1 Corinthians 3:1
And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
Original Language Analysis
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
3 of 16
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
8 of 16
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
πνευματικοῖς
unto spiritual
G4152
πνευματικοῖς
unto spiritual
Strong's:
G4152
Word #:
9 of 16
non-carnal, i.e., (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religiou
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
11 of 16
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
σαρκικοῖς
unto carnal
G4559
σαρκικοῖς
unto carnal
Strong's:
G4559
Word #:
12 of 16
pertaining to flesh, i.e., (by extension) bodily, temporal, or (by implication) animal, unregenerate
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
13 of 16
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
Cross References
Hebrews 5:13For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.1 Corinthians 2:6Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:1 Corinthians 14:20Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.Romans 7:14For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.1 John 2:12I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.Galatians 6:1Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.Matthew 16:23But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
Historical Context
Written circa AD 55 from Ephesus during Paul's third missionary journey, 1 Corinthians addresses persistent immaturity in a church founded 3-4 years earlier (Acts 18). Despite residing in a sophisticated Greek city famous for rhetoric and philosophy, the believers exhibited shocking carnality—divisions, lawsuits, sexual immorality, and misuse of spiritual gifts.
Questions for Reflection
- What evidence in your life demonstrates spiritual maturity versus spiritual infancy—do you still require 'milk' after years of faith?
- How does factionalism and loyalty to human leaders reveal carnality rather than Spirit-led wisdom?
- In what areas might you be 'fleshly' (controlled by natural desires) rather than 'spiritual' (governed by the Spirit)?
Analysis & Commentary
And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal (σαρκίνοις, sarkinois, 'fleshly')—Paul diagnoses the Corinthians' stunted spiritual development. The contrast between pneumatikos (πνευματικός, 'spiritual,' Spirit-governed) and sarkinos ('fleshly,' flesh-dominated) reveals believers who remain controlled by natural appetites rather than divine leading. Even as unto babes in Christ (νηπίοις ἐν Χριστῷ, nēpiois en Christō)—this describes spiritual infancy, not chronological age.
The Corinthian church was several years old by this point, yet still required elementary teaching. Their factional jealousies over preachers (chapters 1-4) demonstrated carnality, not Spirit-led maturity. Paul's apostolic authority permitted him to address them as adelphoi (brothers), yet their behavior resembled unregenerate humanity. True spiritual growth requires moving beyond milk to solid food (Hebrews 5:12-14), from self-centered disputes to Christ-centered unity.