What does 1 Corinthians 6:20 mean?

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. 1 Corinthians 6:20

Explanation

1 Corinthians 6:20 admonishes believers to understand the significance of their redemption as followers of Christ. The phrase “ye are bought with a price” signifies the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross, which in Christian belief, is considered the ultimate payment for the sins of humanity. The subsequent exhortation to “glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” suggests that because believers are redeemed, they owe their whole being—both physical and spiritual—to God. The literal message is one of ownership; because God has paid such a high price, believers belong to Him and their lives should reflect that belonging. The deeper meaning urges a life committed to honoring God through one’s actions, choices, and way of living.

Historical Context

This verse is part of a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth around A.D. 55-56. The ancient city of Corinth was known for its wealth, diversity, and moral laxity, attributed in part to its location as a bustling trade center. Issues of sexual immorality were particularly rife in the Corinthian church, prompting Paul to address these challenges in his letter. Paul’s reference to being “bought with a price” would resonate with the Corinthians, who lived in a society where slavery was a common practice and people could be bought and sold.

Theological Insights

Within Christian theology, different perspectives may be drawn from this verse:

• Redemption: Protestant theology emphasizes the concept of redemption through Christ’s sacrifice. This verse underlines that belief, suggesting that salvation is not earned but given through the grace of Christ’s atoning death.
• Sanctification: In Catholic and Orthodox theology, this verse is also connected to the ongoing process of sanctification, where the believer is called to live a holy life in response to God’s grace.
• The body as a temple: Some theological traditions take this verse as a foundation for the belief that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and therefore should be cared for and used in ways that honor God.

Practical Applications

For modern readers, this verse can be applied in various aspects of daily life:

• Personal Conduct: Encourages conduct that reflects positively on one’s faith and demonstrates respect for the body as something valued by God.
• Decision Making: Suggests that believers should make choices that reflect their status as God’s own, particularly in matters of morality and ethics.
• Value of Self: Reinforces the idea that each person has intrinsic value because Christ paid a high price for humanity’s redemption.

Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 7:23: “Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:15: “And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.”
• Romans 12:1: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

Language Study

In the Greek text of this verse, two key phrases stand out:

• “Bought with a price” (ἠγοράσθητε τιμῆς): The verb ἀγοράζω (agorazō) used here means “to buy” or “to purchase,” and the noun τιμή (timē) refers to “a price” or “value.” The use of this term would evoke the imagery of the marketplace, particularly of someone being redeemed or bought back from slavery.
• “Glorify” (δοξάσατε): The verb δοξάζω (doxazō) means “to honor,” “glorify,” or “bestow glory upon.” It connotes giving due respect and reverence, typically in a way visible to others.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison to other ancient beliefs, the concept of a deity sacrificing themselves for humanity is relatively unique in Christianity. In some mythologies, gods might suffer or die, but not typically with the explicit purpose of redeeming human beings. For instance, the Greek myth of Prometheus entails a divine being punished for assisting humanity, yet it lacks the narrative of personal redemption found in Christian theology.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the idea of being “bought with a price” is a metaphysical concept not addressed by empirical science as it pertains to spiritual or religious belief rather than physical phenomena. However, the call to “glorify God in your body” can intersect with various health sciences that investigate how lifestyle choices affect physical well-being.

Commentaries

Various biblical commentators have offered insights into this verse:

• John Wesley: Noted for his pragmatic approach, Wesley might suggest that one’s body is a gift from God and that to honor God with one’s body is both a grateful response and a practical way of living a disciplined and holy life.
• Matthew Henry: In his comprehensive commentary, Henry reaffirms the idea that believers are not their own but belong to God, emphasizing the need for holiness and the avoidance of sin.
• John Gill: Expounds on the notion of redemption, the price paid through Christ’s sacrifice, and how it should lead to a life dedicated to the service and glory of God.