King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 3:17 Mean?

1 Corinthians 3:17 in the King James Version says “If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. defile: ... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. defile: or, destroy

1 Corinthians 3:17 · KJV


Context

15

If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

16

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

17

If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. defile: or, destroy

18

Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

19

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy (φθείρει... φθερεῖ, phtheirei... phtherei)—Paul employs the same verb twice (wordplay lost in English): whoever corrupts (φθείρει) God's temple, God will corrupt/destroy (φθερεῖ). Phtheirō means to ruin, corrupt, or destroy. For the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are (ἅγιος... ὅστινες ἐστε ὑμεῖς, hagios... hoitines este hymeis)—hagios (holy, set apart) explains the severe warning.

The context (verses 10-15) suggests 'defiling' means corrupting the church through false teaching, divisive behavior, or immoral leadership—the stubble-building Paul warned against. This isn't about individual sin but systemic corruption of God's people. The threat 'God will destroy' is chilling: those who damage Christ's body face divine retribution. This may indicate loss of salvation (Hebrews 10:26-31) or temporal judgment (1 Corinthians 11:30), depending on whether the person truly belonged to the temple or was an infiltrator. The warning targets false teachers and divisive leaders, not struggling saints.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Defiling Israel's temple brought severe penalties—even death (Leviticus 15:31, 'lest they die in their uncleanness, when they defile my tabernacle'). Paul transfers this gravity to the church: corrupting God's people is as serious as desecrating his sanctuary. In a church plagued by factions, immorality, and false teaching, this warning carried urgent weight.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the severity of God's judgment against those who 'defile' his temple warn against causing division or promoting false doctrine in the church?
  2. What behaviors or teachings today constitute 'defiling the temple of God'—corrupting the church's purity and unity?
  3. How can church leaders 'take heed how they build' (verse 10) to avoid the devastating judgment Paul threatens here?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
εἴ1 of 21
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τις2 of 21
G5100

some or any person or object

τὸν3 of 21
G3588

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

ναὸς4 of 21

the temple

G3485

a fane, shrine, temple

τοῦ5 of 21
G3588

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

θεοῦ6 of 21

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

φθερεῖ7 of 21

defile

G5351

properly, to shrivel or wither, i.e., to spoil (by any process) or (generally) to ruin (especially figuratively, by moral influences, to deprave)

φθερεῖ8 of 21

defile

G5351

properly, to shrivel or wither, i.e., to spoil (by any process) or (generally) to ruin (especially figuratively, by moral influences, to deprave)

τοῦτον9 of 21

him

G5126

this (person, as objective of verb or preposition)

10 of 21
G3588

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

θεοῦ11 of 21

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

12 of 21
G3588

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

γὰρ13 of 21

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ναὸς14 of 21

the temple

G3485

a fane, shrine, temple

τοῦ15 of 21
G3588

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

θεοῦ16 of 21

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἅγιός17 of 21

holy

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

ἐστιν18 of 21

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

οἵτινές19 of 21

which

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

ἐστε20 of 21

are

G2075

ye are

ὑμεῖς21 of 21

temple ye

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)


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 3:17 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 3:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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