King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 5:11 Mean?

1 Corinthians 5:11 in the King James Version says “But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, o...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

1 Corinthians 5:11 · KJV

Context

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?

13

But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

Read 1 Corinthians 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But now I have written unto you not to keep company—Paul reinforces his instruction with heightened clarity. The prohibition is specific: if any man that is called a brother (ἐάν τις ἀδελφὸς ὀνομαζόμενος)—someone claiming Christian identity, a church member in name. The present participle onomazomenos ("being called, named") emphasizes professed, not proven, faith. The list follows: be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—loidoros ("railer") is verbally abusive, reviling; methusos ("drunkard") is a habitual drunk.

With such an one no not to eat—the double negative (οὐδὲ συνεσθίειν) is emphatic: "not even to eat." Shared meals signified fellowship and acceptance; refusing table fellowship was a severe statement. The principle is clear: the church maintains higher standards for those claiming Christ's name than for unbelievers. Persistent, unrepentant sin by professing Christians requires loving separation to protect the church's witness and create space for repentance. This isn't hatred but hope—severe mercy seeking restoration.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In Jewish and early Christian practice, shared meals were sacred acts of fellowship (koinonia). The early church's agape feasts and Lord's Supper were central to community life (Acts 2:42; 1 Cor 11:17-34). Refusing to eat with someone was tantamount to excommunication, treating them as outside the covenant community, similar to Jesus being criticized for eating with tax collectors and sinners (Luke 5:30).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance accountability within the church with grace toward those outside?
  2. Which sins on Paul's list (sexual immorality, greed, idolatry, slander, drunkenness, swindling) are you most likely to tolerate or excuse?
  3. What does loving church discipline look like—firm boundaries while praying for restoration?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
νῦνὶ1 of 26

“now”

G3570

just now

δὲ2 of 26

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἔγραψα3 of 26

“I have written”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

ὑμῖν4 of 26

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

μὴ5 of 26

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

συναναμίγνυσθαι6 of 26

“to keep company”

G4874

to mix up together, i.e., (figurative) associate with

ἐάν7 of 26

“if”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

τις8 of 26

“any man”

G5100

some or any person or object

ἀδελφὸς9 of 26

“a brother”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ὀνομαζόμενος10 of 26

“that is called”

G3687

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

ἢ11 of 26

“be”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

πόρνος12 of 26

“a fornicator”

G4205

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

ἢ13 of 26

“be”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

πλεονέκτης14 of 26

“covetous”

G4123

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

ἢ15 of 26

“be”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

εἰδωλολάτρης16 of 26

“an idolater”

G1496

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

ἢ17 of 26

“be”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

λοίδορος18 of 26

“a railer”

G3060

abusive, i.e., a blackguard

ἢ19 of 26

“be”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

μέθυσος20 of 26

“a drunkard”

G3183

tipsy, i.e., (as noun) a sot

ἢ21 of 26

“be”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ἅρπαξ22 of 26

“an extortioner”

G727

rapacious

τῷ23 of 26
G3588

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

τοιούτῳ24 of 26

“with such an one”

G5108

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

μηδὲ25 of 26

“no not”

G3366

but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor

συνεσθίειν26 of 26

“to eat”

G4906

to take food in company with

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 5:11 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 5:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 16:172 Thessalonians 3:62 Thessalonians 3:14Matthew 18:171 Corinthians 5:132 John 1:10

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

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