephesians 4:28

Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with [his] hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

1 Peter 4:15

But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or [as] a thief, or [as] an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.

Ezekiel 22:27

Her princes in the midst thereof [are] like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, [and] to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain.

Matthew 23:33

[Ye] serpents, [ye] generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?