1 Corinthians 3:16

Authorized King James Version

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

Word-by-Word Analysis

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

οἴδατε

G1492

Know ye

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ναὸς

G3485

the temple

a fane, shrine, temple

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἐστε

G2075

ye are

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πνεῦμα

G4151

that the Spirit

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

#10

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#11

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#12

οἰκεῖ

G3611

dwelleth

to occupy a house, i.e., reside (figuratively, inhabit, remain, inhere); by implication, to cohabit

#13

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#14

ὑμῖν

G5213

you

to (with or by) you

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ 1 Corinthians 6:19 1 Corinthians 6:19
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
— Your body is temple of Holy Ghost
² 2 Corinthians 6:16 2 Corinthians 6:16
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
— Ye are temple of living God

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

Related Resources

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