King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 5:9 Mean?

1 Corinthians 5:9 in the King James Version says “I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:”

1 Corinthians 5:9 · KJV

Context

7

Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: is sacrificed: or, is slain

8

Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. the feast: or, holyday

9

I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:

10

Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators—Paul references an earlier, now-lost letter (the 'previous letter') instructing the Corinthians to avoid close association (synanamignymi, "mix together with") sexually immoral people. This verse clarifies that church discipline isn't new; Paul had previously taught separation from persistent, unrepentant sin. Pornos (πόρνος, "fornicator") denotes those practicing sexual immorality as a lifestyle.

The instruction "not to company with" didn't mean zero contact (that's impossible, v. 10) but refusing intimate fellowship—particularly shared meals, which in ancient culture signified acceptance and unity. The church must maintain boundaries distinguishing it from the world while remaining in the world as witnesses. This verse introduces Paul's critical distinction (vv. 10-13) between judging insiders versus outsiders—the church disciplines its members but doesn't police the world.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First Corinthians isn't Paul's first letter to Corinth; he references a 'previous letter' here and possibly in 2 Corinthians 2:3-4, 7:8. Ancient Christians often shared meals (agape feasts, love feasts) expressing unity (Acts 2:42-46). Refusing table fellowship was a strong statement of non-recognition, similar to Jesus eating with sinners to show acceptance (Luke 15:2) versus the church's refusal to eat with the immoral 'brother' (v. 11).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you maintain relationships with non-Christians without endorsing or participating in their sin?
  2. What does it mean to be 'in the world but not of it' in your specific context?
  3. How can you show both grace to unbelievers and standards for church members without hypocrisy?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
Ἔγραψα1 of 8

“I wrote”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

ὑμῖν2 of 8

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

ἐν3 of 8

“in”

G1722

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

τῇ4 of 8
G3588

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

ἐπιστολῇ5 of 8

“an epistle”

G1992

a written message

μὴ6 of 8

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

συναναμίγνυσθαι7 of 8

“to company”

G4874

to mix up together, i.e., (figurative) associate with

πόρνοις8 of 8

“with fornicators”

G4205

a (male) prostitute (as venal), i.e., (by analogy) a debauchee (libertine)

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 5:9 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 5:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 5:112 Thessalonians 3:142 Corinthians 6:142 Thessalonians 3:61 Corinthians 5:2Proverbs 9:6

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