King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 5:2 Mean?

1 Corinthians 5:2 in the King James Version says “And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.

1 Corinthians 5:2 · KJV


Context

1

It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.

2

And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.

3

For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, judged: or, determined

4

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And ye are puffed up (πεφυσιωμένοι ἐστέ)—the Corinthians' problem was pride, not ignorance. Rather than grieving over sin, they were arrogant, perhaps viewing their 'tolerance' as sophisticated spirituality or evidence of freedom in Christ. The verb phusioo ("puffed up") appears six times in 1 Corinthians (4:6, 18, 19; 5:2; 8:1; 13:4), always negatively—contrasted with love that "does not boast" (13:4).

Have not rather mourned (ἐπενθήσατε)—the proper response to sin in the body is grief, not indifference. The verb pentheo denotes deep sorrow, the same word used for mourning the dead. That he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you—the goal of discipline is removal from fellowship (exairo, "take away"), protecting the church's purity while creating conditions for the sinner's repentance. Discipline is an act of love seeking restoration, not vengeance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Corinthian church reflected the city's philosophical culture, which prized rhetoric, wisdom, and tolerance. Greek philosophy often separated spirit from body, leading some to conclude bodily actions had no spiritual significance. Paul's call to mourn contradicted the Stoic ideal of apathy (absence of passion) valued in Greco-Roman culture.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you grieve over sin in your own life and the church, or have you become desensitized?
  2. How can church discipline be exercised in love, not self-righteousness, with restoration as the goal?
  3. What pride might prevent you from addressing sin—either fear of seeming intolerant or superior?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
καὶ1 of 18

And

G2532

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

ὑμεῖς2 of 18

ye

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

πεφυσιωμένοι3 of 18

puffed up

G5448

to inflate, i.e., (figuratively) make proud (haughty)

ἐστέ4 of 18

are

G2075

ye are

καὶ5 of 18

And

G2532

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

οὐχὶ6 of 18

not

G3780

not indeed

μᾶλλον7 of 18

rather

G3123

(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather

ἐπενθήσατε8 of 18

have

G3996

to grieve (the feeling or the act)

ἵνα9 of 18

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἐξαρθῇ10 of 18

might be taken away

G1808

to remove

ἐκ11 of 18

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

μέσου12 of 18

among

G3319

middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun)

ὑμῶν13 of 18

you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

14 of 18
G3588

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

τὸ15 of 18
G3588

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

ἔργον16 of 18

deed

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

τοῦτο17 of 18

this

G5124

that thing

ποιήσας18 of 18

he that hath done

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)


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 5:2 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 5:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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