1 Corinthians 6:1
Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?
Original Language Analysis
Τολμᾷ
Dare
G5111
Τολμᾷ
Dare
Strong's:
G5111
Word #:
1 of 17
to venture (objectively or in act; while g2292 is rather subjective or in feeling); by implication, to be courageous
πρᾶγμα
a matter
G4229
πρᾶγμα
a matter
Strong's:
G4229
Word #:
4 of 17
a deed; by implication, an affair; by extension, an object (material)
ἔχων
having
G2192
ἔχων
having
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
5 of 17
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
πρὸς
against
G4314
πρὸς
against
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
6 of 17
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπὶ
before
G1909
ἐπὶ
before
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδίκων
the unjust
G94
ἀδίκων
the unjust
Strong's:
G94
Word #:
12 of 17
unjust; by extension wicked; by implication, treacherous; specially, heathen
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπὶ
before
G1909
ἐπὶ
before
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
15 of 17
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
Historical Context
First-century Corinth had multiple courts: Roman magistrates for citizens, provincial governors for serious crimes, and local arbitration. Litigation was common among the wealthy, who used lawsuits to enhance reputation and destroy rivals. The church, composed of diverse social classes (1:26-29), imported these status games into Christian fellowship. Paul writes around 55 AD, addressing a congregation that confused worldly success with spiritual maturity.
Questions for Reflection
- What conflicts in your church or Christian relationships are you tempted to 'win' publicly rather than resolve biblically in private?
- How does taking disputes before unbelievers undermine the church's witness to God's justice and reconciliation?
- Why does Paul emphasize the saints' future role as judges (v. 2) when addressing present disputes?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? Paul's sharp rebuke uses tolmaō (τολμάω, 'dare')—not mere courage but audacious presumption. Taking fellow believers before the unjust (adikoi, ἄδικοι, 'unrighteous ones') rather than before the saints (hagioi, ἅγιοι, 'holy ones') inverts the cosmic order: those destined to judge the world (v. 2) cannot judge trivial disputes?
The Roman legal system prized honor and shame—public litigation was performance art. Corinthian Christians, absorbed in their status-obsessed culture, weaponized pagan courts to humiliate brothers. Paul's rhetorical question drips with sarcasm: you who boast of spiritual wisdom (chs. 1-4) cannot settle petty grievances without appealing to pagans who know nothing of God's righteousness?