1 Corinthians 6:5

I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?

I speak {G3004} to {G4314} your {G5213} shame {G1791}. Is it so {G3779}, that there {G2076} is not {G3756} a wise man {G4680} among {G1722} you {G5213}? no, not {G3761} one {G1520} that {G3739} shall be able {G1410} to judge {G1252} between {G303}{G3319} his {G846} brethren {G80}?

I say, shame on you! Can it be that there isn’t one person among you wise enough to be able to settle a dispute between brothers?

I say this to your shame. Is there really no one among you wise enough to arbitrate between his brothers?

I say this to move you to shame. What, cannot there be found among you one wise man who shall be able to decide between his brethren,

Commentary

Context of 1 Corinthians 6:5

In 1 Corinthians chapter 6, the Apostle Paul addresses a deeply troubling issue within the Corinthian church: believers were taking their legal disputes against one another to pagan courts, rather than resolving them internally. This verse, 1 Corinthians 6:5, is a sharp rebuke from Paul, expressing his astonishment and disappointment at their lack of spiritual discernment. He has just asked them in the preceding verses if they are unfit to judge the smallest matters, especially when they are destined to judge angels (1 Corinthians 6:3). Their actions brought shame upon the Christian community and contradicted the very principles of their faith.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Shame and Reproach: Paul's opening phrase, "I speak to your shame," is a powerful indictment. It highlights the disgrace and dishonor brought upon the name of Christ and the church by their worldly conduct. Such public displays of disunity undermined their witness to the surrounding pagan society.
  • Lack of Spiritual Wisdom: The rhetorical question, "Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?" underscores the perceived absence of spiritual maturity and discernment. Paul implies that a community indwelt by the Holy Spirit should possess individuals capable of mediating disputes with godly wisdom, preventing the need for secular arbitration. This wisdom is not merely intellectual but spiritual, rooted in understanding God's will and principles.
  • Internal Resolution of Disputes: The verse strongly advocates for believers to resolve their conflicts within the Christian community. This principle aligns with Jesus' teachings on church discipline and reconciliation (Matthew 18:15), emphasizing that the church should be a self-governing body guided by divine truth and love, rather than by the world's legal systems.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase translated "I speak to your shame" is pros entropēn hymōn legō (πρὸς ἐντροπὴν ὑμῶν λέγω). Entropē signifies a feeling of shame, disgrace, or humiliation. Paul uses this strong language to shock the Corinthians into recognizing the severe impropriety of their actions. The term "wise man" (Greek: sophos) refers to someone possessing not just worldly intelligence but spiritual understanding and discretion, a person capable of sound judgment in matters of faith and life, guided by God's truth.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 6:5 serves as a vital reminder of the importance of internal conflict resolution within the church. It challenges us to:

  1. Seek Godly Counsel: Rather than immediately resorting to external legal means, Christians should first seek wise counsel and mediation from mature, Spirit-filled leaders or members within their local church community.
  2. Prioritize Unity and Witness: Resolving disputes internally demonstrates the transforming power of the Gospel and maintains the church's integrity and witness to a watching world. Public litigation among believers can cause scandal and hinder evangelism.
  3. Develop Spiritual Wisdom: The verse encourages believers to cultivate spiritual wisdom and discernment, enabling them to judge righteously and mediate effectively, fostering peace and reconciliation within the body of Christ. This wisdom comes from God (James 1:5) and is characterized by purity, peace, gentleness, and mercy (James 3:17).
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 4:14

    ¶ I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn [you].

  • 1 Corinthians 15:34

    Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak [this] to your shame.

  • James 3:13

    ¶ Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

  • James 3:18

    And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

  • Proverbs 14:8

    ¶ The wisdom of the prudent [is] to understand his way: but the folly of fools [is] deceit.

  • James 1:5

    If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:14

    Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?
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