King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 5:13 Mean?

1 Corinthians 5:13 in the King James Version says “But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 5:13 · KJV

Context

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But them that are without God judgeth—unbelievers are accountable to God alone; final judgment belongs to Him (Rom 2:5, 12:19). The church doesn't pronounce judgment on the world but proclaims the gospel, leaving ultimate judgment to God. This liberates Christians from playing God while maintaining the urgency of evangelism—those outside face God's judgment unless they respond to the gospel. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person—Paul concludes with a direct imperative: exarate (ἐξάρατε, "remove, put away").

The phrase echoes Deuteronomy's repeated command to "purge the evil from your midst" (Deut 13:5; 17:7, 12; 19:19; 21:21; 22:21, 24; 24:7). Poneros (πονηρός, "wicked person") describes the unrepentant immoral man of verse 1. The command is corporate—"you" (plural) must act collectively to remove persistent, unrepentant sin from the community. This isn't vengeance but protection and redemption. Discipline maintains the church's holiness, protects weaker believers from corruption (v. 6), upholds gospel witness, and creates conditions for the sinner's repentance (v. 5). The goal throughout is restoration—severe mercy that hopes for return.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The phrase 'put away from among yourselves' (LXX: exareis ton poneron) directly quotes the Septuagint's rendering of Deuteronomy's purity laws. Paul applies Israel's covenantal purity standards to the church as the new covenant community. Just as Israel was to be holy as God's people (Lev 19:2), the church maintains holiness through discipline, not to earn salvation but to reflect the holy God who redeemed them.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does entrusting final judgment to God free you from bitterness while maintaining standards?
  2. What unrepentant sin might need to be 'put away' from your church community—and how can this be done redemptively?
  3. How do you balance the severity of discipline (removal) with the hope of restoration (2 Cor 2:5-11)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
τοὺς1 of 13
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 13

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἔξω3 of 13

“them that are without”

G1854

out(-side) (of doors), literally or figuratively

ὁ4 of 13
G3588

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

θεὸς5 of 13

“God”

G2316

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

κρινεῖ6 of 13

“judgeth”

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

καί7 of 13

“Therefore”

G2532

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

ἐξαρεῖτε8 of 13

“put away”

G1808

to remove

τὸν9 of 13
G3588

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

πονηρὸν10 of 13

“wicked person”

G4190

hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455

ἐξ11 of 13

“from”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ὑμῶν12 of 13

“among yourselves”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

αὐτῶν13 of 13

“that”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

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 5:13 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 5:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 17:7Deuteronomy 13:5Deuteronomy 21:21Matthew 18:17Deuteronomy 22:24Deuteronomy 22:21-22

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