King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 6:3 Mean?

1 Corinthians 6:3 in the King James Version says “Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 6:3 · 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.

5

I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?

Read 1 Corinthians 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Know ye not that we shall judge angels? This stunning claim escalates Paul's argument. Angelous (ἀγγέλους) likely refers to fallen angels (2 Peter 2:4, Jude 6)—the church will participate in their final judgment. How much more things that pertain to this life? (biōtika, βιωτικά, 'everyday matters') uses climactic rhetoric: if believers judge supernatural beings, surely mundane property disputes are manageable!

Paul's repeated Know ye not (ouk oidate, οὐκ οἴδατε) stings—what the Corinthians don't know exposes their spiritual immaturity despite claims of superior knowledge (8:1-2). They're like children given a kingdom but fighting over toys. The world-to-come already determines the present: act now according to who you will be then.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish texts like 1 Enoch describe the righteous judging fallen watchers. Early Christians understood salvation as coronation—believers become co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), sharing His throne (Revelation 3:21). The Corinthians knew this theology but lived as if Roman courts had more authority than the body of Christ. Paul shocks them with the implications of their own eschatology.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'everyday matters' (financial, relational, property) dominate your attention while you neglect your calling as a future judge in God's kingdom?
  2. How does the reality of judging angels reframe petty conflicts with fellow believers?
  3. Why do Christians often trust secular authorities more than the Spirit-filled wisdom of their own community?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
οὐκ1 of 8

“not”

G3756

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

οἴδατε2 of 8

“Know 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 8

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἀγγέλους4 of 8

“angels”

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

κρινοῦμεν5 of 8

“we shall judge”

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

μήτι6 of 8
G3385

whether at all

γε7 of 8
G1065

doubtless, since

βιωτικά;8 of 8

“things that pertain to this life”

G982

relating to the present existence

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 6:3 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 6:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jude 1:6Matthew 25:411 Corinthians 6:4Luke 8:142 Timothy 4:10Luke 21:34

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