1 Corinthians 6:18

Authorized King James Version

Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
φεύγετε
Flee
to run away (literally or figuratively); by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish
#2
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
πορνείαν·
fornication
harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry
#4
πᾶν
Every
all, any, every, the whole
#5
ἁμάρτημα
sin
a sin (properly concrete)
#6
that
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#7
ἐὰν
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#8
ποιήσῃ
doeth
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#9
ἄνθρωπος
a man
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#10
ἐκτὸς
without
the exterior; figuratively (as a preposition) aside from, besides
#11
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
σῶμα
body
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
#13
ἐστιν·
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
δὲ
but
but, and, etc
#16
πορνεύων
he that committeth fornication
to act the harlot, i.e., (literally) indulge unlawful lust (of either sex), or (figuratively) practise idolatry
#17
εἰς
against
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#18
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
ἴδιον
his own
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
#20
σῶμα
body
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
#21
ἁμαρτάνει
sinneth
properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Corinthians. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to pastoral letter addressing practical Christian living issues, advancing the author's theological argument. 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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