What does 1 Corinthians 3:17 mean?

If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. 1 Corinthians 3:17

Explanation

1 Corinthians 3:17 warns against defiling the temple of God, with an admonition that God will destroy those who do so. In this verse, the temple is metaphorically referred to as the community of believers or the individual Christian—those who have faith in Jesus Christ. This asserts the notion that believers are the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, and their bodies and lives should thus be maintained with reverence and holiness. The verse underscores the sacredness of the Christian community and the responsibility of its members to live righteously.

Historical Context

The Apostle Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to the church in Corinth, a community facing numerous spiritual and moral challenges. Corinth was a city known for its wealth, intellectual pride, and sexual immorality. These social and cultural pressures influenced the Corinthian church, leading to divisions and immoral behavior among its members. Paul’s letter aims to address the issues by providing correction and guidance, and 1 Corinthians 3:17 specifically touches on the concept of holiness and purity within the Christian life.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse reflects the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within believers, considering them as the temple of God. This concept is foundational in Christian theology, emphasizing the idea of God’s presence within the human spirit. Various theological viewpoints may interpret the severity of the warning differently. For instance, some may view it as a hyperbolic statement designed to stress the seriousness of defiling one’s moral and spiritual life, while others may consider it as an indication of the eternal consequences of unrepentant sin.

Practical Applications

Practically speaking, the verse can be seen as a call to personal and community sanctity. Believers are encouraged to live lives that honor God in their bodies and actions, avoiding behaviors such as sexual immorality, substance abuse, and other corrupt practices. The verse can also be applied to the way the community of believers treats each other, admonishing divisiveness, gossip, and actions that harm the unity and testimony of the church.

Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?”
• 2 Corinthians 6:16: “And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”

Language Study

In 1 Corinthians 3:17, the Greek word for “defile” is “φθείρει” (phtheirei), which can mean to corrupt, destroy, or ruin. The term “temple” translates to “ναός” (naos), which referred to the sacred sanctuary within the larger temple complex, the Holy of Holies. This implies that believers themselves are something of greatest sacredness and not mere outer courts. “Destroy” is from the Greek “φθερῶ” (phtherō), which implies severe damage or ruin, and is used both for what must not be done to the temple and the consequences if it is done.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, temples were considered sacred spaces reserved for deities. Similarly, in this verse from Corinthians, Paul is drawing on the Jewish tradition of the Temple in Jerusalem being a holy place where God’s presence dwelt. The concept that the human body or community of believers could be viewed with similar sanctity was a revolutionary idea that differed from other ancient religious practices, where temples were physical structures and the idea of God or gods dwelling within humans was less common.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives generally do not intersect with theological interpretations of scripture. However, in understanding human behavior, psychology might explore the effects of moral conduct on mental health and societal functioning. Moreover, from a health perspective, practices that “defile” the body—such as substance abuse—can be seen as having a destructive impact on physical well-being, which aligns with the admonishment against defiling the “temple.”

Commentaries

Various biblical commentators have offered insights into this verse. Matthew Henry’s commentary suggests that this verse serves as a solemn warning against all such practices as would desecrate the church or the Christian’s body and spirit. John MacArthur emphasizes the believer’s high calling and the seriousness of violation of that sanctity. Craig S. Keener, in his commentary on the New Testament, underscores the cultural understanding of corruption and God’s judgment. Many commentators agree that Paul uses strong language to communicate the significant value God places on integrity within the individual and the community of believers.