1 Corinthians 5:10
Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
Yet
G2532
καὶ
Yet
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πάντως
altogether
G3843
πάντως
altogether
Strong's:
G3843
Word #:
3 of 22
entirely; specially, at all events, (with negative, following) in no event
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πόρνοις
with the fornicators
G4205
πόρνοις
with the fornicators
Strong's:
G4205
Word #:
5 of 22
a (male) prostitute (as venal), i.e., (by analogy) a debauchee (libertine)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμου
the world
G2889
κόσμου
the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
7 of 22
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πλεονέκταις
with the covetous
G4123
πλεονέκταις
with the covetous
Strong's:
G4123
Word #:
11 of 22
holding (desiring) more, i.e., eager for gain (avaricious, hence a defrauder)
εἰδωλολάτραις
with idolaters
G1496
εἰδωλολάτραις
with idolaters
Strong's:
G1496
Word #:
15 of 22
an image- (servant or) worshipper (literally or figuratively)
ὀφείλετε
must ye needs
G3784
ὀφείλετε
must ye needs
Strong's:
G3784
Word #:
17 of 22
to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty
ἄρα
then
G686
ἄρα
then
Strong's:
G686
Word #:
18 of 22
a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
19 of 22
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 10:27If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.Revelation 12:9And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Historical Context
First-century Corinth was thoroughly pagan—business, social life, and civic duties were permeated with idolatry. Complete separation would have meant economic and social suicide. Early Christians maintained witness by participating in daily life while refusing to compromise core convictions (e.g., eating marketplace meat but not attending temple feasts, 1 Cor 10:25-28).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you engage your culture redemptively without compromising your convictions?
- Do you show more grace to unbelievers than to struggling Christians, or vice versa?
- What practical boundaries help you live 'in the world but not of it' in your work, neighborhood, or family?
Analysis & Commentary
Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world—Paul clarifies he didn't mean total separation from immoral unbelievers. Pantos (πάντως, "altogether, entirely") emphasizes this would be impossible without leaving the world (kosmos). Christians live in, engage with, and witness to a fallen world; we cannot create isolated communes. Or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters—Paul expands the list beyond sexual sin to greed (pleonektes, one who always wants more), swindlers (harpax, rapacious, grasping), and idolaters.
For then must ye needs go out of the world—complete separation from sinners would require leaving planet Earth. The church's mission demands engagement with sinful culture (John 17:15-18). The distinction isn't between pure Christians and sinful pagans but between those who claim Christ yet live in unrepentant sin (v. 11) versus those who make no such claim. The church holds members accountable to professed standards but extends grace to those making no claim to follow Christ. This prevents both self-righteous isolation and compromised witness.