1 Corinthians 5:11
But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
Original Language Analysis
ἔγραψα
I have written
G1125
ἔγραψα
I have written
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
3 of 26
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
5 of 26
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
συναναμίγνυσθαι
to keep company
G4874
συναναμίγνυσθαι
to keep company
Strong's:
G4874
Word #:
6 of 26
to mix up together, i.e., (figurative) associate with
ἐάν
if
G1437
ἐάν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
7 of 26
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ἀδελφὸς
a brother
G80
ἀδελφὸς
a brother
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
9 of 26
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ὀνομαζόμενος
that is called
G3687
ὀνομαζόμενος
that is called
Strong's:
G3687
Word #:
10 of 26
to name, i.e., assign an appellation; by extension, to utter, mention, profess
πόρνος
a fornicator
G4205
πόρνος
a fornicator
Strong's:
G4205
Word #:
12 of 26
a (male) prostitute (as venal), i.e., (by analogy) a debauchee (libertine)
πλεονέκτης
covetous
G4123
πλεονέκτης
covetous
Strong's:
G4123
Word #:
14 of 26
holding (desiring) more, i.e., eager for gain (avaricious, hence a defrauder)
εἰδωλολάτρης
an idolater
G1496
εἰδωλολάτρης
an idolater
Strong's:
G1496
Word #:
16 of 26
an image- (servant or) worshipper (literally or figuratively)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοιούτῳ
with such an one
G5108
τοιούτῳ
with such an one
Strong's:
G5108
Word #:
24 of 26
truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)
Cross References
Romans 16:17Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.2 Thessalonians 3:14And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.2 Thessalonians 3:6Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.Matthew 18:17And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.1 Corinthians 5:13But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.2 John 1:10If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:Revelation 21:8But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.Revelation 22:15For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.Matthew 23:25Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.1 Timothy 3:3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
Historical Context
In Jewish and early Christian practice, shared meals were sacred acts of fellowship (koinonia). The early church's agape feasts and Lord's Supper were central to community life (Acts 2:42; 1 Cor 11:17-34). Refusing to eat with someone was tantamount to excommunication, treating them as outside the covenant community, similar to Jesus being criticized for eating with tax collectors and sinners (Luke 5:30).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance accountability within the church with grace toward those outside?
- Which sins on Paul's list (sexual immorality, greed, idolatry, slander, drunkenness, swindling) are you most likely to tolerate or excuse?
- What does loving church discipline look like—firm boundaries while praying for restoration?
Analysis & Commentary
But now I have written unto you not to keep company—Paul reinforces his instruction with heightened clarity. The prohibition is specific: if any man that is called a brother (ἐάν τις ἀδελφὸς ὀνομαζόμενος)—someone claiming Christian identity, a church member in name. The present participle onomazomenos ("being called, named") emphasizes professed, not proven, faith. The list follows: be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—loidoros ("railer") is verbally abusive, reviling; methusos ("drunkard") is a habitual drunk.
With such an one no not to eat—the double negative (οὐδὲ συνεσθίειν) is emphatic: "not even to eat." Shared meals signified fellowship and acceptance; refusing table fellowship was a severe statement. The principle is clear: the church maintains higher standards for those claiming Christ's name than for unbelievers. Persistent, unrepentant sin by professing Christians requires loving separation to protect the church's witness and create space for repentance. This isn't hatred but hope—severe mercy seeking restoration.