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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Corinthians 6:9–11.
Here he takes occasion to warn them against many heinous evils, to which they had been formerly addicted.
I.He puts it to them as a plain truth, of which they could not be ignorant, that such sinners should not inherit the kingdom of God.
The meanest among them must know thus much, that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God (Co1 6:9), shall not be owned as true members of his church on earth, nor admitted as glorious members of the church in heaven. All unrighteousness is sin; and all reigning sin, nay, every actual sin committed deliberately, and not repented of, shuts out of the kingdom of heaven. He specifies several sorts of sins: against the first and second commandments, as idolaters; against the seventh, as adulterers, fornicators, effeminate, and Sodomites; against the eighth, as thieves and extortioners, that by force or fraud wrong their neighbours; against the ninth, as revilers; and against the tenth, as covetous and drunkards, as those who are in a fair way to break all the rest. Those who knew any thing of religion must know that heaven could never be intended for these. The scum of the earth are no ways fit to fill the heavenly mansions. Those who do the devil's work can never receive God's wages, at least no other than death, the just wages of sin, Rom 6:23.
II.Yet he warns them against deceiving themselves:
Be not deceived. Those who cannot but know the fore-mentioned truth are but too apt not to attend to it. Men are very much inclined to flatter themselves that God is such a one as themselves, and that they may live in sin and yet die in Christ, may lead the life of the devil's children and yet go to heaven with the children of God. But this is all a gross cheat. Note, It is very much the concern of mankind that they do not cheat themselves in the matters of their souls. We cannot hope to sow to the flesh and yet reap everlasting life.
III.He puts them in mind what a change the gospel and grace of God had made in them:
Such were some of you (Co1 6:11), such notorious sinners as he had been reckoning up. The Greek word is tauta - such things were some of you, very monsters rather than men. Note, Some that are eminently good after their conversion have been as remarkably wicked before. Quantum mutatus ab illo! How glorious a change does grace make! It changes the vilest of men into saints and the children of God. Such were some of you, but you are not what you were. You are washed, you are sanctified, you are justified in the name of Christ, and by the Spirit of our God. Note, The wickedness of men before conversion is no bar to their regeneration and reconciliation to God. The blood of Christ, and the washing of regeneration, can purge away all guilt and defilement. Here is a rhetorical change of the natural order: You are sanctified, you are justified. Sanctification is mentioned before justification: and yet the name of Christ, by which we are justified, is placed before the Spirit of God, by whom we are sanctified. Our justification is owing to the merit of Christ; our sanctification to the operation of the Spirit: but both go together. Note, None are cleansed from the guilt of sin, and reconciled to God through Christ, but those who are also sanctified by his Spirit. All who are made righteous in the sight of God are made holy by the grace of God.
Historical interpretation
Three Centuries of Reception
4 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
The kingdom of God must be purified of all sin and immorality, so that God may reign in it.
For since it is written, "Neither shall revilers inherit the kingdom of God," and again the Lord says in His Gospel, "Whosoever shall say to his brother, Thou fool; and whosoever shall say, Raca, shall be in danger of the Gehenna of fire," how can they evade the rebuke of the Lord the avenger, who heap up such expressions, not only on their brethren, but also on the priests, to whom is granted such honour of the condescension of God, that whosoever should not obey his priest, and him that judgeth here for the time, was immediately to be slain? In Deuteronomy the Lord God speaks, saying, "And the man that will do presumptuously, and will not hearken unto the priest or to the judge, whosoever he shall be in those days, that man shall die; and all the people, when they hear, shall fear, and shall do no more wickedly." Moreover, to Samuel when he was despised by the Jews, God says; "They have not despised thee, but they have despised me." And the Lord also in the Gospel says, "He that heareth you, heareth me, and Him that sent me; and he that rejecteth you, rejecteth me; and he that rejecteth me, rejecteth Him that sent me." And when he had cleansed the leprous man, he said, "Go, show thyself to the priest." And when afterwards, in the time of His passion, He had received a buffet from a servant of the priest, and the servant said to Him, "Answerest thou the high priest so? " the Lord said nothing reproachfully against the high priest, nor detracted anything from the priest's honour; but rather asserting His own innocence, and showing it, He says, "If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why smitest thou me? " Also subsequently, in the Acts of the Apostles, the blessed Apostle Paul, when it was said to him, "Revilest thou God's priest? " -although they had begun to be sacrilegious, and impious, and bloody, the Lord having already been crucified, and had no longer retained anything of the priestly honour and authority-yet Paul, considering the name itself, however empty, and the shadow, as it were, of the priest, said, "I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy, people."
Paul did not say this because the Corinthians did not know it already. He was rather reawakening their reverence for the divine commandment and bringing them closer to readiness for the kingdom of heaven.
If someone says that he does not want the kingdom of God, only eternal rest, he should not deceive himself. For there are only two places, and not a third. If a person does not deserve to reign with Christ, then he will most assuredly perish with the devil.
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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 concerning the conduct of believers, particularly in light of their identity in Christ. It directly follows 1 Corinthians 6:9, 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 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), 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 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). This establishes a crucial tension between the dire warning and the glorious reality of God's redemptive work.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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.
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.
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. 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.
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
FAQ
Does this verse mean that if a Christian commits one of these sins, they lose their salvation?
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 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 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). 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) by the Holy Spirit, receiving a new nature that desires to please God (2 Corinthians 5:17). 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). 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.