1 Corinthians 1:8
Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Original Language Analysis
ὃς
Who
G3739
ὃς
Who
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 15
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἕως
unto
G2193
ἕως
unto
Strong's:
G2193
Word #:
5 of 15
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
τέλους
the end
G5056
τέλους
the end
Strong's:
G5056
Word #:
6 of 15
properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitel
ἀνεγκλήτους
that ye may be blameless
G410
ἀνεγκλήτους
that ye may be blameless
Strong's:
G410
Word #:
7 of 15
unaccused, i.e., (by implication) irreproachable
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέρᾳ
the day
G2250
ἡμέρᾳ
the day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
10 of 15
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
Lord
G2962
κυρίου
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
12 of 15
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Cross References
Colossians 1:22In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:1 Thessalonians 3:13To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.Philippians 1:6Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:2 Thessalonians 3:3But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.Ephesians 5:27That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.Romans 16:25Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,1 Peter 5:10But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.Philippians 1:10That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;Psalms 37:28For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.2 Peter 3:14Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
Historical Context
The Corinthians faced internal chaos (factions, immorality, lawsuits) and external pressure (persecution, pagan culture). Paul assures them that despite their failings, Christ will preserve them to the end. This doctrine of perseverance counters both despair ("I've failed too much") and presumption ("I'm secure no matter what I do"). The balance is maintained: God secures us, yet we must pursue holiness (see 9:27, 10:12).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the promise that Christ will "confirm you unto the end" provide assurance without promoting complacency?
- What does it mean to be "blameless" on the day of Christ—sinless perfection or justified standing?
- How does future eschatological hope shape present ethical living in the midst of struggle and temptation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ (hos kai bebaiosei hymas, ὃς καὶ βεβαιώσει ὑμᾶς)—The verb bebaioo (βεβαιόω, "confirm") reappears from verse 6, now in the future tense: Christ who confirmed the gospel in them will also confirm them unto the end. This is a promise of perseverance, rooted in Christ's faithfulness, not their performance. Blameless (anegkletos, ἀνέγκλητος, "unaccused, without charge") is forensic language: on judgment day, believers will stand acquitted because of Christ's work, not their merit.
In the day of our Lord Jesus Christ (en te hemera tou kyriou, ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τοῦ κυρίου)—"The day of the Lord" is OT language for God's final judgment and vindication (Joel 2:31, Amos 5:18), now applied to Christ as kyrios (Lord). Paul's assurance of final perseverance is not a license for sin (which he will rebuke sharply) but a foundation for confidence: God who began the work will complete it (Phil 1:6).