1 Corinthians 6:19

KJV

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost [which is] in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

KJV (with Strong's)

What {G2228}? know ye {G1492} not {G3756} that {G3754} your {G5216} body {G4983} is {G2076} the temple {G3485} of the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151} which is in {G1722} you {G5213}, which {G3739} ye have {G2192} of {G575} God {G2316}, and {G2532} ye are {G2075} not {G3756} your own {G1438}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Or don’t you know that your body is a temple for the Ruach HaKodesh who lives inside you, whom you received from God? The fact is, you don’t belong to yourselves;

Berean Standard Bible

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;

American Standard Version

Or know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have from God? and ye are not your own;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 6:19 serves as a profound theological declaration, asserting that the physical body of a believer is not merely a personal possession but a sacred dwelling place for the Holy Spirit, received directly from God. This divine indwelling establishes an unbreakable bond of ownership, fundamentally transforming the believer's identity and calling them to live in a manner consistent with their consecrated status, recognizing they no longer belong to themselves but to God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful verse is situated within a broader section of Paul's letter to the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 5-7) where he addresses various issues of sexual immorality and Christian conduct. Specifically, [1 Corinthians 6:12-20](/1_corinthians/6-12-20 "1 Corinthians 6:12-20 - Freedom and Responsibility") deals with the misuse of Christian freedom, particularly concerning sexual sin. Paul has just argued vehemently against visiting prostitutes, stating that such acts unite a believer's body with a harlot, which is antithetical to being united with Christ ([1 Corinthians 6:15-17](/1_corinthians/6-15-17 "1 Corinthians 6:15-17 - Union with Christ")). Verse 19, therefore, provides the theological bedrock for his ethical commands, establishing the sacred nature of the body as the Spirit's temple, leading directly into the call to glorify God with one's body in [1 Corinthians 6:20](/1_corinthians/6-20 "1 Corinthians 6:20 - Glorify God with Your Body").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city renowned for its wealth, trade, and unfortunately, its pervasive immorality. The city was home to numerous pagan temples, including the infamous temple of Aphrodite, which reportedly employed sacred prostitutes. In this environment, the human body was often viewed as a vessel for pleasure or a disposable entity, disconnected from spiritual realities. Paul's declaration that the body is a "temple of the Holy Ghost" would have been revolutionary and counter-cultural, directly challenging the prevailing pagan worldview and the casual approach to sexuality. The Corinthians, familiar with the concept of temples as sacred spaces where deities resided, would have grasped the profound implications of their own bodies being such a sanctuary.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Corinthians and Pauline theology. It reinforces the theme of the **indwelling Holy Spirit**, a hallmark of the new covenant, emphasizing the Spirit's personal and intimate presence within individual believers. It elevates the **sacredness of the human body**, transforming it from a mere physical entity into a consecrated space, directly combating the dualistic tendencies (common in Greek thought) that often devalued the physical. Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **divine ownership and belonging**, asserting that believers are not their own masters but belong entirely to God, a concept foundational to Christian ethics and discipleship, as seen in Paul's call for believers to live for Christ in [Romans 14:7-8](/romans/14-7-8 "Romans 14:7-8 - Living for the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **know ye (Greek, _eídō'_):** From G1492, a primary verb meaning "to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know." Paul's rhetorical question, "What? know ye not?", is not an inquiry into their ignorance but a forceful reminder of a truth they *should* already know. It implies a failure to live in accordance with a fundamental theological reality, highlighting the cognitive dissonance between their understanding and their behavior.
* **temple (Greek, _naós'_):** From G3485, a term referring to "a fane, shrine, temple." Unlike _hieron_ (ἱερόν), which denotes the entire temple complex, _naós_ specifically refers to the inner sanctuary, the holy of holies, where the deity was believed to reside. By using _naós_, Paul emphasizes the intimate and consecrated presence of the Holy Spirit *within* the believer, making the body the most sacred of spaces, a direct parallel to the dwelling place of God in the Old Testament Tabernacle and Temple.
* **your own (Greek, _heautoû'_):** From G1438, a reflexive pronoun meaning "him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other persons) my-, thy-, our-, your-) self (selves), etc." This phrase emphatically declares a radical shift in ownership. Prior to salvation, individuals might consider themselves autonomous, but through redemption, they are purchased by God. This means their bodies, wills, and lives are no longer under their own jurisdiction but belong to their divine Creator and Redeemer, forming the basis for a life of submission and glorification.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"What? know ye not":** This is a powerful rhetorical question, designed not to elicit information but to challenge the Corinthians' inconsistent behavior by appealing to a truth they ought to have known and internalized. It implies a severe lapse in their understanding or application of fundamental Christian doctrine.
* **"that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost":** This is the central theological assertion. Paul declares that the physical body of each individual believer (singular "body," not plural "bodies") is a sacred dwelling place, the inner sanctuary (_naós_), for the Holy Spirit. This elevates the body to a status of profound holiness, making it a consecrated space for God's presence.
* **"[which is] in you":** This phrase emphasizes the immanence and personal indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is not merely an external influence but resides *within* the believer, making their very being a locus of divine presence. This personal indwelling is the source of the body's sacredness.
* **"which ye have of God":** This clause clarifies the origin and nature of the Holy Spirit's indwelling. The Spirit's presence is not earned or self-generated but is a gracious gift, freely bestowed by God. This highlights God's initiative and sovereign act in establishing this intimate relationship with believers.
* **"and ye are not your own?":** This concluding declaration is the logical consequence of the preceding truths. Because the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and the Spirit is a gift from God, believers are no longer self-owned. Their lives, including their physical bodies, belong entirely to God, implying a profound responsibility to live in a way that honors this divine ownership.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices to convey his urgent message. The verse opens with a **Rhetorical Question** ("What? know ye not?"), designed to jolt the Corinthian believers into recognizing a fundamental truth they had seemingly forgotten or neglected. This immediate challenge sets an authoritative tone. The most prominent device is the **Metaphor** of the "temple of the Holy Ghost." By comparing the human body to a sacred temple, Paul elevates its status from a mere physical vessel to a consecrated dwelling place for the divine. This metaphor directly counters the prevailing pagan views of the body and provides a powerful theological basis for ethical conduct. Finally, the concluding declaration, "and ye are not your own," serves as a stark **Statement of Consequence** and **Emphasis**, highlighting the radical shift in ownership from self to God. This emphatic statement underscores the profound implications of the indwelling Spirit for every aspect of a believer's life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound truth that the believer's body is the temple of the Holy Spirit fundamentally reshapes Christian anthropology and ethics. It signifies a radical consecration of the human person, where the very physical being becomes a locus of divine presence. This indwelling of the Spirit is not merely a passive presence but an active, sanctifying power that empowers believers to live lives of holiness and to glorify God in every aspect, including their physical actions. The concept of divine ownership, "ye are not your own," flows directly from this indwelling, establishing the basis for Christian stewardship of the body and a rejection of self-indulgence or sin that would defile God's sacred dwelling. This theological reality calls for a reorientation of desires and actions, aligning them with God's purposes rather than personal gratification.

* [1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - The Church as God's Temple") - "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" This verse parallels 6:19, but refers to the church corporately as God's temple, highlighting the collective indwelling of the Spirit.
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice") - "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." This passage directly applies the concept of divine ownership to practical living, urging believers to offer their consecrated bodies in worship and service.
* [Romans 14:7-8](/romans/14-7-8 "Romans 14:7-8 - Living and Dying to the Lord") - "For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's." This passage powerfully articulates the comprehensive nature of belonging to the Lord, encompassing both life and death, reinforcing the theme of divine ownership found in 1 Corinthians 6:19.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Understanding that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit is not merely an abstract theological concept; it carries profound implications for daily living. It transforms our perception of self-worth and purpose, elevating the physical body from a mundane vessel to a sacred sanctuary. This truth calls us to a radical re-evaluation of our choices, especially concerning our physical health, sexual purity, and the activities we engage in. If God's Spirit truly dwells within us, then our bodies are no longer our own to do with as we please, but are on loan, consecrated for His glory. This should inspire a deep reverence for our bodies and a commitment to honor God in every aspect of our physical existence, avoiding anything that would defile or dishonor this divine dwelling. It also fosters a sense of accountability, knowing that our actions reflect upon the indwelling Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit change your perspective on self-care, physical health, and personal boundaries?**
* **In what specific areas of your life might you be treating your body as "your own" rather than as belonging to God?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to better honor God with your body, reflecting its sacred status as the Spirit's dwelling place?**
* **How does this verse challenge cultural norms or personal habits that might dishonor the body as God's temple?**

### FAQ
**What does "temple of the Holy Ghost" mean for individual believers?**

Answer: The phrase "temple of the Holy Ghost" (or Holy Spirit) means that the Holy Spirit, who is God, personally indwells every believer in Jesus Christ. Just as ancient temples were considered sacred dwelling places for deities, the body of a Christian is consecrated as a holy space where God's Spirit resides. This signifies a profound, intimate, and permanent presence of God within the believer, elevating the human body to a sacred status and implying that it is set apart for God's purposes. It underscores that believers are not merely individuals but living sanctuaries of the divine.

**Why does Paul say "ye are not your own" immediately after stating the body is the temple?**

Answer: Paul's declaration, "ye are not your own," is a direct and logical consequence of the body being the temple of the Holy Spirit, which believers "have of God." Since the Holy Spirit is a gift from God and resides within the believer's body, it signifies that God has taken possession and ownership. This concept is further elaborated in [1 Corinthians 6:20](/1_corinthians/6-20 "1 Corinthians 6:20 - Bought with a Price"), where Paul states believers "are bought with a price." This divine ownership means that believers' lives, including their bodies, are no longer subject to their own desires or the world's influences, but are to be used for God's glory and according to His will. It's a call to abandon self-sovereignty in favor of God's Lordship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound truth of [1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body, God's Temple") finds its ultimate fulfillment and enablement in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross and His glorious resurrection that humanity, once alienated from God by sin, can be reconciled and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Christ's death purchased believers, making them "not your own" but God's possession, as emphasized in [1 Corinthians 6:20](/1_corinthians/6-20 "1 Corinthians 6:20 - Glorify God with Your Body"). His resurrection demonstrates His victory over sin and death, paving the way for the new life in the Spirit, where believers are united with Him ([Romans 6:3-11](/romans/6-3-11 "Romans 6:3-11 - United with Christ in Death and Life")). The Holy Spirit, the "Holy Ghost" mentioned in the verse, is the Spirit of Christ ([Romans 8:9](/romans/8-9 "Romans 8:9 - The Spirit of Christ")) whom the Father sent in Jesus' name ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Helper, the Holy Spirit")). Thus, the body becoming the temple of the Holy Spirit is a direct result of Christ's finished work, establishing an intimate union between the believer and the triune God, enabling a life of holiness and glorification of God through the power of the indwelling Christ.

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 3:16

¶ Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and [that] the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

2 Corinthians 6:16

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

1 Peter 2:5

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 2:21

In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

Ephesians 2:22

In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Psalms 100:3

Know ye that the LORD he [is] God: [it is] he [that] hath made us, and not we ourselves; [we are] his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

1 Corinthians 6:15

Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make [them] the members of an harlot? God forbid.