1 Corinthians 6:9

KJV

¶ Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

KJV (with Strong's)

{G2228} Know ye {G1492} not {G3756} that {G3754} the unrighteous {G94} shall {G2816} not {G3756} inherit {G2816} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316}? Be {G4105} not {G3361} deceived {G4105}: neither {G3777} fornicators {G4205}, nor {G3777} idolaters {G1496}, nor {G3777} adulterers {G3432}, nor {G3777} effeminate {G3120}, nor {G3777} abusers of themselves with mankind {G733},

Complete Jewish Bible

Don’t you know that unrighteous people will have no share in the Kingdom of God? Don’t delude yourselves — people who engage in sex before marriage, who worship idols, who engage in sex after marriage with someone other than their spouse, who engage in active or passive homosexuality,

Berean Standard Bible

Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts,

American Standard Version

Or know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with men,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In the Apostle Paul delivers a stark and unequivocal warning to the Corinthian church, asserting that those characterized by unrighteous lifestyles will not inherit the kingdom of God. This declaration serves as a crucial admonition against self-deception, directly confronting the prevalent moral laxity within the Corinthian community by listing specific categories of sin that are fundamentally incompatible with God's righteous reign and the transformative power of the Gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a larger section (chapters 5-7) where Paul addresses various issues of sexual immorality and internal disputes plaguing the Corinthian church. Immediately preceding [1 Corinthians 6:9](/1_corinthians/6-9 "1 Corinthians 6:9 - The Unrighteous Will Not Inherit the Kingdom of God"), Paul rebukes believers for taking fellow Christians to secular courts, highlighting their failure to resolve conflicts internally and honor God's justice ([1 Corinthians 6:1-8](/1_corinthians/6-1-8 "1 Corinthians 6:1-8 - Lawsuits Among Believers")). The transition to the list of sins in verse 9 is not abrupt but serves to underscore the profound incompatibility of such unrighteous behavior with true Christian identity and the spiritual inheritance believers are called to possess. It sets the stage for Paul's subsequent emphasis on the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit and the call to flee sexual immorality ([1 Corinthians 6:12-20](/1_corinthians/6-12-20 "1 Corinthians 6:12-20 - Flee Sexual Immorality")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Corinth was a prominent Roman city, a bustling trade hub known for its wealth, diverse population, and notoriously permissive moral climate. The city hosted the Isthmian Games and was home to numerous temples, including the Temple of Aphrodite, which was associated with cultic prostitution. This environment fostered widespread sexual immorality, idolatry, and various forms of debauchery. Many converts to Christianity in Corinth would have come from such backgrounds, making Paul's direct confrontation of these sins particularly relevant and necessary. The church faced immense pressure to conform to the prevailing pagan culture, and Paul's letter serves as a powerful call to radical distinction and holiness, asserting that Christian identity demands a complete break from the immoral practices of their former lives.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 6:9](/1_corinthians/6-9 "1 Corinthians 6:9 - The Unrighteous Will Not Inherit the Kingdom of God") contributes significantly to several key themes in the book of 1 Corinthians. It powerfully reinforces the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing that genuine faith in Christ necessitates a transformed life that departs from sin, as seen in Paul's broader exhortations for the church to be pure ([1 Corinthians 5](/1_corinthians/5 "1 Corinthians 5 - Dealing with Immorality in the Church")). The verse also highlights the **Seriousness of Sin** and its eternal consequences, directly linking unrighteous behavior to the forfeiture of the divine inheritance. Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **Christian Identity and Distinction**, challenging believers to live in a manner consistent with their new identity in Christ, distinct from the surrounding pagan culture. This is further elaborated in [1 Corinthians 6:11](/1_corinthians/6-11 "1 Corinthians 6:11 - You Were Washed, Sanctified, Justified"), where Paul reminds them of their past and their present transformation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Unrighteous (Greek, _ádikos'_):** From G94, this term signifies "unjust; by extension wicked; by implication, treacherous; specially, heathen." In this context, it describes those whose character and conduct are fundamentally contrary to God's righteous nature and moral law. It encapsulates a state of being marked by injustice and wickedness, rather than merely isolated acts.
* **Effeminate (Greek, _malakós'_):** From G3120, meaning "soft, i.e. fine (clothing); figuratively, a catamite." While literally meaning "soft," in this specific context, it refers to men who adopt a passive, receptive role in homosexual acts, or more broadly, to those who are morally weak, lacking self-control, and indulging in sensual excesses that compromise traditional masculine roles and biblical sexual ethics.
* **Abusers of themselves with mankind (Greek, _arsenokoítēs'_):** From G733, meaning "a sodomite." This compound word, derived from "male" (ἄῤῥην, _arrhēn_) and "bed" (κοίτη, _koítē_), specifically denotes men who engage in homosexual acts, typically referring to the active partner. Together with _malakós_, it unequivocally condemns male homosexual behavior.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?"**: Paul opens with a rhetorical question, designed to shock and challenge the Corinthians' presumed knowledge or understanding. The "unrighteous" (those living in habitual sin, characterized by injustice and wickedness) are explicitly barred from "inheriting the kingdom of God," which signifies participation in God's present spiritual reign and future eschatological blessings, including eternal life and salvation. This inheritance is not merely a legal status but a lived reality of conformity to God's will.
* **"Be not deceived:"**: This imperative serves as a stern warning against self-delusion or misleading teachings that might suggest one can persist in these sins and still be part of God's kingdom. It implies that some within the Corinthian church might have been under the false impression that their Christian profession excused their immoral behavior, or that grace covered all without requiring a change in conduct. Paul shatters this illusion, underscoring the necessity of genuine transformation.
* **"neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,"**: Paul provides a non-exhaustive but illustrative list of specific sins that characterize the "unrighteous." "Fornicators" (πόρνοι, _pornoi_) encompasses all illicit sexual relations outside of marriage. "Idolaters" (εἰδωλολάτραι, _eidōlolátrēs_) refers to those who worship false gods, a pervasive issue in Corinth often linked to temple prostitution. "Adulterers" (μοιχόι, _moichoi_) denotes those who engage in marital infidelity. The inclusion of "effeminate" (μαλακοί, _malakoí_) and "abusers of themselves with mankind" (ἀρσενοκοῖται, _arsenokoítai_) specifically condemns homosexual practices, addressing both passive and active roles. This list highlights behaviors that are fundamentally antithetical to God's moral standards.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in [1 Corinthians 6:9](/1_corinthians/6-9 "1 Corinthians 6:9 - The Unrighteous Will Not Inherit the Kingdom of God") to deliver his message with impact. The verse begins with a **Rhetorical Question**, "Know ye not...?", which is designed not to elicit information but to challenge the Corinthians' spiritual understanding and expose their ignorance or willful blindness regarding the consequences of unrighteousness. This immediately grabs attention and sets a confrontational tone. Following this, Paul issues a direct **Admonition**, "Be not deceived," a strong imperative that warns against self-delusion and false teachings, emphasizing the gravity of the spiritual danger. Finally, the verse features a clear **Enumeration** or **List** of specific sins. This detailed catalog serves to clarify precisely what Paul means by "unrighteous," leaving no room for ambiguity and directly addressing the prevalent immoralities within the Corinthian context. The cumulative effect of this list is to create a powerful, undeniable indictment of lifestyles incompatible with the kingdom of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Corinthians 6:9](/1_corinthians/6-9 "1 Corinthians 6:9 - The Unrighteous Will Not Inherit the Kingdom of God") profoundly impacts our understanding of salvation, sanctification, and the nature of God's kingdom. It underscores that while salvation is a gift received by grace through faith, it is not merely a declaration but initiates a transformative process that must manifest in a changed life. The "inheritance of the kingdom of God" is not a passive reception but a dynamic participation in God's reign, which requires alignment with His righteousness. This verse challenges any antinomian tendencies that suggest grace permits continued sin, asserting instead that true faith produces genuine repentance and a departure from unrighteousness. It highlights God's unwavering holiness and the incompatibility of sin with His divine presence and future kingdom.

* [Galatians 5:19-21](/galatians/5-19-21 "Galatians 5:19-21 - Works of the Flesh")
* [Ephesians 5:5](/ephesians/5-5 "Ephesians 5:5 - No Immoral Person Has an Inheritance")
* [Revelation 21:8](/revelation/21-8 "Revelation 21:8 - The Destiny of the Unrighteous")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Corinthians 6:9](/1_corinthians/6-9 "1 Corinthians 6:9 - The Unrighteous Will Not Inherit the Kingdom of God") serves as a timeless and sobering reminder that the Christian faith demands a radical transformation of life, not merely a change in religious affiliation. It compels believers to engage in honest self-examination, confronting any areas where personal conduct or attitudes might align with the "unrighteous" behaviors Paul lists. This passage challenges the modern tendency to compartmentalize faith from ethics, asserting that genuine faith in Christ inevitably leads to repentance and a departure from sinful patterns. While the warning is severe, it is delivered within the broader context of the Gospel, which offers not only conviction but also the power to change. God's grace, though abundant and freely given, does not negate the call to holiness; rather, it empowers believers to live righteously, reflecting the character of the God whose kingdom they are called to inherit. The ultimate goal is not legalistic adherence but a heart transformed by the Spirit, desiring to please God in all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be prone to self-deception regarding my own conduct or spiritual state?**
* **How does this passage challenge my understanding of grace and its relationship to personal holiness?**
* **What specific areas of my life need to be brought into greater alignment with God's righteous standards, as revealed in this verse?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "inherit the kingdom of God"?**
Answer: To "inherit the kingdom of God" signifies receiving the full blessings and privileges associated with God's sovereign rule. This includes both present spiritual realities—such as being part of God's people, experiencing His transforming power, and living under His authority—and future eschatological realities, like eternal life, resurrection, and full participation in God's eternal reign. It implies a deep, experiential relationship with God that is characterized by righteousness and conformity to His will, rather than a mere intellectual assent or outward profession. Paul's point is that a life characterized by the unrighteous behaviors listed is fundamentally incompatible with truly belonging to and participating in God's kingdom. This concept is echoed in other passages, such as [Matthew 25:34](/matthew/25-34 "Matthew 25:34 - Inherit the Kingdom Prepared for You") and [Ephesians 5:5](/ephesians/5-5 "Ephesians 5:5 - No Immoral Person Has an Inheritance").

**Are the specific sins listed in [1 Corinthians 6:9](/1_corinthians/6-9 "1 Corinthians 6:9 - The Unrighteous Will Not Inherit the Kingdom of God") unforgivable?**
Answer: No, the sins listed are not unforgivable. Paul's intent is not to declare these sins beyond God's grace, but to warn against a *lifestyle* characterized by them, which is incompatible with inheriting the kingdom of God. The very next verse, [1 Corinthians 6:11](/1_corinthians/6-11 "1 Corinthians 6:11 - You Were Washed, Sanctified, Justified"), provides the crucial context: "And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." This demonstrates that many in the Corinthian church *had* engaged in these very sins but had been transformed through Christ. The warning is against continuing in such practices *as a way of life* after claiming Christ, not against the possibility of forgiveness for past sins through repentance and faith in Jesus.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 6:9](/1_corinthians/6-9 "1 Corinthians 6:9 - The Unrighteous Will Not Inherit the Kingdom of God") finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the verse sternly warns that the unrighteous will not inherit God's kingdom, the Gospel reveals how the unrighteous *can* become righteous and thus inherit it. Christ, who knew no sin, became sin for us, "that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through faith in His atoning sacrifice, believers are not only forgiven of their past unrighteousness but are also declared righteous in God's sight, receiving a new identity and a new nature. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit, given to those who believe, empowers them to live a life of ongoing sanctification, enabling them to genuinely turn from the very sins listed in this verse and to walk in newness of life ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Walk in Newness of Life")). Thus, the kingdom of God, which was closed to the unrighteous, is opened wide to all who are made righteous by Christ, not by their own works, but by His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, leading to a life transformed by His grace and power ([Titus 2:11-14](/titus/2-11-14 "Titus 2:11-14 - God's Grace Teaches Us")).

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 Timothy 1:9

Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,

1 Timothy 1:10

For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

Galatians 5:19

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

Galatians 5:21

Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Leviticus 20:13

If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood [shall be] upon them.

Ephesians 5:4

Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

Ephesians 5:5

For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.