1 Corinthians 6:15

Authorized King James Version

Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.

Word-by-Word Analysis

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

οἴδατε

G1492

Know ye

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σώματα

G4983

bodies

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

ὑμῶν

G5216

your

of (from or concerning) you

μέλη;

G3196

the members

a limb or part of the body

Χριστοῦ

G5547

of Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

ἐστιν

G2076

are

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#10

ἄρας

G142

shall I

to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh

#11

οὖν

G3767

then

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

#12

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#13

μέλη;

G3196

the members

a limb or part of the body

#14

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#15

Χριστοῦ

G5547

of Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

#16

ποιήσω

G4160

and make

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

#17

πόρνης

G4204

of an harlot

a strumpet; figuratively, an idolater

#18

μέλη;

G3196

the members

a limb or part of the body

#19

μὴ

G3361

God forbid

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#20

γένοιτο

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Corinthians. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within pastoral letter addressing practical Christian living issues to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 1 Corinthians chapter 6 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Love