Menu

1 Corinthians 5:9

1 Corinthians 5:9 in Multiple Translations

I wrote you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people.

I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:

I wrote unto you in my epistle to have no company with fornicators;

In my letter I said to you that you were not to keep company with those who go after the desires of the flesh;

In my previous letter I wrote that you should not associate with immoral people.

I wrote vnto you in an Epistle, that ye should not companie together with fornicatours,

I did write to you in the epistle, not to keep company with whoremongers —

I wrote to you in my letter to have no company with sexual sinners;

I have written to you in this epistle, not to associate with persons guilty of lewdness:

I wrote to you in an epistle, not to keep company with fornicators.

In the previous letter that I wrote to you, I said that you should not associate with sexually immoral people.

I wrote you a letter before, and I told you, “Don’t be good friends with bad people. There are some people that sleep with somebody that is not their own wife or husband, as if they are married to them. Keep away from those people.”

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 5:9

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Corinthians 5:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK εγραψα υμιν εν τη επιστολη μη συναναμιγνυσθαι πορνοις
εγραψα graphō G1125 to write Verb-AAI-1S
υμιν su G4771 you Pron-2DP
εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep
τη ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DSF
επιστολη epistolē G1992 epistle Noun-DSF
μη G3361 not Particle-N
συναναμιγνυσθαι sunanamignumi G4874 to associate with Verb-PMN
πορνοις pornos G4205 sexual sinner Noun-DPM
Greek Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 5:9

εγραψα graphō G1125 "to write" Verb-AAI-1S
This verb means to write or record something, like in John 8:6 where Jesus writes on the ground. It can also mean to describe or express something in writing, as seen in Luke 1:63 and Galatians 6:11.
Definition: γράφω, [in LXX chiefly for כּתב ]; __1. to scrape, graze (Hom.), and later (Hdt.) to sketch, draw. __2. to write; __(a) of forming or tracing letters on writing material: Jhn.8:[6], Gal.6:11, 2Th.3:17; __(b) to express in writing, commit to writing, record: Luk.1:63, Jhn.19:21, 22 Rev.1:11, 19 al.; of scripture as a standing authority (Deiss., BS, 112ff.), γέγραπται, it stands written (Luther), Mat.4:4, Mrk.7:6, Luk.4:8, Rom.1:17, 1Co.1:31, al.; id. before ἐν, Mrk.1:2, Act.1:20, al.; with accusative, to write of: Jhn.1:46, Rom.10:5; before περί, Mat.26:24, Mrk.14:21, Jhn.5:46; al.; with dative (WM, §31, 4), Luk.18:31; id. before ἵνα (M, Pr., 207f.), Mrk.12:19, Luk.20:28; κατὰ τ. γεγραμμένον, 2Co.4:13; γεγραμμένον ἐστί, Jhn.2:17; ἐγράφη, Rom.4:24; ἐπ᾽ αὐτῷ γεγραμμένα, Jhn.12:16; __(with) of writing directions or information, with dative of person(s): Rom.15:15, 2Co.7:12, al.; __(d) of that which contains the record or message: βιβλίον, Mrk.10:4, Jhn.21:25, Rev.5:1; τίτλον, Jhn.19:19; ἐπιστολήν, Act.23:25; ἐντολήν, Mrk.10:5 (cf. ἀπο-, ἐγ-, ἐπι-, κατα-, προ-). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 183 NT verses. KJV: describe, write(-ing, -ten) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:19; Luke 1:63; 1 Peter 1:16.
υμιν su G4771 "you" Pron-2DP
This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.
Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.
εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep
This word is a preposition that means in, on, or among something. It's used in many places, like Matthew 7:3 and Luke 7:37, to describe a location or relationship. It can also mean by, with, or during.
Definition: ἐν, prep, (the most frequently of all in NT), with dative (= Heb. בְּ, Lat. in, with abl.). __I. Of place, with dative of thing(s), of person(s), in, within, on, at, by, among: ἐν τ. πόλει, Luk.7:37; τ. οφθαλμῷ, Mat.7:3; τ. κοιλίᾳ, Mat.12:40; τ. ὄρει, 2Pe.1:18; τ. θρόνῳ, Rev.3:21; τ. δεξιᾷ τ. θεοῦ, Rom.8:34; ἐν ἡμῖν Abbott-Smith has ὑμῖν., Luk.1:1; of books, ἐν τ. βιβλίῳ, Gal.3:10; τ. νόμῳ, Mat.12:5, al.; ἐν τοῖς τ. Πατρός, in my Father's house (RV; cf. M, Pr., 103), Luk.2:49; trop., of the region of thought or feeling, ἐν τ. καρδίᾳ (-αις), Mat.5:28, 2Co.4:6, al.; τ. συνειδήσεσιν, 2Co.5:11; after verbs of motion, instead of εἰς (constructio praegnans, a usage extended in late Gk. beyond the limits observed in cl.; cf. Bl., §41, 1; M, Th., 12), ἀποστέλλω . . . ἐν, Mat.10:16. δέδωκεν ἐν τ. χειρί (cf. τιθέναι ἐν χερσί, Hom., Il., i, 441, al.), Jhn.3:35; id. after verbs of coming and going (not in cl.), εἰσῆλθε, Luk.9:46; ἐξῆλθεν, Luk.7:17. __II. Of state, condition, form, occupation, etc.: ἐν ζωῇ, Rom.5:10; ἐν τ. θανάτῳ, 1Jn.3:14; ἐν πειρασμοῖς, 1Pe.1:6; ἐν εἰρήνῃ, Mrk.5:25; ἐν δόξῃ, Php.4:19; ἐν πραΰτητι, Jas.3:13; ἐν μυστηρίῳ, 1Co.2:7; ἐν τ. διδαχῇ, Mrk.4:2; of a part as contained in a whole, ἐν τ. ἀμπέλῳ, Jhn.15:4; ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι, Rom.12:4; of accompanying objects or persons (simple dative in cl.), with, ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:25; ἐν δέκα χιλιάσιν, Luk.14:31 (cf. Ju 14, Act.7:14); similarly (cl.), of clothing, armour, arms, ἐν στολαῖς, Mrk.12:38; ἐν ἐσθῆτι λαμπρᾷ, Jas.2:2; ἐν μαξαίρῃ, Luk.22:49; ἐν ῥάβδῳ, 1Co.4:21 (cf. ἐν τόξοις, Xen., Mem., 3, 9, 2); of manner (cl.), ἐν τάχει (= ταχέως), Luk.18:8 (cf. Bl., §41, 1); of spiritual influence, ἐν πνεύματι, Rom.8:9; ἐν π. ἀκαθάρτῳ, Mrk.1:23; of the mystical relation of the Christian life and the believer himself, to God and Christ (cf. ICC, Ro., 160f.; Mayor on Ju 1; M, Pr., 103): ἐν Χριστῷ, Rom.3:24, 6:11, 1Co.3:1, 4:10, 2Co.12:2, Gal.2:17, Eph.6:21, Col.4:7, 1Th.4:16, al. __III. Of the agent, instrument or means (an extension of cl. ἐν of instr.—see LS, see word Ill—corresponding to similar use of Heb. בְּ), by, with: ἐν ὑμῖν κρίνεται ὁ κόσμος (= cl. παρά, C. dative), 1Co.6:2; ἐν τ. ἄρχοντι τ. δαιμονίων, Mat.9:34; ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:22; ἐν ὕδατι, Mat.3:11, al.; ἐν μαχαίρᾳ ἀποκτενεῖ (cf. the absol. ἐν μ., ἐν ῥάβδῳ, supr., II, which some would classify here), Rev.13:10 (cf. 6:8). Allied to this usage and distinctly Semitic are the following: ἠγόρασας . . . ἐν τ. αἵματι σου (cf. BDB, see word בְּ, III, 3), Rev.5:9; ὁμολογεῖν ἐν (= Aram. אודי בּ; cf. McNeile on Mt, I.with; M, Pr., 104), Mat.10:32, Luk.12:8; ὀμνύναι ἐν (= cl. accusative, so Jas.5:12), Mat.5:34, al.; also at the rate of, amounting to, Mrk.4:8 (WH; vv. ll., εἰς, ἒν), Act.7:14 (LXX). __IV. Of time, __(a) in or during a period: ἐν τ. ἡμέρᾳ (νυκτί), Jhn.11:9, al.; ἐν σαββάτῳ, Mat.12:2, al.; ἐν τῷ μεταξύ, meanwhile, Jhn.4:31; __(b) at the time of an event: ἐν τ. παρουσίᾳ, 1Co.15:23; ἐν τ. ἀναστάσει, Mat.22:28; __(with) with art. inf., __(α) present (so sometimes in cl., but not as in NT = ἕως; V. M, Pr., 215), while: Mat.13:4, Mrk.6:48, Gal.4:18, al.; __(β) aor., when, after: Luk.9:36, al.; __(d) within (cl.): Mat.27:40, __V. In composition: (1) meaning: (a) with adjectives, it signifies usually the possession of a quality, as ἐνάλιος, ἐν́δοξος; (b) with verbs, continuance in (before ἐν) or motion into (before εἰς), as ἐμμένω, ἐμβαίνω. (ii) Assimilation: ἐν becomes ἐμ- before β, μ, π, φ, ψ; ἐγ- before γ, κ, ξ, χ; ἐλ- before λ. But in the older MSS of NT, followed by modern editions, assimilation is sometimes neglected, as in ἐνγράφω, ἐγκαινίζω, etc. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2120 NT verses. KJV: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 15:17; 1 Peter 1:2.
τη ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DSF
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
επιστολη epistolē G1992 "epistle" Noun-DSF
This word refers to a written message, like a letter, as seen in Acts 9:2 and 1 Corinthians 5:9. It is about sending a note or a formal letter. The New Testament includes many epistles, including those written by Paul.
Definition: ἐπι-στολή, -ῆς, ἡ (ἐπιατέλλω), [in LXX for אִגֶּרֶת, etc.; frequently in Mac ;] __1. a message. __2. a letter, an epistle: Act.9:2, 1Co.5:9, al.; pl., Act.22:5, 1Co.16:3, al.; ἐ. σνστατικαί, 2Co.3:1 (cf. Milligan, NTD, 254 f.). (On the NT ἐπιστολαί, cf. Milligan, Th., 121 ff.; NTD, 85 ff.; Deiss., BS, 3 ff.; St. Paul, 8 ff.) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 23 NT verses. KJV: "epistle," letter See also: 1 Corinthians 5:9; 2 Peter 3:16; Romans 16:22.
μη G3361 "not" Particle-N
Not is a word used to show that something is not true or is not happening, like in phrases that say 'lest' or 'God forbid', as seen in various parts of the New Testament.
Definition: μή, subjective negative particle, used where the negation depends on a condition or hypothesis, expressed or understood, as distinct from οὐ, which denies absolutely. μή is used where one thinks a thing is not, as distinct from an absolute negation. As a general rule, οὐ negatives the indic, μή the other moods, incl, ptcp. [In LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,אַל ] __I. As a neg. adv., not; __1. with ref. to thought or opinion: Jhn.3:18, Tit.1:11, 2Pe.1:9. __2. In delib. questions, with subjc. (M, Pr., 185): Mrk.12:14, Rom.3:8. __3. In conditional and final sentences, after εἰ, ἐάν, ἄν, ἵνα, ὅπως: Mat.10:14, Mrk.6:11 12:19, Luk.9:5, Jhn.6:50, Rom.11:25, al. __4. C. inf. (see M, Pr., 234f., 239, 255), __(a) after verbs of saying, etc.: Mat.2:12 5:34, Mrk.12:18, Act.15:38, Rom.2:21, al.; __(b) with artic. inf.: after a prep., Mat.13:5, Mrk.4:5, Act.7:19, 1Co.10:6, al.; without a prep., Rom.14:13, 2Co.2:1, 13 1Th 4:6; __(with) in sentences expressing consequence, after ὥστε: Mat.8:28, Mrk.3:20, 1Co.1:7, 2Co.3:7, al. __5. C. ptcp. (see M, Pr., 231f., 239), in hypothetical references to persons of a certain character or description: Mat.10:28 12:30, Luk.6:49, Jhn.3:18, Rom.4:5, 1Co.7:38, 1Jn.3:10, al.; where the person or thing being definite, the denial is a matter of opinion: Jhn.6:64, 1Co.1:28 4:7, 18, 2Co.5:21, al.; where the ptcp. has a concessive, causal or conditional force, if, though, because not: Mat.18:25, Luk.2:45, Jhn.7:49, Act.9:26, Rom.2:14 5:13, 2Co.3:14, Gal.6:9, Ju 5; where the ptcp. has a descriptive force (being such as), not: Act.9:9, Rom.1:28, 1Co.10:33, Gal.4:8, Heb.12:27, al. __6. μή prohibitive, in indep. sentences, __(a) with subjc. praes., 1 of person(s) pl.: Gal.5:26 6:9, 1Th.5:6, 1Jn.3:18; __(b) with imperat. praes., usually where one is bidden to desist from what has already begun (cf. M, Pr., 122ff.): Mat.7:1, Mrk.5:36, Luk.6:30, Jhn.2:16 5:45, Act.10:15, Rom.11:18, Jas.2:1, Rev.5:5, al.; __(with) forbidding that which is still future: with imperat. aor., 3 of person(s), Mat.24:18, Mrk.13:15, Luk.17:31, al.; with subjc. aor., 2 of person(s), Mat.3:9 10:26, Mrk.5:7, Luk.6:29, Jhn.3:7, Rom.10:6, al.; __(d) with optative, in wishes: 2Ti.4:16 (LXX); μὴ γένοιτο (see M, Pr., 194; Bl., §66, 1), Luk.20:16, Rom.3:3, al.; μή τις, Mrk.13:5, al. __II. As a conj., __1. after verbs of fearing, caution, etc., that, lest, perhaps (M, Pr., 192f.): with subjc. praes., Heb.12:15; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:4, Mrk.13:5, Luk.21:8, Act.13:40, Gal.5:15, al.; ὅρα μή (see M, Pr., 124, 178), elliptically, Rev.19:10 22:9; with indic, fut. (M, Pr., l.with), Col.2:8. __2. in order that not: with subjc. aor., Mrk.13:36, 2Co.8:20 12:6. __III. Interrogative, in hesitant questions (M, Pr., 170), or where a negative answer is expected: Mat.7:9, 10, Mrk.2:19, Jhn.3:4, Rom.3:3 10:18, 19, 1Co.1:13, al.; μή τις, Luk.22:35, al.; before οὐ (Rom.10:17, al. in Pl.), expecting an affirm, ans.; οὐ μή, Luk.18:7, Jhn.18:11. __IV. οὐ μή as emphatic negation (cf. M, Pr., 188, 190ff.; Bl. §64, 5), not at all, by no means: with indic, fut., Mat.16:22, Jhn.6:35, Heb.10:17, al.; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:2, Mrk.13:2, Luk.6:37, Jhn.13:8, 1Co.8:13, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 910 NT verses. KJV: any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without See also: 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Peter 2:16; 1 Peter 1:8.
συναναμιγνυσθαι sunanamignumi G4874 "to associate with" Verb-PMN
To associate with someone means to mix or keep company with them, often in a close relationship. In 1 Corinthians 5:9 and 2 Thessalonians 3:14, it warns against associating with people who do wrong. It involves being together and interacting with someone.
Definition: συν-ανα-μίγνυμι (accusative to Bl., 8, -μείγνυμι), [in LXX: Hos.7:8 A ( hithpo.), Eze.20:18 A * ;] to mix up together; pass., reflex, and metaphorically, to associate with (Plut., Ath., al.): 1Co.5:9 5:11, 2Th.3:14 (see M, Th., 117).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: (have, keep) company (with) See also: 1 Corinthians 5:9; 1 Corinthians 5:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:14.
πορνοις pornos G4205 "sexual sinner" Noun-DPM
This word describes a male prostitute or someone who engages in sexual sin, like fornication, as seen in 1 Corinthians 5:9-11 and Ephesians 5:5.
Definition: πόρνος, -ου, ὁ [in LXX: Sir.23:16-18 * ;] __1. a male prostitute (Xen., al.). __2. a fornicator: 1Co.5:9-11 6:9, Eph.5:5, 1Ti.1:10, Heb.12:15 13:4, Rev.21:8 22:15.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 10 NT verses. KJV: fornicator, whoremonger See also: 1 Corinthians 5:9; Ephesians 5:5; Hebrews 12:16.

Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 5:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ephesians 5:11 Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
2 2 Thessalonians 3:14 Take note of anyone who does not obey the instructions we have given in this letter. Do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed.
3 2 Corinthians 6:14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?
4 2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who leads an undisciplined life that is not in keeping with the tradition you received from us.
5 1 Corinthians 5:7 Get rid of the old leaven, that you may be a new unleavened batch, as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.
6 1 Corinthians 5:2 And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have been stricken with grief and have removed from your fellowship the man who did this?
7 Proverbs 9:6 Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.”
8 Psalms 1:1–2 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night.
9 2 Corinthians 6:17 “Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”

1 Corinthians 5:9 Summary

In 1 Corinthians 5:9, Paul reminds the church that they should not associate with people who claim to be Christians but are living immoral lives, especially those involved in sexual sin. This is because, as followers of Jesus, we are called to live pure and holy lives, as taught in Ephesians 5:3-12. By separating ourselves from sinful behaviors, we can maintain the integrity of our faith and live as examples of God's love and redemption, as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. This doesn't mean we can't interact with people who are struggling with sin, but rather that we should be careful not to condone or participate in their sinful behaviors (1 Corinthians 5:10).

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of letter is Paul referring to in 1 Corinthians 5:9?

Paul is referring to a previous letter he wrote to the Corinthian church, which is not included in the Bible, but its content is referenced here and in 2 Corinthians 7:8-12, where he talks about the sorrow and repentance it brought to the church, as seen in 2 Corinthians 7:9-10.

Why does Paul instruct the church not to associate with sexually immoral people in 1 Corinthians 5:9?

Paul gives this instruction to maintain the purity and holiness of the church, as Christians are called to be separate from the world and its sinful practices, as taught in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 and Ephesians 5:3-12.

Does this mean we should not interact with anyone who is sexually immoral, including those outside the church?

According to 1 Corinthians 5:10, the instruction is specifically for those who claim to be brothers in Christ, not the sexually immoral people of the world, as interacting with them is unavoidable in everyday life, as Jesus himself interacted with sinners, as seen in Luke 15:1-2 and Matthew 9:10-13.

How does this relate to our relationships with other believers who may be struggling with sexual immorality?

This verse emphasizes the importance of holding one another to a high standard of purity and morality, as seen in Matthew 18:15-17, where Jesus teaches about confronting a brother who has sinned, and in Galatians 6:1, where believers are instructed to restore each other gently if someone is caught in a sin.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can examine my own relationships to ensure I am not condoning or participating in sexual immorality, and how can I lovingly address any issues I find?
  2. How can I balance the need to separate myself from sinful behaviors with the command to love and reach out to those who are struggling, as seen in Jesus' ministry to tax collectors and prostitutes?
  3. In what ways can I contribute to a culture of purity and accountability within my church or community, and what role can I play in helping others to live out their faith with integrity?
  4. What does it mean for me to 'keep the feast' with 'the unleavened bread of sincerity and of truth', as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5:8, and how can I apply this to my daily life?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 5:9

I wrote unto you in an epistle,..... Not in this same epistle, and in 1 Corinthians 5:2 as some think; for what is here observed is not written in either of those verses, but in some other epistle he

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 5:9

I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: I wrote unto you in an letter - Greek, 'in THE letter:' a former one not now extant.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 5:9

It should seem that Paul had wrote so in some former epistle which he had directed to this church, which is lost; for we must think that Paul wrote more epistles to the several churches than those left us upon record in holy writ (yet so as not to undermine the perfection of the Holy Scriptures). By fornicators are meant any sorts of unclean persons known to them; and the keeping company with them, which the apostle had prohibited to the Corinthians, was not a mere fellowship with them in their works of darkness, but any intimacy of communion with any such persons.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 5:9

9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: Ver. 9. Not to company with fornicators] Dion Chrysostom saith, that Corinth was the most luxurious and lascivious city in the world, πολινεπαφροδιτατην. Strabo saith, that Venus had a most stately temple there, that was kept by more than a thousand beautiful courtesans. Another saith, that it was the brothel house of Greece, and a most filthy market town of abominable lusts. (Molin.) Cicero indeed calleth it lumen Groeciae, the light or eye of Greece. It might be so in some respects. But surely this sin was no small snuff in this light, but a blemish in this eye.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 5:9

(9) I wrote unto you in an epistle.—These words have given rise to some controversy as to whether the Apostle here refers to some former Epistle addressed to the Corinthian Church, and which has not been preserved, or whether the reference is not to this Epistle itself. It has been suggested by some who adopt the latter view that these words may have been added as an interpolation after the completion of the Epistle, and be intended to intensify the remarks made by the Apostle on this subject in 1 Corinthians 5:6-8; 1 Corinthians 6:9-20. Such an interpretation, however, seems rather strained. It is more natural to suppose that the reference is to an Epistle written to the Corinthians, probably from Ephesus, after a visit paid to Corinth of which we have no record, for in 2 Corinthians 12:14; 2 Corinthians 13:1, we read of a third visit being contemplated, whereas only one previous one is recorded. (See also Introduction.) The condition of the Church which caused the Apostle that “heaviness,” which he connects with this visit in 2 Corinthians 2:1, would naturally have given rise to an Epistle containing the kind of direction here referred to.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 5:9

Verse 9. I wrote unto you in an epistle] The wisest and best skilled in Biblical criticism agree that the apostle does not refer to any other epistle than this; and that he speaks here of some general directions which he had given in the foregoing part of it; but which he had now in some measure changed and greatly strengthened, as we see from 1 Corinthians 5:11. The words εγραψαεντηεπιστολη may be translated, I HAD written to you in THIS EPISTLE; for there are many instances in the New Testament where the aorist, which is here used, and which is a sort of indefinite tense, is used for the perfect and the plusquam-perfect. Dr. Whitby produces several proofs of this, and contends that the conclusion drawn by some, viz. that it refers to some epistle that is lost, is not legitimately drawn from any premises which either this text or antiquity affords. The principal evidence against this Isaiah 2 Corinthians 7:8, where εντηεπιστολη, the same words as above, appear to refer to this first epistle. Possibly the apostle may refer to an epistle which he had written though not sent; for, on receiving farther information from Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, relative to the state of the Corinthian Church, he suppressed that, and wrote this, in which he considers the subject much more at large. See Dr. Lightfoot. Not to company with fornicators] With which, as we have already seen, Corinth abounded. It was not only the grand sin, but staple, of the place.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 5:9

9–13. Application of the same principle to offenders generally9. I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators] From the particular case, and the reflections it suggested, we now come to general rules of conduct on this subject. The Apostle would not have his converts flee from the world, as so many did in later ages, but remain in it and leaven it. This course must bring them into contact with many ungodly men, whose evil example they must not follow, but whom they cannot altogether avoid, unless they would retire altogether from the active business of life. But if any member of the Church bring dishonour on the Christian name by such sins as those which are named, the Christian is bound to shew his sense of such flagrant inconsistency and hypocrisy, by refusing even to sit down to a meal with him. It is not difficult to follow the spirit of such an exhortation now, though it may be impossible to observe its letter. We cannot help meeting men of depraved morals and irreligious lives in business or in general society; we can, nay we must, refrain from making such persons our associates and intimates.in an epistle] The Greek has the Epistle, and as in 2 Corinthians 7:8 the same words are used in reference to this Epistle, it has been concluded that mention is here made of a former Epistle which is now lost. Estius calls attention to the fact that in 2 Corinthians 10:10 St Paul speaks of his ‘letters’ as though he had written more than one to the Corinthian Church. It is not probable that all St Paul’s letters have come down to us, and therefore we may conclude, with the majority of commentators, that the reference is to an Epistle no longer extant.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 5:9

I wrote unto you - I have written ἔγραψα egrapsa. This word may either refer to this Epistle, or to some former epistle.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 5:9

c. Separateness must be from evildoers in the Church—where it must be rigid—rather than from those without, over whom Church discipline has no authority, 1 Corinthians 5:9-13.9. I wrote—In a former epistle not now extant.

Sermons on 1 Corinthians 5:9

SermonDescription
Francis Chan When God Doesn't Listen by Francis Chan This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance and purging sin from our lives to experience God's blessings and favor. It highlights the need for unity and purity within the c
David Wilkerson Sharing the Grief of God by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher begins by thanking God for his blessings and acknowledging Jesus and the Holy Ghost. He asks for forgiveness for forgetting what God has done and prays
Watchman Nee My Laws in Their Hearts by Watchman Nee Watchman Nee emphasizes the spiritual battle Christians face in a world dominated by Satan, who seeks to capture human allegiance. He explains that while believers must engage with
T. Austin-Sparks Knowledge of Christ After the Spirit by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the uniqueness of Christ as the Son of Man, who embodies the divine intention for a new creation, perfectly balancing his kinship with humanity while re
Anton Bosch Who Are Your Friends? by Anton Bosch Anton Bosch challenges the common belief among Christians that they should only be friends with believers and shun unbelievers. He emphasizes the importance of befriending unbeliev
George Fox Epistle 389 by George Fox George Fox emphasizes the necessity of maintaining purity within the church, urging believers to avoid fellowship with those who engage in sinful behaviors, even if they are consid
David Wilkerson "Where Are the Praying People?" by David Wilkerson This sermon emphasizes the speaker's strong desire to remain separate from the sinful influences of the world, committing to prayer, Bible reading, and standing against immorality.

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate