1 Corinthians 6:8

KJV

Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that [your] brethren.

KJV (with Strong's)

Nay {G235}, ye {G5210} do wrong {G91}, and {G2532} defraud {G650}, and {G2532} that {G5023} your brethren {G80}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Instead, you yourselves wrong and cheat; and you do it to your own brothers!

Berean Standard Bible

Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, even against your own brothers!

American Standard Version

Nay, but ye yourselves do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 6:8, the Apostle Paul delivers a scathing indictment of the Corinthian believers, who, instead of suffering injustice, were actively perpetrating it against their fellow Christians. This verse encapsulates Paul's astonishment and condemnation of their behavior, highlighting the profound irony and moral failure of believers wronging and defrauding their own spiritual family, thereby undermining the very essence of Christian community and witness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of Paul's impassioned argument against Christians taking their disputes to secular courts, which begins in [1 Corinthians 6:1](/1_corinthians/6-1 "1 Corinthians 6:1 - Lawsuits Among Believers"). Paul expresses profound dismay that believers would seek judgment from "unrighteous" outsiders rather than from within the community. He challenges their wisdom, suggesting that even the least esteemed within the church are more capable of judging such matters than unbelievers. The preceding verse, [1 Corinthians 6:7](/1_corinthians/6-7 "1 Corinthians 6:7 - Better to Suffer Wrong"), poses a rhetorical question: "Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?" This sets up the sharp rebuke of [1 Corinthians 6:8](/1_corinthians/6-8 "1 Corinthians 6:8 - Do Not Defraud Your Brethren"), revealing that not only were they *not* willing to suffer wrong, but they were *committing* wrong. The immediate flow transitions from the theoretical question of enduring injustice to the shocking reality of inflicting it.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, known for its wealth, trade, and diverse population, but also for its moral laxity and litigious culture. Lawsuits were common, and the Roman legal system was readily accessible. For Christians, however, resorting to pagan courts for internal disputes was deeply problematic. It exposed the church's internal conflicts to a hostile world, brought shame upon the name of Christ, and implicitly acknowledged the authority of unbelievers over matters that should be resolved by divine wisdom. Furthermore, the concept of "brotherhood" (ἀδελφότης) in the early church was a radical social construct, signifying a new family identity in Christ that transcended ethnic, social, and economic divisions, demanding a higher standard of love and justice among its members than was typical in the broader Greco-Roman society.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 6:8](/1_corinthians/6-8 "1 Corinthians 6:8 - Do Not Defraud Your Brethren") powerfully contributes to several key themes within [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians - Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians"). It underscores the theme of **Christian Unity and Community Ethics**, emphasizing that believers are one body in Christ and should therefore treat each other with love and integrity, not exploitation. It highlights the theme of **Church Witness and Reputation**, as internal strife and injustice among believers would inevitably discredit their message to the outside world, contradicting the very gospel they proclaimed. Furthermore, it touches on the theme of **Spiritual Wisdom vs. Worldly Wisdom**, contrasting the Corinthians' reliance on secular legal systems with the divine wisdom available within the church for conflict resolution, a theme Paul explores more broadly in [1 Corinthians 1-4](/1_corinthians/1-4 "1 Corinthians 1-4 - Wisdom and Factions"). The verse also implicitly champions the theme of **Self-Sacrifice and Humility**, suggesting that suffering wrong is preferable to inflicting it, aligning with the broader call to imitate Christ's humble service found throughout Paul's epistles.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nay (Greek, _allá'_):** This particle serves as a strong adversative, introducing a sharp contrast or contradiction. Here, it intensifies Paul's rebuke, indicating that the Corinthians were doing the exact opposite of what they should have been doing (i.e., suffering wrong). It emphatically rejects the idea that they were merely enduring injustice; instead, they were actively inflicting it.
* **do wrong (Greek, _adikéō'_):** Derived from _á_ (not) and _díkē_ (right, justice), this verb means "to be unjust," "to do wrong," or "to injure." It denotes a violation of what is right, fair, or lawful, both morally and socially. In this context, it signifies an active perpetration of injustice against fellow believers, a direct contradiction to the ethical standards of the Christian faith.
* **defraud (Greek, _aposteréō'_):** This verb, formed from _apó_ (away from) and a root related to "to deprive," means "to despoil," "to rob," "to cheat," or "to withhold what is due." It implies a deliberate act of taking away something that rightfully belongs to another, often through deceit or exploitation. Coupled with "do wrong," it paints a picture of intentional and harmful exploitation within the Christian community.
* **brethren (Greek, _adelphós'_):** Literally meaning "from the same womb," this term denotes a brother or fellow member of a family. In a spiritual sense, it refers to fellow believers, members of God's family, bound by a shared faith in Christ. Paul's use of "your brethren" here underscores the profound gravity and unnaturalness of the offense: they were harming those with whom they shared the deepest spiritual kinship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Nay,"**: This single word, _allá_, serves as a powerful interjection, expressing Paul's utter shock and strong contradiction to the implied expectation that the Corinthians would rather suffer wrong. It sets a tone of severe disapproval, highlighting the appalling reality that their actions were the antithesis of what was expected of them as Christians.
* **"ye do wrong,"**: This clause, using the verb _adikéō_, directly accuses the Corinthians of actively perpetrating injustice. It's not merely a passive state of being wronged, but an active, deliberate engagement in unrighteous behavior. This "wrong" encompasses a broad range of unfair, dishonest, or harmful actions that violate ethical and moral standards.
* **"and defraud,"**: Following "do wrong," the addition of "defraud" (_aposteréō_) intensifies the accusation. It specifies the nature of the wrong as one involving deliberate deprivation, cheating, or exploitation. This suggests a calculated act of withholding or taking what rightfully belongs to another, often for personal gain, and indicates a serious breach of trust and integrity within the community.
* **"and that [your] brethren."**: The phrase "and that" (_taûta_) emphasizes the preceding actions ("do wrong" and "defraud"), while "your brethren" (_adelphós_) identifies the victims. This final part of the verse delivers the most cutting blow. The gravity of the offense is magnified by the identity of the injured parties: not strangers or unbelievers, but fellow members of the spiritual family, those with whom they share the deepest bonds of faith. This highlights the profound hypocrisy and betrayal inherent in their actions.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in [1 Corinthians 6:8](/1_corinthians/6-8 "1 Corinthians 6:8 - Do Not Defraud Your Brethren") to underscore his condemnation. The use of **Apostrophe** is evident as Paul directly addresses the Corinthian believers ("ye"), creating a personal and direct rebuke. The word "Nay" functions as a strong **Exclamation** or **Interjection**, conveying Paul's shock and profound disappointment, setting a sharp contrast to the expectation that they would rather suffer wrong. There is a powerful **Irony** at play: instead of embodying the self-sacrificial love of Christ by enduring injustice, the Corinthians are doing the very opposite—inflicting injustice on their own spiritual family. This creates a stark and painful paradox. Furthermore, the pairing of "do wrong" and "defraud" creates a form of **Parallelism** or **Hendiatris**, where two distinct but related terms are used to emphasize a single, intensified concept of egregious wrongdoing and exploitation, particularly within the sacred bonds of Christian brotherhood.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Corinthians 6:8](/1_corinthians/6-8 "1 Corinthians 6:8 - Do Not Defraud Your Brethren") stands as a powerful theological statement on the nature of Christian community and the ethical demands of discipleship. It reveals that the integrity of the church is not merely about correct doctrine but also about righteous conduct, especially in how believers treat one another. To "do wrong" and "defraud" one's "brethren" is a profound betrayal of the new covenant family, undermining the very love and unity that Christ established. This verse underscores that the internal dynamics of the church are a direct reflection of its spiritual health and its witness to the world. A community marked by internal strife and exploitation cannot credibly proclaim the gospel of peace and reconciliation.

* [Matthew 18:15-17](/matthew/18-15-17 "Matthew 18:15-17 - Principles of Church Discipline")
* [Romans 12:17-19](/romans/12-17-19 "Romans 12:17-19 - Do Not Avenge Yourselves")
* [Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3-4 "Philippians 2:3-4 - Humility and Consideration for Others")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Corinthians 6:8](/1_corinthians/6-8 "1 Corinthians 6:8 - Do Not Defraud Your Brethren") serves as a timeless and challenging mirror for the contemporary church, urging us to examine the integrity of our relationships within the body of Christ. It calls believers to a higher standard of conduct, where love, self-sacrifice, and justice prevail over personal gain or the pursuit of "rights" at the expense of another believer. This verse compels us to prioritize the unity and witness of the church, recognizing that our actions towards fellow Christians have profound implications for the credibility of the gospel message. It reminds us that true spiritual maturity often involves the willingness to suffer injustice rather than inflict it, fostering an environment where reconciliation and forgiveness are paramount. Ultimately, it challenges us to embody the very character of Christ in all our interactions, especially with those who share our faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my church community, be "doing wrong" or "defrauding" fellow believers, perhaps subtly or unintentionally?**
* **How does my pursuit of personal rights or vindication align with Paul's call to rather suffer wrong for the sake of Christian unity?**
* **What practical steps can I take to foster an environment of justice, integrity, and self-sacrificial love within my Christian relationships?**
* **How does the way we handle internal conflicts in the church affect our witness to the outside world?**

### FAQ
**Why is Paul so upset about Christians suing each other in secular courts?**

Answer: Paul's strong disapproval stems from several key reasons. Firstly, it brings public shame and discredit to the name of Christ and the Christian community, as it exposes internal conflicts to unbelievers who do not share Christian values or understanding of justice. Secondly, it demonstrates a lack of spiritual wisdom and maturity among believers, implying they are incapable of resolving disputes internally through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and biblical principles. Paul suggests that even the "least esteemed" in the church are more qualified to judge such matters than the "unrighteous" (cf. [1 Corinthians 6:1-5](/1_corinthians/6-1-5 "1 Corinthians 6:1-5 - Lawsuits Among Believers")). Thirdly, and most critically, it violates the fundamental principle of Christian love and unity, as believers are called to treat each other as family, not adversaries (cf. [John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - A New Commandment")). The act of "defrauding" or "doing wrong" to a brother or sister in Christ is a direct contradiction of the gospel's transformative power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 6:8](/1_corinthians/6-8 "1 Corinthians 6:8 - Do Not Defraud Your Brethren") finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who perfectly embodied the principle of suffering wrong rather than inflicting it, and who ultimately paid the price for humanity's "wrong" and "defrauding" of God. Christ, "who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in his mouth" ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Example of Suffering")), willingly endured the ultimate injustice, being "led as a lamb to the slaughter" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant")), so that we might be reconciled to God. His entire life was a demonstration of self-giving love, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, where He "made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - The Humility of Christ")). Thus, when Paul challenges believers to avoid wronging and defrauding their brethren, he is implicitly calling them to imitate the very character of Christ, who, far from seeking His own rights or advantage, gave Himself entirely for the sake of others. The new family of God, the church, is to be defined by this Christ-like love, where the strong bear with the weak ([Romans 15:1](/romans/15-1 "Romans 15:1 - Bear with the Weak")), and disputes are resolved through forgiveness and reconciliation, mirroring the divine reconciliation accomplished by Christ ([2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18-19 "2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - Ministry of Reconciliation")).

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 Thessalonians 4:6

That no [man] go beyond and defraud his brother in [any] matter: because that the Lord [is] the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

Colossians 3:25

But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

James 5:4

Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.

Malachi 3:5

And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in [his] wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger [from his right], and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.

Mark 10:19

Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.

Leviticus 19:13

Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob [him]: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning.

Micah 2:2

And they covet fields, and take [them] by violence; and houses, and take [them] away: so they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage.