1 Corinthians 6:3

KJV

Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

KJV (with Strong's)

Know ye {G1492} not {G3756} that {G3754} we shall judge {G2919} angels {G32}? how much more {G3386}{G1065} things that pertain to this life {G982}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Don’t you know that we will judge angels, not to mention affairs of everyday life?

Berean Standard Bible

Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!

American Standard Version

Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more, things that pertain to this life?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 6:3 is a powerful rhetorical question posed by the Apostle Paul, designed to underscore the astonishing future authority of believers and shame the Corinthian church for their current spiritual immaturity. By declaring that Christians will "judge angels," Paul establishes an *a fortiori* argument, asserting that if believers are entrusted with such profound eschatological responsibility over spiritual beings, they are certainly capable—and thus obligated—to resolve mundane, temporal disputes among themselves without resorting to pagan courts. This verse challenges believers to live consistently with their high calling and future destiny in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's impassioned rebuke to the Corinthian church concerning their scandalous practice of taking fellow believers to secular law courts. The preceding verses (1 Corinthians 6:1-2) set the stage, with Paul expressing profound astonishment that "saints," who are destined to "judge the world," would seek justice from unbelievers. Verse 3 intensifies this argument by introducing an even higher sphere of authority—the judgment of angels—thereby strengthening the logical imperative for internal dispute resolution. The entire chapter addresses the broader issue of Christian conduct and the church's witness to the world, emphasizing the importance of unity, holiness, and spiritual discernment over worldly litigation and personal gain. This passage is a pivot point, moving from issues of division and immorality (chapters 1-5) to practical applications of Christian living within the community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling Roman provincial capital, known for its commercial prosperity, diverse population, and prevalent paganism, including numerous temples and a robust legal system. For Christians to take their internal disputes to Roman courts (which were often corrupt and pagan in their foundations) was not only a betrayal of their new identity in Christ but also brought disrepute upon the nascent Christian community in the eyes of the surrounding culture. Roman law was comprehensive, but its values and procedures were fundamentally at odds with the principles of Christian love, reconciliation, and communal accountability. Paul's exhortation reflects the early church's struggle to define its distinct identity and practices within a dominant pagan society, especially regarding conflict resolution, which was a core function of any established community.
* **Key Themes:** The passage significantly contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Corinthians. Foremost is the theme of **Christian identity and destiny**, highlighting the astonishing future role of believers as co-regents and judges with Christ, as also seen in passages like [Revelation 20:4](/revelation/20-4 "Revelation 20:4 - Saints Reign with Christ"). This future glory should inform present conduct. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **spiritual wisdom and maturity**, contrasting the Corinthians' worldly behavior with the discernment expected of those who possess the "mind of Christ" ([1 Corinthians 2:16](/1_corinthians/2-16 "1 Corinthians 2:16 - Having the Mind of Christ")). Paul implicitly challenges their failure to apply spiritual wisdom to practical matters. Finally, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **church unity and witness**, arguing that internal conflicts, when aired publicly in secular courts, undermine the church's testimony and damage its internal cohesion, contrary to the call for the body of Christ to function in harmony and love ([1 Corinthians 1:10](/1_corinthians/1-10 "1 Corinthians 1:10 - Call for Unity") and [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Know (Greek, _eídō'_):** This primary verb, used here in the perfect tense, signifies a settled, experiential knowledge or understanding. It implies not just intellectual awareness but a deep comprehension and recognition of truth. Paul's rhetorical question, "Know ye not?", suggests that this truth about judging angels should already be a fundamental, established understanding among the Corinthian believers, making their current actions inexcusable.
* **Judge (Greek, _krínō'_):** This verb carries a broad semantic range, encompassing "to distinguish," "to decide," "to rule," "to govern," "to administer justice," and "to condemn." In the context of believers judging angels, it denotes an authoritative participation in God's ultimate decree and administration over spiritual beings, particularly those who have rebelled. It is a role of discernment, decision-making, and authoritative oversight, not merely condemnation.
* **Angels (Greek, _ángelos'_):** Derived from a word meaning "messenger," this term refers to spiritual beings. In this context, given the judicial nature of the statement and the contrast with "things that pertain to this life," it most likely refers to fallen angels or demonic powers who rebelled against God, over whom believers, through Christ, will exercise a judicial and authoritative role in the eschatological future.
* **Pertain to this life (Greek, _biōtikós'_):** This adjective describes matters relating to the present existence, the affairs of daily life, particularly those concerning material or temporal concerns. Paul uses this term to sharply contrast the mundane, earthly disputes that the Corinthians were taking to court with the profound, cosmic authority they are destined to wield over spiritual entities. The implication is that if they are qualified for the greater, they are certainly qualified for the lesser.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Know ye not that we shall judge angels?"**: This opening clause is a rhetorical question designed to elicit an affirmative, albeit perhaps astonished, response. Paul asserts a profound theological truth: believers are destined to participate in the judgment of angels. This declaration elevates the status and future role of Christians to an astonishing degree, placing them in a position of authority over even spiritual beings. The "we" refers to all believers, the "saints" mentioned in the preceding verse, highlighting a shared, corporate destiny. This future judgment likely pertains to fallen angels, as the righteous will not judge loyal angels.
* **"how much more things that pertain to this life?"**: This second clause introduces an *a fortiori* (from the stronger to the weaker) argument. If believers are to be entrusted with such immense spiritual authority over angels—a task of cosmic significance—then it logically follows that they are certainly capable, and indeed obligated, to resolve the comparatively trivial "things that pertain to this life." This refers to the everyday disputes, financial squabbles, and interpersonal conflicts that the Corinthian believers were shamefully taking before pagan courts. The phrase "how much more" emphasizes the absurdity and spiritual immaturity of their actions given their glorious eschatological destiny.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in 1 Corinthians 6:3. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?" This is not a genuine inquiry but a forceful assertion, designed to challenge the Corinthians' spiritual ignorance and provoke self-reflection and conviction. Secondly, the verse is built upon a clear **A Fortiori Argument** (argument from the stronger to the weaker). Paul argues that if believers are qualified for the greater task (judging angels), they are undeniably qualified for the lesser one (judging earthly matters). This logical progression makes his rebuke devastatingly effective. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** between the cosmic, spiritual authority over "angels" and the mundane, temporal nature of "things that pertain to this life," highlighting the Corinthians' misplaced priorities. Finally, one could argue for a subtle **Hyperbole** in the implied magnitude of "judging angels" to emphasize the absurdity of their present behavior, though the theological reality of this future role is also affirmed elsewhere in Scripture.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The declaration that believers will judge angels is a profound theological statement, revealing the astonishing dignity and authority bestowed upon humanity through Christ's redemptive work. It speaks to the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom and the restoration of humanity to its intended co-regency with God, even over spiritual realms. This future authority is not earned by human merit but is a gracious inheritance rooted in our union with Christ, who is the ultimate Judge and King. It underscores the pervasive nature of God's redemptive plan, which extends beyond human salvation to the complete subjugation of all opposing spiritual forces. This eschatological reality should profoundly shape how believers view their present responsibilities and capabilities, empowering them to exercise discernment and wisdom in all areas of life, especially within the community of faith.

* [Matthew 19:28](/matthew/19-28 "Matthew 19:28 - Apostles Judging the Tribes of Israel")
* [Revelation 20:4](/revelation/20-4 "Revelation 20:4 - Saints Reign with Christ")
* [Daniel 7:27](/daniel/7-27 "Daniel 7:27 - The Saints Possess the Kingdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Corinthians 6:3 calls believers to a radical re-evaluation of their identity and purpose in Christ. If we are destined for such an extraordinary role in God's eternal plan, then our present lives must reflect a corresponding level of spiritual maturity, discernment, and integrity. This means prioritizing the honor of Christ and the unity of the church above personal grievances or worldly vindication. The primary application is a strong imperative for the church to resolve internal conflicts internally, guided by the Holy Spirit and biblical principles of reconciliation, forgiveness, and love. It challenges us to cultivate wisdom that transcends worldly legalism and embraces divine justice, demonstrating to a watching world the transformative power of the gospel. This verse also empowers believers to trust in their Spirit-given capacity to make wise judgments in all "things that pertain to this life," recognizing that their future authority is a foretaste of their present potential for spiritual discernment and righteous living.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the revelation of believers judging angels impact your understanding of your identity and calling as a Christian?**
* **In what areas of your life or church community might you be tempted to seek worldly solutions rather than spiritual discernment for conflict resolution?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate greater spiritual wisdom and discernment in your daily decisions, especially regarding interpersonal conflicts?**
* **How can the church better equip its members to resolve disputes internally in a way that honors Christ and strengthens its witness?**

### FAQ
**Does "judging angels" mean we will condemn them, or simply rule over them?**

Answer: The Greek word `krínō` (judge) has a broad meaning, encompassing discernment, decision-making, ruling, and administering justice, not exclusively condemnation. While it certainly implies a position of authority and oversight, particularly over fallen angels who are already condemned, it also suggests a role in God's ultimate administration of justice within the cosmos. Believers will participate in the final vindication of God's righteousness and the full establishment of His kingdom, which includes the definitive judgment and subjugation of all spiritual opposition, as outlined in passages like [Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - The Devil Cast into the Lake of Fire"). Our role is one of co-regency with Christ, participating in His ultimate triumph.

**Why is it so important for Christians not to take each other to secular courts?**

Answer: Paul's strong admonition against taking fellow believers to secular courts stems from several crucial reasons. Firstly, it brings disrepute to the name of Christ and the church in the eyes of the unbelieving world, portraying Christians as no different from pagans in their inability to resolve disputes peacefully. Secondly, it undermines the spiritual authority and distinctiveness of the Christian community, suggesting that worldly systems are more capable of delivering justice than the Spirit-filled body of Christ. Thirdly, it prioritizes personal vindication and worldly gain over the principles of reconciliation, forgiveness, and brotherly love that are foundational to Christian fellowship, as emphasized in [Matthew 18:15-17](/matthew/18-15-17 "Matthew 18:15-17 - Steps for Church Discipline"). Paul argues that even suffering wrong is preferable to shaming the church ([1 Corinthians 6:7](/1_corinthians/6-7 "1 Corinthians 6:7 - Better to Suffer Wrong")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The astounding truth that believers will "judge angels" finds its ultimate foundation and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Our future authority is not an inherent human capacity but a delegated authority derived solely from our union with Him, who is the supreme Judge of all creation, both visible and invisible. Christ Himself is the one to whom "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), and it is He who will "judge the living and the dead" ([Acts 10:42](/acts/10-42 "Acts 10:42 - Jesus, Appointed Judge")). As believers, we are "in Christ," seated with Him in the heavenly realms ([Ephesians 2:6](/ephesians/2-6 "Ephesians 2:6 - Seated with Christ in Heavenly Places")), and thus share in His victory over all spiritual powers and authorities, including those angels who rebelled against God ([Colossians 2:10](/colossians/2-10 "Colossians 2:10 - Complete in Christ")). Our future role as judges is a testament to Christ's complete triumph over sin, death, and all cosmic evil, and our participation in this judgment is a gracious outworking of His sovereign rule and our co-heirship with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Co-heirs with Christ")). Therefore, the call to judge earthly matters wisely now is a call to live out the implications of Christ's present and future reign, demonstrating His transforming power in every aspect of life.

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

Jude 1:6

And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

Matthew 25:41

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

1 Corinthians 6:4

If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.

Luke 8:14

And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of [this] life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

Luke 21:34

And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and [so] that day come upon you unawares.

2 Timothy 2:4

No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of [this] life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

2 Timothy 4:10

For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.