King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 1:13 Mean?

1 Corinthians 1:13 in the King James Version says “Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?”

1 Corinthians 1:13 · KJV

Context

11

For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

12

Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

13

Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

14

I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;

15

Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Is Christ divided? (memeristai ho Christos, μεμέρισται ὁ Χριστός)—Paul's rhetorical question is devastating: the factions treat Christ as if He were parceled out, each group possessing a different piece. The verb merizo (μερίζω, "to divide, partition") implies tearing Christ into fragments—an absurdity that exposes the insanity of their divisions. Christ is one, His body is one, therefore His church must be one.

Was Paul crucified for you? Or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? (me Paulos estaurōthe hyper hymon, μὴ Παῦλος ἐσταυρώθη ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν)—Two more rhetorical questions drive home the point. Only Christ was crucified for them (hyper hymon, ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν, "on your behalf"), therefore only Christ deserves ultimate loyalty. Baptism in the name of (eis to onoma, εἰς τὸ ὄνομα) signifies ownership and allegiance—baptism into Christ's name means belonging to Him, not to Paul or any other human leader. Paul's horror at the thought of baptizing into his own name shows his Christ-centeredness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In the ancient world, disciples were baptized into allegiance to their teacher or philosophical school. Paul categorically rejects this model for Christianity. Baptism is into Christ alone, not into the apostle who performed the ritual. This corrects a dangerous tendency to elevate the minister over the Master.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we functionally "divide Christ" by sectarianism, denominational pride, or loyalty to Christian celebrities?
  2. Why is the question "Was Paul crucified for you?" such a powerful rebuke to personality-driven Christianity?
  3. How does baptism "in the name of Christ" establish that our ultimate allegiance belongs to Him alone?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
μεμέρισται1 of 14

“Is”

G3307

to part, i.e., (literally) to apportion, bestow, share, or (figuratively) to disunite, differ

ὁ2 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Χριστός3 of 14

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

μὴ4 of 14
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

Παύλου5 of 14

“Paul”

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

ἐσταυρώθη6 of 14

“crucified”

G4717

to impale on the cross; figuratively, to extinguish (subdue) passion or selfishness

ὑπὲρ7 of 14

“for”

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

ὑμῶν8 of 14

“you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἢ9 of 14

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

εἰς10 of 14

“in”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ11 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὄνομα12 of 14

“the name”

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

Παύλου13 of 14

“Paul”

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

ἐβαπτίσθητε14 of 14

“were ye baptized”

G907

to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 1:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 1:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 4:52 Corinthians 11:4Acts 2:381 Corinthians 10:2Acts 19:5Acts 10:48

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