King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 6:1 Mean?

1 Corinthians 6:1 in the King James Version says “Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?”

1 Corinthians 6:1 · KJV

Context

1

Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?

2

Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?

3

Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

Read 1 Corinthians 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? Paul's sharp rebuke uses tolmaō (τολμάω, 'dare')—not mere courage but audacious presumption. Taking fellow believers before the unjust (adikoi, ἄδικοι, 'unrighteous ones') rather than before the saints (hagioi, ἅγιοι, 'holy ones') inverts the cosmic order: those destined to judge the world (v. 2) cannot judge trivial disputes?

The Roman legal system prized honor and shame—public litigation was performance art. Corinthian Christians, absorbed in their status-obsessed culture, weaponized pagan courts to humiliate brothers. Paul's rhetorical question drips with sarcasm: you who boast of spiritual wisdom (chs. 1-4) cannot settle petty grievances without appealing to pagans who know nothing of God's righteousness?

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Corinth had multiple courts: Roman magistrates for citizens, provincial governors for serious crimes, and local arbitration. Litigation was common among the wealthy, who used lawsuits to enhance reputation and destroy rivals. The church, composed of diverse social classes (1:26-29), imported these status games into Christian fellowship. Paul writes around 55 AD, addressing a congregation that confused worldly success with spiritual maturity.

Reflection Questions

  1. What conflicts in your church or Christian relationships are you tempted to 'win' publicly rather than resolve biblically in private?
  2. How does taking disputes before unbelievers undermine the church's witness to God's justice and reconciliation?
  3. Why does Paul emphasize the saints' future role as judges (v. 2) when addressing present disputes?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
Τολμᾷ1 of 17

“Dare”

G5111

to venture (objectively or in act; while g2292 is rather subjective or in feeling); by implication, to be courageous

τις2 of 17

“any”

G5100

some or any person or object

ὑμῶν3 of 17

“of you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

πρᾶγμα4 of 17

“a matter”

G4229

a deed; by implication, an affair; by extension, an object (material)

ἔχων5 of 17

“having”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

πρὸς6 of 17

“against”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὸν7 of 17
G3588

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

ἕτερον8 of 17

“another”

G2087

(an-, the) other or different

κρίνεσθαι9 of 17

“go to law”

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

ἐπὶ10 of 17

“before”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῶν11 of 17
G3588

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

ἀδίκων12 of 17

“the unjust”

G94

unjust; by extension wicked; by implication, treacherous; specially, heathen

καὶ13 of 17

“and”

G2532

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

οὐχὶ14 of 17

“not”

G3780

not indeed

ἐπὶ15 of 17

“before”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῶν16 of 17
G3588

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

ἁγίων;17 of 17

“the saints”

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

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 6:1 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 6:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 18:15-17Acts 19:381 Corinthians 14:331 Corinthians 16:1Acts 18:14-151 Corinthians 6:6-7

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1 Corinthians 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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