King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 6:10 Mean?

1 Corinthians 6:10 in the King James Version says “Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”

1 Corinthians 6:10 · KJV

Context

8

Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.

9

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

10

Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

11

And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

12

All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. expedient: or, profitable

Read 1 Corinthians 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The vice catalog continues: Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. Kleptai (κλέπται, 'thieves') and harpages (ἅρπαγες, 'extortioners, swindlers') bracket economic injustice—the very sins implied in verse 8's fraud. Pleonektai (πλεονέκται, 'covetous, greedy') describes insatiable desire for more, the root of litigation and sexual sin alike.

Methusoi (μέθυσοι, 'drunkards') points to loss of self-control; loidoroi (λοίδοροι, 'revilers, verbal abusers') likely includes courtroom slanderers. This comprehensive list spans sexual, religious, economic, and relational spheres—no area of life escapes kingdom standards. Paul's point: these sins characterize those outside Christ; those in Christ cannot persist in them without forfeiting inheritance. The gospel transforms; faith without works is dead (James 2:17).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The catalog resembles Hellenistic Jewish vice lists (Wisdom of Solomon 14:25-26, Philo) and Paul's own (Romans 1:29-31, Galatians 5:19-21). Such lists functioned didactically—showing converts what behaviors to abandon. In Corinth's context, each vice had social reinforcement: drinking defined symposia culture, greed drove commerce, reviling was rhetorical sport. Paul demands: renounce Corinthian values, embrace kingdom ethics. The church is alternative society, not Corinth-with-Jesus-added.

Reflection Questions

  1. Which vice in this list (theft, greed, drunkenness, verbal abuse, extortion) do you rationalize as 'not that bad' compared to sexual sins?
  2. How does Paul's economic ethics (condemning greed and extortion) challenge prosperity gospel or consumerist Christianity?
  3. What does it mean that ongoing, unrepentant practice of these sins indicates one 'shall not inherit the kingdom'—and how does this relate to assurance of salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
οὔτε1 of 14

“Nor”

G3777

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

κλέπται2 of 14

“thieves”

G2812

a stealer (literally or figuratively)

οὔτε3 of 14

“Nor”

G3777

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

πλεονέκται4 of 14

“covetous”

G4123

holding (desiring) more, i.e., eager for gain (avaricious, hence a defrauder)

οὔτε5 of 14

“Nor”

G3777

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

μέθυσοι6 of 14

“drunkards”

G3183

tipsy, i.e., (as noun) a sot

οὐ7 of 14

“nor”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

λοίδοροι8 of 14

“revilers”

G3060

abusive, i.e., a blackguard

οὐ9 of 14

“nor”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἅρπαγες10 of 14

“extortioners”

G727

rapacious

βασιλείαν11 of 14

“the kingdom”

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

θεοῦ12 of 14

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

οὐ13 of 14

“nor”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

κληρονομήσουσιν14 of 14
G2816

to be an heir to (literally or figuratively)

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 6:10 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 6:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 5:11Galatians 5:21Ezekiel 22:29Ephesians 4:281 Peter 4:15Ezekiel 22:27

Test Your Knowledge

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

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