1 Corinthians 6:17

KJV

But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} he that is joined {G2853} unto the Lord {G2962} is {G2076} one {G1520} spirit {G4151}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but the person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit.

Berean Standard Bible

But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with Him in spirit.

American Standard Version

But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 6:17 profoundly declares the intimate and transformative spiritual union between a believer and the Lord Jesus Christ. In stark contrast to unholy physical or spiritual entanglements, Paul asserts that those who are joined to the Lord become "one spirit," signifying a deep, mystical, and inseparable bond that redefines the believer's identity, purpose, and call to holiness, rooted in the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial theological anchor within Paul's broader argument in [1 Corinthians 6](/1_corinthians/6 "1 Corinthians 6 - Lawsuits and Immorality"). Paul addresses several pressing issues within the Corinthian church, including internal lawsuits among believers (verses 1-11) and, more prominently, the pervasive problem of sexual immorality (πορνεία, _porneia_, fornication) within the congregation (verses 12-20). He has just emphatically warned against a believer's body—which is a member of Christ—being joined to a harlot, stating that such an act makes the two "one body" (verse 16), drawing on the Genesis creation narrative. Verse 17 then provides the profound counter-point and the ultimate theological rationale for fleeing such unholy unions, by highlighting the true, holy, and far superior spiritual union that Christians share with the Lord. It sets the stage for Paul's concluding exhortation in [1 Corinthians 6:18-20](/1_corinthians/6-18-20 "1 Corinthians 6:18-20 - Flee Fornication and Glorify God"), emphasizing the sanctity of the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city renowned for its commercial activity, but also notorious for its moral laxity and widespread idolatry. It housed numerous temples, including a prominent temple dedicated to Aphrodite, where sacred prostitution was practiced. This pervasive culture of sexual immorality, coupled with various philosophical viewpoints (such as Gnosticism, which might have taught that actions of the body had no bearing on the spirit), presented significant challenges to the nascent Christian community. Believers were constantly exposed to and tempted by these cultural norms. Paul's strong admonitions were thus not merely abstract theological statements but urgent, practical directives designed to safeguard the purity and distinctiveness of the Christian community in a morally corrupt environment. The concept of "union" was familiar in both religious and philosophical contexts, but Paul redefines it within the framework of the believer's relationship with the divine Lord.
* **Key Themes:** First Corinthians 6:17 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes found throughout Paul's letter and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent theme is the **Profound Spiritual Union** that believers experience with the Lord Jesus Christ. This union is not merely intellectual assent or emotional connection but a mystical, transformative bond that permeates the very essence of the believer's being. This spiritual intimacy forms the bedrock for the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, as Paul argues that such an exalted union with Christ demands a life that reflects His purity and nature, providing a powerful motivation to [flee fornication](/1_corinthians/6-18 "1 Corinthians 6:18 - Flee Fornication") and other sins. Furthermore, the phrase "one spirit" implicitly points to the theme of **The Indwelling Holy Spirit**. The Holy Spirit is the divine agent who facilitates and actualizes this spiritual union between the believer and Christ, signifying that the human spirit of the believer is brought into complete alignment and communion with the Spirit of God. This theme is further developed in Paul's teaching that believers' bodies are [temples of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - Temple of the Holy Spirit"), underscoring the sacredness of the believer's entire person.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **joined (Greek, _kolláō'_):** From the Strong's G2853 data, this word means "to glue, i.e. (passively or reflexively) to stick (figuratively)." It conveys a sense of inseparable attachment, much like two things being permanently bonded together. Paul intentionally uses this same strong term in [1 Corinthians 6:16](/1_corinthians/6-16 "1 Corinthians 6:16 - Joined to a Harlot") to describe the physical union between a man and a harlot, creating a powerful linguistic and theological contrast. While the physical act creates "one body," the spiritual relationship with the Lord creates "one spirit," highlighting the profound nature and permanence of both types of union.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** According to Strong's G2962, this term signifies "supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title)." When applied to Jesus, _kýrios_ denotes His divine sovereignty, His authoritative position as the head of the church, and the object of worship. Being "joined unto the Lord" therefore implies a relationship of submission, allegiance, and intimate fellowship with the one who holds ultimate authority and mastery over the believer's life.
* **spirit (Greek, _pneûma'_):** As per Strong's G4151, _pneûma_ can refer to a "current of air, breath," or figuratively, "a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit." In the context of [1 Corinthians 6:17](/1_corinthians/6-17 "1 Corinthians 6:17 - Joined to the Lord"), "one spirit" refers to the profound unity between the believer's human spirit and the Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of God and Christ. It does not imply a loss of individual identity but a complete alignment, communion, and shared life with the divine Spirit, facilitated by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he that is joined unto the Lord":** The opening conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) introduces a sharp contrast to the preceding discussion of physical union with a harlot. This phrase identifies the subject as "he that is joined" (G2853, _kolláō_), emphasizing an active and intentional, yet divinely enabled, attachment or cleaving to "the Lord" (G2962, _kýrios_). This joining is not merely intellectual assent or a superficial connection, but a profound, adhesive bond that reorients the believer's entire being towards Christ as their sovereign Master. It speaks to the believer's conversion and ongoing relationship, where Christ has become the central focus and authority in their life.
* **"is one spirit":** This declarative statement (G2076, _estí_, "is") reveals the nature and outcome of being joined to the Lord. The believer and the Lord are not merely close or aligned, but they become "one spirit" (G1520, _heîs_ G4151, _pneûma_). This signifies a profound, mystical, and existential unity. It implies that the Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of Christ, indwells the believer, merging the believer's human spirit with the divine Spirit in purpose, will, and essence. This spiritual oneness is the antithesis of the "one body" formed in unholy sexual union; it represents a sacred, life-giving, and sanctifying communion that defines the believer's new identity in Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in [1 Corinthians 6:17](/1_corinthians/6-17 "1 Corinthians 6:17 - Joined to the Lord") to underscore his theological point. The most prominent is **Antithesis** or **Juxtaposition**. By using the identical Greek verb _kolláō_ ("joined" or "cleave") in both [1 Corinthians 6:16](/1_corinthians/6-16 "1 Corinthians 6:16 - Joined to a Harlot") (describing union with a harlot resulting in "one body") and [1 Corinthians 6:17](/1_corinthians/6-17 "1 Corinthians 6:17 - Joined to the Lord") (describing union with the Lord resulting in "one spirit"), Paul creates a stark and unforgettable contrast. This rhetorical strategy highlights the absolute incompatibility of the two types of union and elevates the sacredness of the believer's bond with Christ. Furthermore, the phrase "one spirit" functions as a profound **Metaphor** or **Symbolism**. It is not a literal merging of identities into one undifferentiated being, but a symbolic representation of an intimate, shared spiritual reality, a complete alignment of will, purpose, and essence, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This **metaphorical language** conveys a depth of communion that transcends mere intellectual or emotional connection, pointing to a transformative, existential reality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The declaration that "he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit" is a cornerstone of Pauline theology, elucidating the profound nature of the believer's relationship with God. This spiritual union is not merely a legal standing but an ontological reality, signifying a new creation in Christ where the believer participates in the divine nature (cf. [2 Peter 1:4](/2_peter/1-4 "2 Peter 1:4 - Partakers of the Divine Nature")). It underscores the Trinitarian work of salvation: the Father's plan, the Son's atoning work, and the Spirit's indwelling presence that actualizes this union. This oneness implies a shared life, shared purpose, and shared destiny with Christ, providing the ultimate motivation for sanctification and holy living. It means that the believer's identity is no longer defined by their past sins or worldly affiliations but by their intimate, inseparable bond with the resurrected Lord, making them members of His body and temples of the Holy Spirit.

* [John 17:21-23](/john/17-21-23 "John 17:21-23 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity"): Jesus prays for His followers to be "one" just as He and the Father are one, fulfilling the desire for profound unity that 1 Corinthians 6:17 describes.
* [Ephesians 4:4-6](/ephesians/4-4-6 "Ephesians 4:4-6 - Unity in the Spirit"): Paul speaks of "one body and one Spirit... one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all," emphasizing the comprehensive unity that believers share.
* [Romans 8:9-11](/romans/8-9-11 "Romans 8:9-11 - Life by the Spirit"): This passage highlights the indwelling of the Spirit of God (and the Spirit of Christ) in believers, asserting that if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Him, thus underscoring the necessity and reality of being "one spirit."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Corinthians 6:17 offers a foundational truth that should profoundly shape every believer's self-perception, choices, and daily walk. To be "one spirit" with the Lord means that our deepest identity is now inextricably linked to Christ. This union calls us to live in a manner consistent with our new reality, recognizing that our bodies are not our own, but have been [bought with a price](/1_corinthians/6-20 "1 Corinthians 6:20 - Glorify God in Your Body"). This understanding provides powerful motivation for holy living, as any action, especially those involving our bodies, directly impacts our sacred union with Christ. It empowers us to resist temptation and flee from sin, knowing that our very essence is intertwined with the Holy One. Furthermore, this verse assures us of spiritual empowerment; we are not left to our own strength, but the Spirit of God within us enables us to walk in righteousness, bear spiritual fruit, and live out the implications of being [abiding in Him](/john/15-4 "John 15:4 - Abide in Me"). Our relationship with God is not distant or merely transactional, but a deep, personal, and spiritual union that permeates every part of our being, demanding a life of holiness and devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding yourself as "one spirit" with the Lord change your perspective on your identity and purpose in life?**
* **In what specific areas of your life (e.g., relationships, entertainment, work) does this profound spiritual union call you to greater holiness or discernment?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to more intentionally live out the implications of being "one spirit" with the Lord, relying on the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit?**

### FAQ
**Does "one spirit" mean we lose our individual identity or personality?**

Answer: No, the phrase "one spirit" (Greek: _hen pneuma_) does not imply a loss of individual identity or personality. Instead, it signifies a profound, intimate, and transformative spiritual union. It means that the believer's human spirit is brought into complete alignment and communion with the Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of God and Christ. This union is one of purpose, will, and essence, where the believer's life is now directed and empowered by the divine Spirit, but their distinct personhood remains. Think of it less as absorption and more as a perfect harmony, much like the unity within the Trinity where distinct persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) are nevertheless one God. This spiritual bond enables the believer to think, desire, and act in accordance with God's will, fostering a Christ-like character while still retaining their unique individuality.

**How does this verse relate to sexual purity and Paul's broader argument in 1 Corinthians 6?**

Answer: This verse is the theological linchpin of Paul's argument for sexual purity in [1 Corinthians 6](/1_corinthians/6 "1 Corinthians 6 - Lawsuits and Immorality"). Paul has just stated in [1 Corinthians 6:16](/1_corinthians/6-16 "1 Corinthians 6:16 - Joined to a Harlot") that a man who joins himself to a prostitute becomes "one body" with her. He then immediately contrasts this unholy physical union with the sacred spiritual union of the believer with the Lord, where they become "one spirit." The implication is clear: if a believer is so intimately united with Christ, their body, which is a member of Christ, cannot be joined to something unholy (like a harlot) without desecrating that sacred union and dishonoring Christ. The profound spiritual reality of being "one spirit" with the Lord serves as the ultimate motivation for believers to [flee sexual immorality](/1_corinthians/6-18 "1 Corinthians 6:18 - Flee Fornication") and to glorify God with their bodies (cf. [1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Your Body is a Temple")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound truth of [1 Corinthians 6:17](/1_corinthians/6-17 "1 Corinthians 6:17 - Joined to the Lord") finds its ultimate fulfillment and possibility in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is through His atoning sacrifice on the cross that humanity, alienated from God by sin, can be reconciled and "joined unto the Lord." Christ's incarnation, where God became flesh, bridged the infinite gap between the divine and the human, making such an intimate union conceivable. His death paid the price for our sin, and His resurrection inaugurated a new spiritual reality, empowering believers with new life. The "Lord" to whom we are joined is none other than the resurrected and ascended Christ, who, having received all authority, pours out His Spirit upon believers. This "one spirit" reality is actualized by the indwelling Holy Spirit, whom Christ promised to send as the Helper, enabling believers to live in continuous communion with Him (cf. [John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, our union with Christ is not merely a theological concept but a living, dynamic reality made possible by His finished work, guaranteeing that our lives are now "hidden with Christ in God" (cf. [Colossians 3:3](/colossians/3-3 "Colossians 3:3 - Your Life Hidden with Christ in God")) and that we walk in the newness of life according to the Spirit (cf. [Romans 8:1-4](/romans/8-1-4 "Romans 8:1-4 - Life in the Spirit")). This spiritual oneness is a foretaste of the complete and glorious union believers will experience with Christ in eternity.

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

John 17:21

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

John 17:23

I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

Galatians 2:20

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

1 Corinthians 12:13

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Ephesians 4:3

Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Ephesians 4:4

[There is] one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

John 3:6

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.