King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 5:10 Mean?

1 Corinthians 5:10 in the King James Version says “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 · KJV

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?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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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?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
καὶ1 of 22

“Yet”

G2532

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

οὐ2 of 22

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

πάντως3 of 22

“altogether”

G3843

entirely; specially, at all events, (with negative, following) in no event

τοῖς4 of 22
G3588

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

πόρνοις5 of 22

“with the fornicators”

G4205

a (male) prostitute (as venal), i.e., (by analogy) a debauchee (libertine)

τοῦ6 of 22
G3588

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

κόσμου7 of 22

“the world”

G2889

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

τούτου8 of 22

“of this”

G5127

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

ἢ9 of 22

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

τοῖς10 of 22
G3588

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

πλεονέκταις11 of 22

“with the covetous”

G4123

holding (desiring) more, i.e., eager for gain (avaricious, hence a defrauder)

ἢ12 of 22

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ἅρπαξιν13 of 22

“extortioners”

G727

rapacious

ἢ14 of 22

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

εἰδωλολάτραις15 of 22

“with idolaters”

G1496

an image- (servant or) worshipper (literally or figuratively)

ἐπεὶ16 of 22

“for”

G1893

thereupon, i.e., since (of time or cause)

ὀφείλετε17 of 22

“must ye needs”

G3784

to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty

ἄρα18 of 22

“then”

G686

a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)

ἐκ19 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

τοῦ20 of 22
G3588

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

κόσμου21 of 22

“the world”

G2889

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

ἐξελθεῖν22 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

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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