King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 5:10 Mean?

Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for the... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.”

1 Corinthians 5:10 · King James Version

Context

8

Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. the feast: or, holyday

9

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

10

Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.

11

But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

12

For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?

Read 1 Corinthians 5 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world—Paul clarifies he didn't mean total separation from immoral unbelievers. Pantos (πάντως, "altogether, entirely") emphasizes this would be impossible without leaving the world (kosmos). Christians live in, engage with, and witness to a fallen world; we cannot create isolated communes. Or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters—Paul expands the list beyond sexual sin to greed (pleonektes, one who always wants more), swindlers (harpax, rapacious, grasping), and idolaters.

For then must ye needs go out of the world—complete separation from sinners would require leaving planet Earth. The church's mission demands engagement with sinful culture (John 17:15-18). The distinction isn't between pure Christians and sinful pagans but between those who claim Christ yet live in unrepentant sin (v. 11) versus those who make no such claim. The church holds members accountable to professed standards but extends grace to those making no claim to follow Christ. This prevents both self-righteous isolation and compromised witness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Corinth was thoroughly pagan—business, social life, and civic duties were permeated with idolatry. Complete separation would have meant economic and social suicide. Early Christians maintained witness by participating in daily life while refusing to compromise core convictions (e.g., eating marketplace meat but not attending temple feasts, 1 Cor 10:25-28).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you engage your culture redemptively without compromising your convictions?
  2. Do you show more grace to unbelievers than to struggling Christians, or vice versa?
  3. What practical boundaries help you live 'in the world but not of it' in your work, neighborhood, or family?
KS
Written by KJV Study Commentary • Biblical Commentary

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
καὶ
1 of 22

“Yet”

G2532
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὐ
2 of 22

“not”

G3756
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
πάντως
3 of 22

“altogether”

G3843
entirely; specially, at all events, (with negative, following) in no event
τοῖς
4 of 22
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πόρνοις
5 of 22

“with the fornicators”

G4205
a (male) prostitute (as venal), i.e., (by analogy) a debauchee (libertine)
τοῦ
6 of 22
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμου
7 of 22

“the world”

G2889
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
τούτου
8 of 22

“of this”

G5127
of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)
ἢ
9 of 22

“or”

G2228
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
τοῖς
10 of 22
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πλεονέκταις
11 of 22

“with the covetous”

G4123
holding (desiring) more, i.e., eager for gain (avaricious, hence a defrauder)
ἢ
12 of 22

“or”

G2228
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
ἅρπαξιν
13 of 22

“extortioners”

G727
rapacious
ἢ
14 of 22

“or”

G2228
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
εἰδωλολάτραις
15 of 22

“with idolaters”

G1496
an image- (servant or) worshipper (literally or figuratively)
ἐπεὶ
16 of 22

“for”

G1893
thereupon, i.e., since (of time or cause)
ὀφείλετε
17 of 22

“must ye needs”

G3784
to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty
ἄρα
18 of 22

“then”

G686
a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)
ἐκ
19 of 22

“out of”

G1537
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
20 of 22
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμου
21 of 22

“the world”

G2889
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
ἐξελθεῖν
22 of 22

“go”

G1831
to issue (literally or figuratively)

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 5:10 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 5:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 10:27John 17:15-161 John 5:19Ephesians 2:21 Corinthians 1:20Matthew 5:14-16

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