King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 6:7 Mean?

1 Corinthians 6:7 in the King James Version says “Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?

1 Corinthians 6:7 · KJV


Context

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.

7

Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?

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,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Hēttēma (ἥττημα, 'defect, defeat') signifies total moral failure—not a procedural error but a spiritual catastrophe. Litigation itself, regardless of merit, constitutes defeat. Then Paul offers a radical alternative: Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? (dia ti ouchi mallon adikeisthe; dia ti ouchi mallon apostereisthe; διὰ τί οὐχὶ μᾶλλον ἀδικεῖσθε; διὰ τί οὐχὶ μᾶλλον ἀποστερεῖσθε;)

This echoes Jesus: turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39-42), love enemies, go the extra mile. Adikeō (ἀδικέω, 'be wronged') and apostereō (ἀποστερέω, 'be defrauded') are passive—voluntarily absorb injustice rather than destroy brotherhood. Paul's ethic isn't naïve pacifism but cruciform witness: the cross shows God's power perfected in weakness (1 Corinthians 1:23-25). Demanding rights obliterates the witness of self-giving love.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Greco-Roman culture prized retribution and honor defense—losing face meant social death. Paul's call to absorb wrong was countercultural, even revolutionary. The church's early reputation for enemy love (Romans 12:14-21) and forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32) attracted converts. But Corinthian believers, steeped in honor-shame competition, preferred winning to witnessing. Paul reminds them: your real adversary isn't fellow Christians but spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:12)—don't make brothers into enemies.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'rights' are you demanding that prevent you from displaying Christ's self-giving love to a fellow believer?
  2. How does voluntarily accepting wrong (when not involving abuse or injustice to others) demonstrate the power of the gospel?
  3. When is pursuing justice appropriate, and when does it become a stumbling block to Christian witness and unity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
ἤδη1 of 21

Now

G2235

even now

μὲν2 of 21

therefore

G3303

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

οὖν3 of 21
G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ὅλως4 of 21

utterly

G3654

completely, i.e., altogether; (by analogy), everywhere; (negatively) not by any means

ἥττημα5 of 21

a fault

G2275

a deterioration, i.e., (objectively) failure or (subjectively) loss

ἐν6 of 21

among

G1722

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

ὑμῖν7 of 21

you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ἐστιν,8 of 21

there is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ὅτι9 of 21

because

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

κρίματα10 of 21
G2917

a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime"))

ἔχετε11 of 21

ye go to law

G2192

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

μεθ'12 of 21

one with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ἑαυτῶν.13 of 21

another

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

διατί14 of 21

Why

G1302

through what cause ?, i.e., why?

οὐχὶ15 of 21

not

G3780

not indeed

μᾶλλον16 of 21

rather

G3123

(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather

ἀδικεῖσθε;17 of 21

do ye

G91

to be unjust, i.e., (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically)

διατί18 of 21

Why

G1302

through what cause ?, i.e., why?

οὐχὶ19 of 21

not

G3780

not indeed

μᾶλλον20 of 21

rather

G3123

(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather

ἀποστερεῖσθε;21 of 21

do ye

G650

to despoil


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 6:7 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 6:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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