1 Corinthians 6:11

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Context of 1 Corinthians 6:11

This powerful verse serves as a climactic declaration following Paul's stern rebuke and warning to the Corinthian believers regarding their ongoing issues with immorality and internal disputes. In the preceding verses, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Paul lists various types of unrighteous individuals—including fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, homosexuals, thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers, and extortioners—who will not inherit the kingdom of God. Verse 11 delivers a stark contrast, reminding the Corinthians of their past while emphatically declaring their present, transformed status in Christ. It shifts from condemnation to an affirmation of God's redemptive work.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Radical Transformation: The phrase "And such were some of you" powerfully underscores the dramatic change that occurs when one comes to faith in Jesus Christ. It highlights that no past sin or lifestyle is beyond God's power to forgive and cleanse. This transformation is not merely behavioral but an ontological shift in identity.
  • The Triune Work of Salvation: This verse beautifully encapsulates the involvement of the entire Godhead in a believer's salvation.
    • The work is accomplished "in the name of the Lord Jesus," emphasizing His authority, sacrifice, and victory over sin.
    • It is applied "by the Spirit of our God," signifying the Holy Spirit's active role in regeneration, purification, and empowerment.
    • The Father's divine plan and will are implicitly present as "our God" who orchestrates this salvation.
  • New Identity and Standing: Believers are given a completely new standing before God, characterized by spiritual washing, sanctification, and justification. This new identity is foundational to Christian ethics and living, calling believers to live in accordance with who they now are in Christ.

Linguistic Insights

Paul uses three distinct, yet complementary, terms to describe the believer's new status:

  • "Washed": The Greek word here is apolouo, meaning to wash off or cleanse oneself. It speaks to a spiritual cleansing from the defilement of sin, often associated with the cleansing power of baptism, though fundamentally a work of the Holy Spirit. This signifies the removal of guilt and impurity. For further understanding of spiritual cleansing, see Titus 3:5.
  • "Sanctified": Derived from the Greek hagiazo, meaning to make holy, to set apart for God's special use. This refers to positional sanctification, where believers are immediately set apart as holy unto God at conversion. It also implies the ongoing process of progressive sanctification, where believers are continually made more like Christ through the Spirit. The ultimate goal is to live a life consecrated to God. Explore more about sanctification in Hebrews 10:10.
  • "Justified": From the Greek dikaioo, this is a legal term meaning to declare righteous, to acquit, or to pronounce not guilty. It means that God declares believers righteous in His sight, not based on their own merits, but solely on the basis of Christ's perfect righteousness imputed to them through faith. This is a complete and irreversible declaration of innocence before God's holy law. A classic passage on justification by faith is Romans 5:1.

Practical Application

1 Corinthians 6:11 offers profound implications for believers today:

  • Hope and Assurance: This verse provides immense hope and assurance for anyone, regardless of their past. It affirms that God's grace is sufficient to transform even the most broken lives, offering a fresh start and a new identity in Christ.
  • Call to Holy Living: Having been washed, sanctified, and justified, believers are now called to live lives that reflect this new reality. Our past does not define us, but our new identity in Christ should shape our present conduct and future aspirations. We are to live as those who belong to God and are set apart for His purposes.
  • Humility and Gratitude: Remembering "such were some of you" fosters humility and deep gratitude for the unmerited favor of God. Our salvation is entirely His work, not a result of our own efforts or worthiness.
  • Empowerment for Change: The transformation is not by human will alone but "by the Spirit of our God." This reminds us that the Holy Spirit provides the power to overcome sinful desires and live a life pleasing to God.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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:

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