King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 5:4 Mean?

1 Corinthians 5:4 in the King James Version says “In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Chr...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 5:4 · KJV

Holy Spirit

Context

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.

6

Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

Read 1 Corinthians 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together—church discipline is a corporate act requiring formal assembly, not individual vigilantism. In the name (ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι) indicates authority derived from Christ, acting as His representatives. Discipline is exercised under Christ's lordship and by His authority, not human wisdom or personal vendetta.

And my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ—Paul's apostolic presence and Christ's power attend the assembly. The phrase dynamis tou Kyriou ("power of the Lord") emphasizes this isn't human strength but divine enablement. Church discipline, properly conducted, is a spiritual act where Christ Himself acts through His body to protect purity and pursue restoration. The assembly's unity—gathered together with Paul's spirit and Christ's power—demonstrates the gravity and legitimacy of the action.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Early church discipline was a public, corporate act of the assembled congregation, not decisions made by clergy alone. The phrase 'gathered together' (synagō) reflects synagogue practice adapted to Christian assembly. This public nature protected against abuse while emphasizing the church's collective responsibility for holiness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your church practice corporate discernment and discipline today?
  2. Do you rely on Christ's power or human methods when addressing difficult situations?
  3. What does it mean practically to act 'in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ' in church decisions?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
ἐν1 of 22

“In”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ2 of 22
G3588

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

ὀνόματι3 of 22

“the name”

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

τοῦ4 of 22
G3588

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

κυρίου5 of 22

“Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἡμῶν6 of 22

“of our”

G2257

of (or from) us

Ἰησοῦ7 of 22

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ,8 of 22

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

συναχθέντων9 of 22

“are gathered together”

G4863

to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)

ὑμῶν10 of 22

“when ye”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

καὶ11 of 22

“and”

G2532

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

τοῦ12 of 22
G3588

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

ἐμοῦ13 of 22
G1700

of me

πνεύματος14 of 22

“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

σὺν15 of 22

“with”

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

τῇ16 of 22
G3588

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

δυνάμει17 of 22

“the power”

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

τοῦ18 of 22
G3588

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

κυρίου19 of 22

“Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἡμῶν20 of 22

“of our”

G2257

of (or from) us

Ἰησοῦ21 of 22

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ,22 of 22

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

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 5:4 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 5:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 20:232 Thessalonians 3:6Colossians 3:172 Corinthians 13:3Matthew 18:16-18Matthew 16:19

Test Your Knowledge

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

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