What does 1 Corinthians 6:10 mean?

Explanation

1 Corinthians 6:10 provides a list of behaviors that are warned against by Paul the Apostle, stating that those who engage in such acts will not "inherit the kingdom of God." The verse represents a moral code for the early Christian community, illustrating a lifestyle that is inconsistent with Christian teachings and the transformation expected from those who have become believers in Christ.

The behaviors mentioned, thievery, covetousness, drunkenness, reviling, and extortion, are seen as incompatible with the values of the Kingdom of God, a concept which here refers to the realm where God's will is fulfilled, both in the present life and in the eternal life to come.

Historical Context

This verse is part of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, a community of Christians living in the Greek city of Corinth during the first century AD.

Corinth was a cosmopolitan city known for its wealth and diversity but also for its moral laxity.

Paul wrote this letter in response to reports of various issues, including moral and doctrinal, within the Corinthian church.

During this time, converts to Christianity came from a variety of backgrounds, including those with practices and ethical norms that were not aligned with the teachings of Jesus.

Paul’s admonitions served to guide the Corinthians towards a community aligned with Christian teachings.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, 1 Corinthians 6:10 underscores the belief in ethical transformation upon conversion to Christianity, known as sanctification.

It expresses the idea that faith is to be accompanied by a moral change reflecting the character of God.

The required change is not merely external compliance to a set of rules but entails a renewal of the heart and mind, which is a common theme in Pauline theology.

Different theological viewpoints may interpret the "kingdom of God" and "inheritance" differently, with some seeing it as a state of spiritual relationship in this life, while others see it more eschatologically as referring to life after death.

Yet, most agree that the emphasis is on living a life that reflects the ethics of Jesus Christ.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of this verse include the encouragement for believers to self-reflect on their attitudes and actions.

It serves as a reminder to avoid practices that are unethical and harmful to oneself and to others.

In daily life, this may translate to a commitment to honesty, contentment, sobriety, respectful speech, and justice, values that contribute to a healthy and harmonious society.

Cross-References

• 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."
• Galatians 5:19-21: "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom 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

The original Greek language of the New Testament adds nuance to the key terms used in this verse:

• "Thieves" (κλέπται, "kleptai") denotes those who steal or take what is not rightfully theirs.
• "Covetous" (πλεονέκται, "pleonektai") refers to the greedy or those who desire to have more, often at the expense of others.
• "Drunkards" (μέθυσοι, "methysoi") are those who habitually overindulge in alcohol.
• "Revilers" (λοίδοροι, "loidoroi") describes individuals who engage in abusive or slanderous speech.
• "Extortioners" (ἅρπαγες, "harpages") are swindlers or those who obtain things by force or trickery.

The specific usage of these terms reflects the moral landscape of the time and emphasizes behaviors that were not to be part of the Christian life.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Similar moral codes are found in various ancient cultures and religions.

For example, in Judaism, the Ten Commandments provide a foundation for ethical behavior, including prohibitions against stealing and coveting.

Ancient Greek philosophy also had its own set of ethical teachings, such as those from the Stoics and Epicureans, which advocated for moderation and self-control.

This suggests that while the cultural context of Corinth was one of moral permissiveness, there were also well-established ethical frameworks in the broader culture that paralleled the ethical imperatives of Christianity in certain respects.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse itself does not directly relate to scientific discourse, the behaviors condemned (e.g., excessive drinking) have been studied extensively in the fields of psychology, medicine, and sociology.

Research supports the destructive impacts of such behaviors on individual well-being and societal functioning.

Understanding these impacts might reinforce the verse’s practical teachings on leading a balanced and healthy life.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentators have offered insights into this verse.

Matthew Henry's Commentary, for instance, emphasizes the transformative power of the Gospel, which is capable of changing the most sinful into saintly individuals.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary discusses the clash between the cultural norms of Corinth and Paul's Christian ethical teachings.

Some modern commentaries might discuss the importance of grace and forgiveness, highlighting that while certain behaviors are condemned, the Christian message also offers redemption and change for those willing to turn from such ways.