King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 6:4 Mean?

1 Corinthians 6:4 in the King James Version says “If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 6:4 · KJV

Context

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?

6

But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.

Read 1 Corinthians 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. Paul's biting irony: even the least esteemed (exouthenēmenous, ἐξουθενημένους, 'despised, made of no account') in the church possess more competence than pagan judges for Christian disputes. This either means (1) literal nobodies in the congregation surpass worldly judges, or (2) Paul sarcastically mocks their status-obsession: 'Go ahead, appoint your despised ones—even they're better than Roman courts!'

The Greek syntax is ambiguous (imperative vs. rhetorical question), but the sting is clear: Corinthian Christians elevate external authority while demeaning internal wisdom. Biōtika (βιωτικά) reduces their lawsuits to trivialities—why involve unbelievers in what amounts to household squabbles?

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman society was hyper-stratified: senators, equestrians, freedmen, slaves. Status anxiety consumed Corinthians (the nouveau riche of a Roman colony). Church members likely included wealthy patrons and poor laborers (1:26-29)—taking disputes to civil courts reinforced worldly hierarchies Paul seeks to demolish. In Christ, the 'least esteemed' might be apostles (4:9-13) or poor believers disrespected at the Lord's Supper (11:22).

Reflection Questions

  1. Who in your church do you 'least esteem'—and how might God's wisdom speak through them in ways you're ignoring?
  2. How does seeking secular remedies for church conflicts reveal that you trust worldly power more than Christ's body?
  3. What would it look like for your congregation to develop robust internal processes for conflict resolution?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
βιωτικὰ1 of 13

“of things pertaining to this life”

G982

relating to the present existence

μὲν2 of 13

“then”

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

οὖν3 of 13
G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

κριτήρια4 of 13

“judgments”

G2922

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

ἐὰν5 of 13

“If”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

ἔχητε6 of 13

“ye have”

G2192

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

τοὺς7 of 13
G3588

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

ἐξουθενημένους8 of 13

“to judge who are least esteemed”

G1848

to despise

ἐν9 of 13

“in”

G1722

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

τῇ10 of 13
G3588

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

ἐκκλησίᾳ11 of 13

“the church”

G1577

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

τούτους12 of 13

“them”

G5128

these (persons, as objective of verb or preposition)

καθίζετε13 of 13

“set”

G2523

to seat down, i.e., set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (hover, dwell)

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 6:4 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 6:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 5:12Acts 6:2-4

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