King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 5:13 Mean?

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 · King James Version

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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Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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)?
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 · 13 words
τοὺς
1 of 13
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δὲ
2 of 13

“But”

G1161
but, and, etc
ἔξω
3 of 13

“them that are without”

G1854
out(-side) (of doors), literally or figuratively
ὁ
4 of 13
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
5 of 13

“God”

G2316
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
κρινεῖ
6 of 13

“judgeth”

G2919
by implication, to try, condemn, punish
καί
7 of 13

“Therefore”

G2532
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐξαρεῖτε
8 of 13

“put away”

G1808
to remove
τὸν
9 of 13
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πονηρὸν
10 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
ἐξ
11 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
ὑμῶν
12 of 13

“among yourselves”

G5216
of (from or concerning) you
αὐτῶν
13 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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