1 Corinthians 5:5
To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
Original Language Analysis
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοιοῦτον
such an one
G5108
τοιοῦτον
such an one
Strong's:
G5108
Word #:
3 of 19
truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σαρκός
of the flesh
G4561
σαρκός
of the flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
9 of 19
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμα
the spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
the spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
12 of 19
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
σωθῇ
may be saved
G4982
σωθῇ
may be saved
Strong's:
G4982
Word #:
13 of 19
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέρᾳ
the day
G2250
ἡμέρᾳ
the day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
16 of 19
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Timothy 1:20Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.Job 2:6And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.2 Corinthians 10:6And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.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.1 Corinthians 11:32But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.1 Corinthians 5:13But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.Acts 26:18To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.1 Corinthians 1:8Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.Psalms 109:6Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand.Proverbs 23:14Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.
Historical Context
In Jewish practice, excommunication (herem or niddui) removed individuals from synagogue fellowship. Paul adapts this for the church, recognizing that separation from the Christian community exposes one to spiritual danger while creating space for repentance. Second Corinthians 2:5-11 likely references this man's restoration after repentance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding discipline as redemptive rather than punitive change your approach to correction?
- When have you experienced God's discipline as evidence of His love, not rejection?
- What conditions in your life or community might require the 'severe mercy' of loving confrontation?
Analysis & Commentary
To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh—this phrase has generated much debate. Paradidomi ("deliver, hand over") means removal from the church's protective fellowship into Satan's domain (the world, cf. 1 John 5:19). Destruction of the flesh (ὄλεθρον τῆς σαρκός) likely refers to the sinful nature, not physical death, though some see physical affliction (cf. Job 2:6; 1 Tim. 1:20). The goal is mortification of sinful passions through loss of Christian fellowship and community support.
That the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus—discipline's ultimate purpose is redemptive, not punitive. The aim is salvation, not destruction. Excommunication creates a crisis forcing the sinner to recognize his condition and repent. The phrase "day of the Lord Jesus" points to final judgment, when true faith will be revealed. Discipline is severe mercy—painful medicine administered in hope of healing. This models God's own discipline of His children (Heb. 12:5-11), which is proof of love, not absence of it.