King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 6:2 Mean?

1 Corinthians 6:2 in the King James Version says “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 ... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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?

1 Corinthians 6:2 · 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?

4

If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? Paul grounds church discipline in eschatology. Krinō (κρίνω, 'judge') appears throughout verses 1-6—the saints' future role as co-judges with Christ (Matthew 19:28, Revelation 20:4) makes present incompetence absurd. If believers will adjudicate cosmic matters, are they really unworthy to judge the smallest matters (kritērion elachistōn, κριτήριον ἐλαχίστων)?

The logic is a fortiori: greater authority assumes lesser competence. Jewish apocalyptic tradition envisioned the righteous judging nations (Wisdom 3:8, Daniel 7:22); Paul applies this to church disputes. The Corinthians' failure reveals not lack of wisdom but refusal to embrace their identity—they're playing citizens of Corinth when they're already citizens of heaven.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish courts (beth din) handled internal disputes to avoid Roman entanglement. Paul assumes the church should function similarly as a distinct polis (political community) with its own jurisprudence. The Corinthians' reliance on secular courts showed they valued Roman citizenship over kingdom citizenship—ironic in a church obsessed with spiritual status (4:8: 'already you reign as kings!').

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your future role in Christ's kingdom (judging the world and angels) reshape your view of present conflicts?
  2. What 'smallest matters' do you escalate because you've forgotten your eternal identity and authority?
  3. How can church leaders cultivate discernment so believers trust internal resolution over external litigation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
οὐκ1 of 19

not

G3756

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

οἴδατε2 of 19

Do ye

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὅτι3 of 19

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οἱ4 of 19
G3588

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

ἅγιοι5 of 19

the saints

G40

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

τὸν6 of 19
G3588

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

κόσμος7 of 19

the world

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

κρίνεται8 of 19

shall be judged

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

καὶ9 of 19

and

G2532

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

εἰ10 of 19

if

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

ἐν11 of 19

by

G1722

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

ὑμῖν12 of 19

you

G5213

to (with or by) you

κρίνεται13 of 19

shall be judged

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

14 of 19
G3588

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

κόσμος15 of 19

the world

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

ἀνάξιοί16 of 19

unworthy

G370

unfit

ἐστε17 of 19

are ye

G2075

ye are

κριτηρίων18 of 19

to judge

G2922

a rule of judging ("criterion"), i.e., (by implication) a tribunal

ἐλαχίστων;19 of 19

the smallest matters

G1646

used as equivalent to g3398; least (in size, amount, dignity, etc.)


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 6:2 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 6:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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