King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 5:3 Mean?

1 Corinthians 5:3 in the King James Version says “For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him th...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

1 Corinthians 5:3 · KJV

Holy Spirit

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,

5

To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit—Paul's apostolic authority transcended physical presence. Though in Ephesus (16:8), he was spiritually united with the Corinthian church and could exercise apostolic judgment. Have judged already, as though I were present (ἤδη κέκρικα ὡς παρών)—the perfect tense kekrisa indicates a settled, completed decision. Paul didn't need more information; the facts were clear, and judgment was rendered.

Concerning him that hath so done this deed (τὸν οὕτως τοῦτο κατεργασάμενον)—the verb katergazomai suggests deliberate, ongoing action, not a one-time fall. This was persistent, unrepentant immorality. Paul's decisive judgment models pastoral courage—some situations demand immediate action, not endless deliberation. The church is called to judge those within (vv. 12-13), distinguishing truth from error, holiness from sin. Discipline isn't optional when the gospel's witness is at stake.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul wrote from Ephesus during his three-year ministry there (Acts 19-20), maintaining pastoral oversight of churches he founded. Ancient letters often substituted for personal presence, with apostolic letters carrying full authority. The Corinthians had sent him questions (7:1) and received reports from Chloe's household (1:11).

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you have the courage to make clear judgments about sin, or do you delay hoping problems resolve themselves?
  2. How do you exercise discernment without becoming judgmental—judging actions while extending grace to persons?
  3. What role does spiritual authority play in the church, and how should it be exercised today?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ἐγὼ1 of 19

“I”

G1473

i, me

μὲν2 of 19

“verily”

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

γάρ3 of 19

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ὡς4 of 19

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἀπὼν5 of 19

“absent”

G548

to be away

τῷ6 of 19
G3588

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

σώματι7 of 19

“in body”

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

παρὼν8 of 19

“present”

G3918

to be near, i.e., at hand; neuter present participle (singular) time being, or (plural) property

δὲ9 of 19

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

τῷ10 of 19
G3588

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

πνεύματι11 of 19

“in spirit”

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

ἤδη12 of 19

“already”

G2235

even now

κέκρικα13 of 19

“have judged”

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

ὡς14 of 19

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

παρὼν15 of 19

“present”

G3918

to be near, i.e., at hand; neuter present participle (singular) time being, or (plural) property

τὸν16 of 19
G3588

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

οὕτως17 of 19

“so”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

τοῦτο18 of 19

“this deed”

G5124

that thing

κατεργασάμενον·19 of 19

“concerning him that hath”

G2716

to work fully, i.e., accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion

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 5:3 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 5:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Colossians 2:51 Thessalonians 2:172 Corinthians 13:22 Corinthians 10:112 Corinthians 10:1

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