King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 5:1 Mean?

1 Corinthians 5:1 in the King James Version says “It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the G... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.

1 Corinthians 5:1 · KJV


Context

1

It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.

2

And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.

3

For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, judged: or, determined


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you (ἀκούεται πορνεία ἐν ὑμῖν)—the Greek porneia (πορνεία) encompasses all sexual immorality, but here refers to incest. Such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles—even pagan Corinth, notorious for sexual licentiousness, condemned this sin. Roman law explicitly prohibited marriage to one's stepmother (Gaius, Institutes 1.63). The phrase that one should have his father's wife describes a man living with his stepmother, likely after his father's death.

Paul's shock is palpable—sexual immorality existed in the church that pagans rejected. The Corinthians' inflated spirituality (phusioo, "puffed up") had produced moral blindness. Their tolerance wasn't grace but compromise. The case was public knowledge ("reported commonly"), demanding immediate action. This verse introduces the chapter's theme: the church's responsibility to maintain purity through discipline, not to punish but to protect the body and restore the sinner.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Corinth was a Roman colony rebuilt by Julius Caesar in 44 BC, notorious for sexual immorality associated with Aphrodite's temple. While the extent of temple prostitution is debated, sexual ethics were lax—concubinage, prostitution, and divorce were commonplace. Into this context, Paul planted a church calling believers to radical sexual purity as temples of the Holy Spirit (6:19).

Reflection Questions

  1. When does tolerance of sin become complicity? How do you balance grace with the call to holiness?
  2. What 'reported commonly' sins might exist in your church that require loving confrontation?
  3. How does understanding your body as a temple of the Holy Spirit shape your view of sexual ethics?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
Ὅλως1 of 20

commonly

G3654

completely, i.e., altogether; (by analogy), everywhere; (negatively) not by any means

ἀκούεται2 of 20

It is reported

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ἐν3 of 20

among

G1722

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

ὑμῖν4 of 20

you

G5213

to (with or by) you

πορνεία5 of 20

fornication

G4202

harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry

καὶ6 of 20

and

G2532

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

τοιαύτη7 of 20

such

G5108

truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)

πορνεία8 of 20

fornication

G4202

harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry

ἥτις9 of 20

as

G3748

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

οὐδὲ10 of 20

not so much

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

ἐν11 of 20

among

G1722

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

τοῖς12 of 20
G3588

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

ἔθνεσιν13 of 20

the Gentiles

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

ὀνομάζεται,14 of 20

as named

G3687

to name, i.e., assign an appellation; by extension, to utter, mention, profess

ὥστε15 of 20

that

G5620

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

γυναῖκά16 of 20

wife

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

τινα17 of 20

one

G5100

some or any person or object

τοῦ18 of 20
G3588

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

πατρὸς19 of 20

his father's

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ἔχειν20 of 20

should have

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio


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 5:1 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 5:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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