King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 6:8 Mean?

1 Corinthians 6:8 in the King James Version says “Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 6:8 · KJV

Context

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,

10

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren. The accusation intensifies: alla (ἀλλά, 'but/rather') signals reversal. Instead of suffering wrong, they inflict it. Adikeite (ἀδικεῖτε, 'you wrong') and apostereite (ἀποστερεῖτε, 'you defraud')—the same verbs from verse 7, now active. The irony is brutal: lawsuit plaintiffs claim to seek justice, but Paul sees their litigation as injustice itself.

And that your brethren (kai tauta adelphous, καὶ ταῦτα ἀδελφούς) adds a tragic coda. Tauta ('these things') refers to wrongs committed; adelphous ('brothers') reminds of kinship. Defrauding family members betrays both covenant (Leviticus 19:13) and Christ's command (John 13:34-35: 'love one another'). Their lawsuits aren't righteousness but fratricide—Cain-like violence in a courtroom.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient lawsuits often involved property, debt, or inheritance—common among the rising merchant class in Corinth. But using Roman courts to seize assets from fellow Christians violated Torah justice (Exodus 22, Deuteronomy 15) and Christ's ethic. Paul sees litigation as pleonexia (πλεονεξία, 'greed, covetousness')—the desire to have more, even at brothers' expense. This vice reappears in verse 10's catalog of those who won't inherit God's kingdom.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways might you be 'defrauding' fellow Christians—taking advantage financially, relationally, or through manipulation?
  2. How does Paul's accusation challenge the assumption that legal victory equals moral righteousness?
  3. What restitution or reconciliation do you need to pursue with a brother or sister you've wronged?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
ἀλλὰ1 of 8

“Nay”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ὑμεῖς2 of 8

“ye”

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

ἀδικεῖτε3 of 8

“do wrong”

G91

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

καὶ4 of 8

“and”

G2532

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

ἀποστερεῖτε5 of 8

“defraud”

G650

to despoil

καὶ6 of 8

“and”

G2532

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

ταῦτα7 of 8

“that”

G5023

these things

ἀδελφούς8 of 8

“your brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

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 6:8 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 6:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 4:6Colossians 3:25Micah 2:2James 5:4Leviticus 19:13Mark 10:19

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