1 Corinthians 5:4
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Original Language Analysis
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀνόματι
the name
G3686
ὀνόματι
the name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
3 of 22
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
Lord
G2962
κυρίου
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
5 of 22
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
7 of 22
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
συναχθέντων
are gathered together
G4863
συναχθέντων
are gathered together
Strong's:
G4863
Word #:
9 of 22
to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεύματος
spirit
G4151
πνεύματος
spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
14 of 22
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
σὺν
with
G4862
σὺν
with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
15 of 22
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δυνάμει
the power
G1411
δυνάμει
the power
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
17 of 22
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
Lord
G2962
κυρίου
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
19 of 22
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Cross References
John 20:23Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.2 Corinthians 13:3Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.Colossians 3:17And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.Matthew 16:19And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.2 Corinthians 13:10Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.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.
Historical Context
Early church discipline was a public, corporate act of the assembled congregation, not decisions made by clergy alone. The phrase 'gathered together' (synagō) reflects synagogue practice adapted to Christian assembly. This public nature protected against abuse while emphasizing the church's collective responsibility for holiness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your church practice corporate discernment and discipline today?
- Do you rely on Christ's power or human methods when addressing difficult situations?
- What does it mean practically to act 'in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ' in church decisions?
Analysis & Commentary
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together—church discipline is a corporate act requiring formal assembly, not individual vigilantism. In the name (ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι) indicates authority derived from Christ, acting as His representatives. Discipline is exercised under Christ's lordship and by His authority, not human wisdom or personal vendetta.
And my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ—Paul's apostolic presence and Christ's power attend the assembly. The phrase dynamis tou Kyriou ("power of the Lord") emphasizes this isn't human strength but divine enablement. Church discipline, properly conducted, is a spiritual act where Christ Himself acts through His body to protect purity and pursue restoration. The assembly's unity—gathered together with Paul's spirit and Christ's power—demonstrates the gravity and legitimacy of the action.