What does 1 Corinthians 6:9 mean?

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, 1 Corinthians 6:9

Explanation

1 Corinthians 6:9 addresses the behavior and ethics expected of Christians, highlighting specific practices that Paul sees as inconsistent with inheriting the kingdom of God. In this verse, Paul lists examples of what he describes as “unrighteous” behavior: fornication, idolatry, adultery, and homosexual acts. These acts are viewed as sinful and indicative of a lifestyle incompatible with Christian values. The verse not only serves as a warning against these behaviors but also implies that persistent involvement in such sins can prevent one from being part of God’s kingdom. This is often understood to mean the realm of salvation and eternal life.

Historical Context

When Paul wrote his first letter to the Corinthians, he was addressing a community in a cosmopolitan Greek city known for its wealth, diversity, and moral laxity. Corinth was infamous for its sexual immorality and religious syncretism—mixing different pagan religious practices. His letter responds to reports and questions about the conduct of Christians living amid this environment, aiming to address disputes, immorality, and doctrinal confusion among the believers.

Theological Insights

Different Christian denominations have varying interpretations of this passage. Some take a more literal and conservative view, seeing this verse as an absolute prohibition of the behaviors listed. Others approach it with a more contextual understanding, considering the cultural and situational factors of the time. Theological insights also differ on the concept of the “kingdom of God,” with debates over whether this refers to a present spiritual experience or a future heavenly state.

Practical Applications

Christians may apply the teachings of 1 Corinthians 6:9 by examining their own lives and avoiding behaviors viewed as immoral according to biblical standards. This can involve both personal introspection and the promotion of community standards that align with these values. Accountability is often considered key to supporting individuals in their efforts to live in ways that are seen as righteous.

Cross-References

• Galatians 5:19-21: “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness…”
• Ephesians 5:5: “For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”
• Revelation 21:8: “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of 1 Corinthians 6:9 include:

• “ἀδίκοι” (adikoi), often translated as “unrighteous” which refers to those acting unjustly or wickedly.
• “οὐ κληρονομήσουσιν” (ou klēronomēsousin), translated as “shall not inherit,” indicating the denial of a legacy or inheritance.
• “μαλακοί” (malakoi), translated as “effeminate,” which in the context may imply men taking on a passive role in homosexual acts.
• “ἀρσενοκοῖται” (arsenokoitai), translated as “abusers of themselves with mankind,” a term that has been the subject of much debate and is often understood to refer to male homosexual behavior.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The Greco-Roman culture of Corinth had a vastly different view of sexual ethics compared to Jewish and early Christian values. In some Greek and Roman religions, sexual rites and temple prostitution were practiced, which early Christians saw as idolatrous and immoral. This contrasted sharply with the sexual morality promoted by Paul, which was rooted in Jewish law and tradition.

Scientific Perspectives

Contemporary understandings of human sexuality and psychological disciplines shed new light on ancient attitudes toward sexual behavior. Modern science recognizes a spectrum of sexual orientations and identities, making some of Paul’s admonitions controversial in today’s discussions on LGBTQ+ rights and the reconciliation of faith with sexual identity.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have debated the interpretations of 1 Corinthians 6:9 for centuries. Some view Paul’s words as timeless moral imperatives, while others argue that they need to be read in the historical-cultural context of Corinth. For instance, Richard B. Hays sees the list of vices as part of a vice-virtue catalog, a common rhetorical device in the Greco-Roman world to shape moral behavior. Theologians like John Stott and N.T. Wright emphasize the need for repentance from the behaviors listed, while others, such as Matthew Vines, reexamine the translation and application of terms like “arsenokoitai” to understand its meaning for contemporary Christians dealing with issues of sexual orientation and identity.