King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 1:8 Mean?

1 Corinthians 1:8 in the King James Version says “Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

1 Corinthians 1:8 · KJV

Context

6

Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:

7

So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: coming: Gr. revelation

8

Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

9

God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

10

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. divisions: Gr. schisms

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ (hos kai bebaiosei hymas, ὃς καὶ βεβαιώσει ὑμᾶς)—The verb bebaioo (βεβαιόω, "confirm") reappears from verse 6, now in the future tense: Christ who confirmed the gospel in them will also confirm them unto the end. This is a promise of perseverance, rooted in Christ's faithfulness, not their performance. Blameless (anegkletos, ἀνέγκλητος, "unaccused, without charge") is forensic language: on judgment day, believers will stand acquitted because of Christ's work, not their merit.

In the day of our Lord Jesus Christ (en te hemera tou kyriou, ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τοῦ κυρίου)—"The day of the Lord" is OT language for God's final judgment and vindication (Joel 2:31, Amos 5:18), now applied to Christ as kyrios (Lord). Paul's assurance of final perseverance is not a license for sin (which he will rebuke sharply) but a foundation for confidence: God who began the work will complete it (Phil 1:6).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Corinthians faced internal chaos (factions, immorality, lawsuits) and external pressure (persecution, pagan culture). Paul assures them that despite their failings, Christ will preserve them to the end. This doctrine of perseverance counters both despair ("I've failed too much") and presumption ("I'm secure no matter what I do"). The balance is maintained: God secures us, yet we must pursue holiness (see 9:27, 10:12).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the promise that Christ will "confirm you unto the end" provide assurance without promoting complacency?
  2. What does it mean to be "blameless" on the day of Christ—sinless perfection or justified standing?
  3. How does future eschatological hope shape present ethical living in the midst of struggle and temptation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ὃς1 of 15

“Who”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

καὶ2 of 15

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

βεβαιώσει3 of 15

“confirm”

G950

to stabilitate (figuratively)

ὑμᾶς4 of 15

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἕως5 of 15

“unto”

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

τέλους6 of 15

“the end”

G5056

properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitel

ἀνεγκλήτους7 of 15

“that ye may be blameless”

G410

unaccused, i.e., (by implication) irreproachable

ἐν8 of 15

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ9 of 15
G3588

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

ἡμέρᾳ10 of 15

“the day”

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

τοῦ11 of 15
G3588

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

κυρίου12 of 15

“Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἡμῶν13 of 15

“of our”

G2257

of (or from) us

Ἰησοῦ14 of 15

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ15 of 15

“Christ”

G5547

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

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 1:8 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 1:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 5:23-241 Thessalonians 3:13Colossians 1:22Philippians 1:6Jude 1:24-252 Thessalonians 3:3

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