1 Corinthians 6:11

KJV

And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} such {G5023} were {G2258} some of you {G5100}: but {G235} ye are washed {G628}, but {G235} ye are sanctified {G37}, but {G235} ye are justified {G1344} in {G1722} the name {G3686} of the Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424}, and {G2532} by {G1722} the Spirit {G4151} of our {G2257} God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Some of you used to do these things. But you have cleansed yourselves, you have been set apart for God, you have come to be counted righteous through the power of the Lord Yeshua the Messiah and the Spirit of our God.

Berean Standard Bible

And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

American Standard Version

And such were some of you: but ye were washed, but ye were sanctified, but ye were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 6:11 stands as a powerful declaration of the radical transformation experienced by believers in Christ, serving as a climactic affirmation following Paul's stern rebuke of the Corinthian church's moral failings. It emphatically contrasts their former sinful identities with their new, Spirit-wrought standing, asserting that they have been spiritually cleansed, set apart, and declared righteous through the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus and the active power of the Holy Spirit. This verse not only highlights the comprehensive nature of salvation but also underscores the profound change in identity that calls believers to live in accordance with their new reality in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse provides a stark and hopeful contrast to the preceding verses in [1 Corinthians 6](/1_corinthians/6 "1 Corinthians 6 - Lawsuits and Immorality"), where Paul addresses the Corinthians' scandalous legal disputes among themselves and, more critically, their tolerance of gross sexual immorality within the church. In [1 Corinthians 6:9-10](/1_corinthians/6-9-10 "1 Corinthians 6:9-10 - Those Who Will Not Inherit the Kingdom"), Paul explicitly lists various categories of unrighteous individuals—including fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, homosexuals, thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers, and extortioners—stating unequivocally that "such shall not inherit the kingdom of God." Verse 11 then immediately follows, pivoting from condemnation to a profound declaration of God's transformative grace. The "And such were some of you" directly references the preceding list, emphasizing that the Corinthians themselves, despite their past, now stand redeemed, thereby providing the theological foundation for Paul's subsequent ethical exhortations against immorality.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, wealthy Roman provincial capital and a major port city, notorious throughout the ancient world for its moral laxity and diverse pagan cults. Its strategic location facilitated trade but also exposed its inhabitants to a wide array of influences and temptations, including widespread prostitution and idolatrous practices. The phrase "to Corinthianize" was synonymous with immoral living. Many converts in the Corinthian church would have come directly from the very lifestyles Paul condemns in [1 Corinthians 6:9-10](/1_corinthians/6-9-10 "1 Corinthians 6:9-10 - A List of Sins"). This background makes Paul's declaration in [1 Corinthians 6:11](/1_corinthians/6-11 "1 Corinthians 6:11 - Transformed by Christ") all the more powerful: it was not merely a theoretical statement but a radical affirmation of God's power to transform individuals out of deeply entrenched sinful cultures and identities. The believers' past was a stark reality, but their present identity in Christ was a new, divine reality that demanded a different way of life.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 6:11](/1_corinthians/6-11 "1 Corinthians 6:11 - A New Identity in Christ") powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to Paul's theology and the broader message of 1 Corinthians. Foremost is the theme of **Radical Transformation**, highlighting that conversion to Christ involves a complete break from one's former sinful life and identity, as explicitly stated by "And such were some of you." This transformation is not merely behavioral modification but a fundamental shift in one's standing before God. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Triune Work of Salvation**, attributing the believer's new status to the "name of the Lord Jesus" and "by the Spirit of our God," implicitly involving the Father's overarching plan. This emphasizes the unified action of the Godhead in bringing about redemption. Finally, the verse establishes the **Believer's New Identity and Standing** before God, characterized by being "washed," "sanctified," and "justified." These three terms describe the comprehensive nature of salvation, providing the theological bedrock for Paul's ethical calls for holiness and purity that permeate the rest of the letter, particularly as he transitions into discussions about the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit in [1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Your Body is a Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Washed (Greek, _apoloúō'_):** From ἀπό and λούω, meaning "to wash fully, i.e. (figuratively) have remitted (reflexively)." This term signifies a complete spiritual cleansing from the defilement and guilt of sin. It speaks to the removal of impurity, making one clean in God's sight, often carrying connotations of purification rites or baptism, though the primary emphasis is on an internal, spiritual reality brought about by God.
* **Sanctified (Greek, _hagiázō'_):** From ἅγιος, meaning "to make holy, i.e. (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate." This word denotes being set apart for God's special use and possession. It implies a positional holiness, where believers are declared holy and consecrated to God at conversion, and also points to the ongoing process of progressive sanctification, where believers are continually made more like Christ in character and conduct.
* **Justified (Greek, _dikaióō'_):** From δίκαιος, meaning "to render (i.e. show or regard as) just or innocent:--free, justify(-ier), be righteous." This is a forensic or legal term, signifying God's declaration that a person is righteous in His sight. It means to be acquitted of guilt, pronounced not guilty, and credited with righteousness, not based on personal merit but solely on the basis of Christ's perfect righteousness imputed through faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And such were some of you:"** This opening clause serves as a powerful and direct reference to the preceding list of unrighteous individuals in [1 Corinthians 6:9-10](/1_corinthians/6-9-10 "1 Corinthians 6:9-10 - The Unrighteous Will Not Inherit"). It acknowledges the past sinful lifestyles and identities of many Corinthian believers, emphasizing the stark contrast between their former state and their present reality in Christ. It highlights the universality of sin and the radical nature of God's redemptive work.
* **"but ye are washed,"** The conjunction "but" introduces a dramatic shift, emphasizing the profound change. "Washed" signifies a complete spiritual cleansing from the defilement and guilt of sin. This is not a self-cleansing but a divine act, implying a thorough purification that removes the stain of past transgressions and makes one spiritually clean before God.
* **"but ye are sanctified,"** This clause further elaborates on the believer's new status. To be "sanctified" means to be set apart as holy unto God, consecrated for His exclusive possession and purpose. This is both a positional reality (declared holy by God at conversion) and the beginning of a progressive process of growing in holiness and conformity to Christ's character.
* **"but ye are justified"** This third declaration completes the triadic description of salvation. To be "justified" means to be declared righteous in God's sight, acquitted of all charges, and given a righteous standing before His holy law. This is a legal declaration, not based on human merit, but entirely on the imputed righteousness of Christ, providing a complete and irreversible standing of innocence.
* **"in the name of the Lord Jesus,"** This phrase identifies the ultimate authority and basis for the believer's washing, sanctification, and justification. "In the name" signifies the authority, person, and redemptive work of Jesus Christ—His atoning death, resurrection, and ascension. All aspects of salvation are accomplished through Him and His finished work on the cross.
* **"and by the Spirit of our God."** This final phrase highlights the active agent through whom these transformative realities are applied to the believer. The Holy Spirit is the one who regenerates, purifies, sets apart, and empowers believers, making the work of Christ effective in their lives. He is the divine power who brings about this radical change and sustains the new life in God.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in [1 Corinthians 6:11](/1_corinthians/6-11 "1 Corinthians 6:11 - Transformed by Grace") to underscore his message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, specifically between the past sinful identity ("And such were some of you") and the present redeemed identity ("but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified"). This sharp juxtaposition highlights the radical nature of God's grace and the complete transformation available in Christ. The repeated use of "but ye are" (Greek: ἀλλὰ ἀπελούσασθε, ἀλλὰ ἡγιάσθητε, ἀλλὰ ἐδικαιώθητε) demonstrates **Anaphora**, where the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses creates emphasis and rhythm, driving home the certainty and comprehensiveness of the believers' new status. Furthermore, the three distinct yet complementary terms—washed, sanctified, and justified—form a **Triadic Structure**, a common rhetorical device in biblical literature that conveys completeness and theological depth, illustrating the multifaceted nature of salvation. The concept of being "washed" also functions as a **Metaphor** for spiritual cleansing, drawing on the familiar imagery of purification to convey the removal of sin's defilement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 6:11 is a cornerstone verse for understanding the comprehensive nature of Christian salvation, demonstrating that it is not merely forgiveness of sins but a radical re-creation of identity and standing before God. It powerfully articulates the forensic (justification), ethical (sanctification), and experiential (washing) dimensions of redemption, all rooted in the work of the Triune God. This verse underscores the foundational truth that believers are no longer defined by their past sins but by their new relationship with Christ, which demands a corresponding new way of life. It serves as a theological anchor for Christian ethics, asserting that because we *are* washed, sanctified, and justified, we *should* live in a manner consistent with that new reality, reflecting God's holiness.

* [Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Washing of Regeneration")
* [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctification Through Christ's Sacrifice")
* [Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justification by Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 6:11 offers profound hope and a clear call to live in alignment with our new identity in Christ. For those burdened by a past marked by sin, this verse is a liberating declaration that "such were some of you" but are no longer. It assures us that no sin is too great for God's transformative grace to overcome, offering a complete spiritual cleansing, a setting apart for His holy purposes, and a righteous standing before Him. This truth should ignite deep gratitude and humility, reminding us that our salvation is entirely God's unmerited favor, not a result of our own efforts. Living out this new identity means actively pursuing holiness, recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and striving to honor God in all areas of life, empowered by the very Spirit who brought about our transformation. It is a constant reminder to shed the old self and embrace the new creation we are in Christ, allowing our present conduct to reflect the glorious truth of who we have become.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways does remembering "such were some of you" impact your humility and gratitude towards God's grace?**
* **How does understanding that you are "washed, sanctified, and justified" empower you to live differently today than you might have in the past?**
* **Considering that this transformation is "by the Spirit of our God," how does this truth encourage your reliance on the Holy Spirit for daily living and overcoming temptation?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that "such were some of you," and why is it important?**

Answer: The phrase "such were some of you" directly refers to the preceding list of unrighteous individuals in [1 Corinthians 6:9-10](/1_corinthians/6-9-10 "1 Corinthians 6:9-10 - Those Who Will Not Inherit the Kingdom of God"), which includes various categories of sinners like fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, thieves, and drunkards. Its importance lies in its powerful affirmation of God's radical grace and transformative power. It acknowledges the sinful past of many believers in Corinth, demonstrating that no one is beyond the reach of God's redemption. This statement highlights that conversion to Christ involves a complete break from one's former identity and lifestyle, emphasizing that believers are no longer defined by their past sins but by their new status in Christ. It provides both a stark reminder of where they came from and a glorious declaration of where they now stand.

**Is justification a one-time event or an ongoing process?**

Answer: According to [1 Corinthians 6:11](/1_corinthians/6-11 "1 Corinthians 6:11 - Justified in Christ") and broader New Testament theology, justification is primarily a one-time, definitive legal declaration by God. When a person places faith in Jesus Christ, God declares them righteous in His sight, acquitting them of all guilt and imputing Christ's perfect righteousness to them. This is a completed act, as indicated by the aorist tense of the Greek verb for "justified" (ἐδικαιώθητε), signifying a past, completed action with ongoing results. While sanctification is an ongoing, progressive process of becoming more like Christ (as also mentioned in this verse), justification is a settled, irreversible verdict that establishes a believer's righteous standing before God from the moment of conversion. This truth provides ultimate assurance for the believer, as seen in passages like [Romans 8:30](/romans/8-30 "Romans 8:30 - Justification and Glorification").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 6:11 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is the sole basis for the believer's radical transformation. The "washing" spoken of here is ultimately accomplished through the cleansing power of Christ's atoning blood, which purifies us from all sin, as affirmed in [Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Washed by His Blood"). Our "sanctification" is not merely a setting apart but a being made holy *in Christ*, for He Himself is our sanctification ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")), and we are set apart by His once-for-all sacrifice ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctification Through Christ's Sacrifice")). Most critically, our "justification" is entirely dependent on Christ's perfect obedience and sacrificial death, through which His righteousness is imputed to us, making us righteous in God's sight, as declared in [Romans 5:18-19](/romans/5-18-19 "Romans 5:18-19 - Righteousness Through Christ"). Thus, every aspect of the believer's new identity—washed, sanctified, and justified—is inextricably linked to and fulfilled "in the name of the Lord Jesus," whose finished work on the cross and ongoing intercession ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Intercession")) secures our standing before God and empowers our new life "by the Spirit of our God," the very Spirit of Christ who indwells believers ([Romans 8:9-11](/romans/8-9-11 "Romans 8:9-11 - The Spirit of Christ Indwells Believers")).

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

Colossians 3:5

¶ Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

Colossians 3:7

In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

1 Corinthians 1:30

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

Romans 6:17

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

Romans 6:19

I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

Acts 22:16

And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 1:2

Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called [to be] saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: