6:1 6:1

1 Corinthians 6:2

6:3 6:3

Bible Versions

Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
Do ye {G1492} not {G3756} know {G1492} that {G3754} the saints {G40} shall judge {G2919} the world {G2889}? and {G2532} if {G1487} the world {G2889} shall be judged {G2919} by {G1722} you {G5213}, are ye {G2075} unworthy {G370} to judge {G2922} the smallest matters {G1646}?
Don’t you know that God’s people are going to judge the universe? If you are going to judge the universe, are you incompetent to judge these minor matters?
Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases?
Or know ye not that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world is judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?

Context of 1 Corinthians 6:2

This verse is part of a broader passage (1 Corinthians 6:1-11) where the Apostle Paul addresses a serious issue within the Corinthian church: believers taking disputes against one another to secular, pagan courts. Paul views this practice as a profound failure of Christian witness and a sign of spiritual immaturity. He has just asked in the previous verse, "Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?" (see 1 Corinthians 6:1). Verse 2 then serves as a rhetorical question, designed to highlight the immense future authority granted to believers, making their present inability to resolve minor disputes seem illogical and shameful.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Saints' Future Judicial Role: The profound statement "the saints shall judge the world" refers to a glorious future role for believers in God's eternal plan. This is often understood as believers participating with Christ in the final judgment and administration of the renewed creation, exercising a form of spiritual governance. This truth is also echoed in Daniel's vision where the saints receive judgment and in Revelation, where saints reign with Christ.
  • The Incongruity of Present Behavior: Paul uses a logical argument from the greater to the lesser. If believers are destined for such a significant role as judging the world, how can they be deemed "unworthy" or incapable of resolving "the smallest matters" among themselves? This highlights the spiritual inconsistency of the Corinthian Christians.
  • Call for Internal Resolution: The verse implicitly but strongly advocates for believers to resolve their conflicts within the community of faith, guided by spiritual wisdom and discernment, rather than exposing their disagreements to external, non-Christian authorities.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "judge" is krinō (κρίνω). While it certainly includes the idea of passing judgment or condemning, it also carries broader meanings such as to decide, discern, rule, or administer. In the context of the saints judging the world, it suggests a role of co-governance and righteous administration alongside Christ, rather than merely condemning individuals.

Practical Application

1 Corinthians 6:2 serves as a powerful reminder of the high calling and future dignity of every believer. It encourages us to:

  • Cultivate Spiritual Discernment: If we are to judge the world, we must practice wisdom and discernment in our daily lives, particularly in resolving conflicts. This aligns with Paul's teaching that the spiritual person judges all things.
  • Prioritize Internal Church Harmony: Disputes within the church should be handled internally with grace and justice, reflecting the wisdom of God and the future authority given to His people. Taking fellow believers to secular courts often damages the church's reputation and undermines its witness.
  • Live Worthy of Our Calling: Understanding our future role with Christ should inspire us to live lives that reflect His righteousness and wisdom now, demonstrating our capacity to handle even the "smallest matters" with divine perspective.
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.

  • Matthew 19:28

    And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

  • Luke 22:30

    That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

  • Daniel 7:22

    Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.

  • Revelation 20:4

    And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and [I saw] the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received [his] mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

  • Revelation 3:21

    To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

  • Revelation 2:26

    And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

  • Revelation 2:27

    And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
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