1 Corinthians 6:20

KJV

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} ye are bought {G59} with a price {G5092}: therefore {G1211} glorify {G1392} God {G2316} in {G1722} your {G5216} body {G4983}, and {G2532} in {G1722} your {G5216} spirit {G4151}, which {G3748} are {G2076} God's {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

for you were bought at a price. So use your bodies to glorify God.

Berean Standard Bible

you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.

American Standard Version

for ye were bought with a price: glorify God therefore in your body.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 6:20 serves as a foundational theological statement, encapsulating the profound truth that believers are not their own, but have been purchased at an immense cost—the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This divine transaction establishes God's rightful ownership over every aspect of a Christian's being, encompassing both body and spirit. Consequently, the verse issues a powerful imperative: to dedicate one's entire self to glorifying God, living in a manner that reflects His holiness and the extraordinary value of their redemption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes Paul's direct address concerning sexual immorality within the Corinthian church, specifically from [1 Corinthians 6:12](/1_corinthians/6-12 "1 Corinthians 6:12 - All things are lawful for me"). Prior to this, Paul confronts the Corinthians' casual attitude towards their bodies, which they viewed as distinct from their spiritual lives. He challenges their philosophical slogan, "All things are lawful for me," by asserting that not all things are beneficial ([1 Corinthians 6:12](/1_corinthians/6-12 "1 Corinthians 6:12 - All things are lawful but not expedient")). He then directly addresses prostitution, emphasizing the sacred union of believers with Christ and the desecration involved in joining oneself to a prostitute ([1 Corinthians 6:15-17](/1_corinthians/6-15-17 "1 Corinthians 6:15-17 - Union with Christ")). The climax of his argument is the declaration that the body is a "temple of the Holy Spirit" and is not one's own, having been bought with a price ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - The Body as a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, [1 Corinthians 6:20](/1_corinthians/6-20 "1 Corinthians 6:20 - Glorify God in Body and Spirit") provides the ultimate theological rationale for the call to sexual purity and holistic sanctification, grounding it in the reality of redemption.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Corinth was a prominent Roman city, a bustling port known for its wealth, diverse population, and notorious immorality, particularly sexual licentiousness. The temple of Aphrodite, with its sacred prostitutes, was a prominent feature of the city's religious landscape. Greek philosophical thought, particularly Stoicism and Gnosticism (in nascent forms), often promoted a dualistic view, separating the spiritual from the physical. Many believed that what one did with the body had no bearing on the soul or spiritual standing. This cultural milieu directly influenced some Corinthian believers, leading to a permissive attitude towards sexual sin. Paul's exhortation directly confronts this pervasive cultural norm and philosophical error, asserting a distinctly Christian anthropology where the body is integral to one's identity and is destined for resurrection and glorification, not merely a disposable vessel.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 6:20](/1_corinthians/6-20 "1 Corinthians 6:20 - Glorify God in Body and Spirit") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "The First Epistle to the Corinthians"). Foremost is the theme of **Christian Anthropology and the Body**, emphasizing that the body is not inconsequential but is a vital part of the redeemed self, made for the Lord and destined for resurrection ([1 Corinthians 6:13-14](/1_corinthians/6-13-14 "1 Corinthians 6:13-14 - The Body for the Lord")). This leads to the theme of **Sanctification and Holiness**, urging believers to live lives set apart for God, in contrast to the surrounding pagan culture. The verse also underscores **Divine Ownership and Redemption**, highlighting the immense cost of salvation and God's rightful claim over those He has purchased. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Glorifying God**, calling believers to live in a way that brings honor and praise to their Creator and Redeemer, not just through spiritual acts but through every aspect of their being, including their physical actions, as seen in Paul's broader teaching on living for God's glory in [1 Corinthians 10:31](/1_corinthians/10-31 "1 Corinthians 10:31 - Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **For (Greek, _gár'_):** This particle introduces the reason or explanation for the preceding statement (in [1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - The Body as a Temple of the Holy Spirit"), that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and not one's own). It signals that the following truth—"ye are bought with a price"—is the foundational premise for the command to glorify God. It's not merely an additional thought but the logical bedrock of Paul's argument for purity and divine ownership.
* **bought (Greek, _agorázō'_):** Derived from the word for "marketplace," this verb literally means "to buy in the marketplace" or "to purchase." In the ancient world, this term was commonly used for the purchase of slaves, implying a change of ownership from one master to another. When applied to believers, it signifies that they were once enslaved to sin and its dominion but have now been purchased out of that bondage, transferring their allegiance and ownership to God. This term carries a strong sense of definitive acquisition and possession.
* **price (Greek, _timḗ'_):** This noun refers to a "value," "money paid," or "esteem." In this context, it emphasizes the immense cost involved in the transaction of redemption. It highlights that God's act of purchasing believers was not trivial or cheap but involved a sacrifice of immeasurable value. This "price" is universally understood in Christian theology to be the precious blood of Jesus Christ, His atoning death on the cross, which alone could secure humanity's freedom from sin and death.
* **glorify (Greek, _doxázō'_):** Meaning "to render (or esteem) glorious," "to honor," "to praise," or "to magnify." This imperative calls believers to live in such a way that God's character, nature, and redemptive work are made manifest and honored through their lives. It's about reflecting God's glory, bringing Him renown, and demonstrating His worthiness through one's actions, attitudes, and entire being, both physically and spiritually.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For ye are bought with a price:"** This opening clause establishes the theological foundation for the entire verse and the preceding argument. It declares the reality of the believer's redemption, emphasizing that their freedom from sin and their new identity are not self-achieved but are the result of a divine transaction. The "price" refers to the supreme sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood was shed to purchase humanity from the dominion of sin and death. This implies a transfer of ownership: believers no longer belong to themselves or to sin, but to God, who paid the ultimate cost for their salvation.
* **"therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit,"** This is the direct command, flowing logically from the preceding declaration of divine ownership. Because believers have been bought by God, their proper response is to glorify Him. The command is holistic, encompassing both the "body" (physical actions, sexual conduct, health, use of physical abilities) and the "spirit" (inner life, thoughts, desires, attitudes, spiritual worship). This rejects any dualistic notion that separates the physical from the spiritual, asserting that both are equally under God's claim and are to be used for His honor. It calls for a life of integrated worship, where every facet of one's being is dedicated to God's praise.
* **"which are God's."** This concluding phrase reinforces the basis for the command to glorify God. It explicitly states the reason for the holistic glorification: both the body and the spirit belong to God. This ownership is not merely a legalistic claim but a loving possession secured through redemption. It serves as a powerful reminder that every part of the believer's being is sacred, set apart, and ultimately belongs to the One who created and redeemed them, solidifying the imperative for holy living.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Metaphor** is central, with the phrase "bought with a price" serving as a powerful **metaphor** for redemption. It likens salvation to a transaction in a marketplace, where individuals once enslaved (to sin) are purchased and set free, implying a change of ownership and allegiance. This **metaphor** underscores the immense cost and the reality of divine possession. The phrase "glorify God in your body, and in your spirit" utilizes **synecdoche**, where "body" and "spirit" represent the whole person, emphasizing a comprehensive, holistic dedication to God. It highlights that no part of a believer's being is exempt from the call to honor God. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **deductive argument**, moving from a theological premise ("ye are bought with a price") to a logical imperative ("therefore glorify God"), culminating in a reinforcing statement of ownership ("which are God's"). This logical flow strengthens the persuasive power of Paul's exhortation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound truth that believers are "bought with a price" is a cornerstone of Christian theology, establishing the doctrine of redemption. This concept signifies a transfer of ownership from the dominion of sin and death to the loving sovereignty of God, secured through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It underscores the immense value God placed upon humanity, willing to pay the ultimate price—His Son's life—to reclaim His creation. This divine purchase then necessitates a radical reorientation of life, where every aspect of one's being, both physical and spiritual, is consecrated to God's glory. It challenges the self-ownership prevalent in fallen humanity and calls for a life of grateful stewardship, recognizing that our bodies are not our own but are sacred vessels indwelt by the Holy Spirit, designed to honor the One who redeemed them.

* [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed with the Precious Blood of Christ")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as a Living Sacrifice")
* [1 Corinthians 7:23](/1_corinthians/7-23 "1 Corinthians 7:23 - You were bought with a price")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Corinthians 6:20 is a powerful call to radical discipleship, urging believers to live out the implications of their redemption in every facet of their existence. Understanding that we are "bought with a price" should profoundly shape our self-perception, our choices, and our priorities. It means recognizing that our bodies are not merely vehicles for personal pleasure or self-expression, but sacred temples of the Holy Spirit, purchased by Christ's precious blood. This truth compels us to steward our physical bodies with intentionality, making choices that honor God in our sexuality, our health, our habits, and our actions. Similarly, our spirits—our inner lives, thoughts, emotions, and desires—are also God's, demanding purity, integrity, and alignment with His will. Living out this verse means embracing a holistic approach to glorifying God, where our outward conduct and our inward disposition are both consecrated to Him, demonstrating the transforming power of His redemptive love to a watching world. It is a daily invitation to surrender, gratitude, and purposeful living, acknowledging His ultimate ownership and love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth that you are "bought with a price" impact your understanding of your own value and identity?**
* **In what specific ways can you more intentionally "glorify God in your body" in your daily life? Consider areas like health, sexuality, and physical actions.**
* **What does it mean to "glorify God in your spirit"? How can you cultivate a spiritual life that brings Him honor?**
* **Are there any areas of your life where you are currently living as if your body or spirit are your own, rather than God's? How can you surrender those areas to Him?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to be "bought with a price"?**

Answer: To be "bought with a price" means that believers were once enslaved to sin and its consequences, but God, through Jesus Christ, paid a supreme cost to purchase their freedom and transfer them into His ownership. This "price" is the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, specifically His precious blood, which alone could redeem humanity from the power of sin and death. It signifies a radical change of ownership and allegiance, from serving sin to belonging wholly to God, as highlighted in [1 Corinthians 7:23](/1_corinthians/7-23 "You were bought with a price").

**Why is it important to glorify God in both body and spirit?**

Answer: It is crucial to glorify God in both body and spirit because Christian theology understands humanity as a holistic being, not merely a disembodied spirit. The Corinthian culture often separated the physical from the spiritual, leading to immorality. Paul counters this by asserting that God redeemed the whole person—body and spirit. Our bodies are not disposable or irrelevant; they are temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "The Body as a Temple of the Holy Spirit")) and are destined for resurrection. Therefore, our physical actions, choices, and even our sexuality must honor God, just as our inner thoughts, desires, and spiritual worship should. This holistic glorification reflects the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Corinthians 6:20 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is Himself the "price" by which humanity is redeemed. His incarnation demonstrates the sacredness of the physical body, as God Himself took on human flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). His sinless life provided the perfect example of a human existence fully glorifying God in both body and spirit, always doing the Father's will ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus always does what pleases the Father")). Most profoundly, His sacrificial death on the cross, where His body was broken and His blood shed, constitutes the "price" that purchased believers from the dominion of sin and death ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption through His Blood")). His resurrection further validates the importance of the body, foreshadowing the believer's own future resurrection and glorified body ([Philippians 3:21](/phil/3-21 "Philippians 3:21 - Our Humble Bodies Transformed")). Therefore, when believers glorify God in their body and spirit, they are not only responding to His ownership but are actively participating in the ongoing outworking of Christ's redemptive work, reflecting His holiness and demonstrating the power of His finished work to a world still enslaved to sin. Our very lives become a living testament to the Lamb of God who was slain, and through whom we have been bought back for God ([Revelation 5:9](/rev/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - You are worthy to take the scroll")).

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 7:23

Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.

Romans 12:1

¶ 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.

1 Peter 2:9

But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

1 Peter 1:18

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers;

Philippians 1:20

According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death.

Acts 20:28

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Hebrews 9:12

Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption [for us].