1 Corinthians 3:17

Authorized King James Version

If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἴ
if, whether, that, etc
#2
τις
some or any person or object
#3
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
ναὸς
the temple
a fane, shrine, temple
#5
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
θεοῦ
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#7
φθερεῖ
defile
properly, to shrivel or wither, i.e., to spoil (by any process) or (generally) to ruin (especially figuratively, by moral influences, to deprave)
#8
φθερεῖ
defile
properly, to shrivel or wither, i.e., to spoil (by any process) or (generally) to ruin (especially figuratively, by moral influences, to deprave)
#9
τοῦτον
him
this (person, as objective of verb or preposition)
#10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
θεοῦ
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
γὰρ
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#14
ναὸς
the temple
a fane, shrine, temple
#15
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
θεοῦ
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#17
ἅγιός
G40
holy
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
#18
ἐστιν
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#19
οἵτινές
which
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
#20
ἐστε
are
ye are
#21
ὑμεῖς
temple ye
you (as subjective of verb)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Corinthians. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within pastoral letter addressing practical Christian living issues to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

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