1 Corinthians 6:19

Authorized King James Version

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἢ

G2228

What

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

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

τὸ

G3588

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

σῶμα

G4983

body

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

ὑμῶν

G5216

your

of (from or concerning) you

ναὸς

G3485

the temple

a fane, shrine, temple

τοῦ

G3588

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

#10

ἐν

G1722

which is in

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#11

ὑμῖν

G5213

you

to (with or by) you

#12

ἁγίου

G40

of the Holy

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

#13

πνεύματός

G4151

Ghost

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

#14

ἐστιν

G2076

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

#15

οὗ

G3739

which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#16

ἔχετε

G2192

ye have

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#17

ἀπὸ

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

#18

θεοῦ

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#19

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#20

οὐκ

G3756

not

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

#21

ἐστὲ

G2075

ye are

#22

ἑαυτῶν;

G1438

your own

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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