1 Corinthians 6:20

Authorized King James Version

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἠγοράσθητε

G59

ye are bought

properly, to go to market, i.e., (by implication) to purchase; specially, to redeem

γὰρ

G1063

For

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

τιμῆς·

G5092

with a price

a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself

δοξάσατε

G1392

glorify

to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)

δὴ

G1211

therefore

a particle of emphasis or explicitness; now, then, etc

τὸν

G3588

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

Θεοῦ

G2316

God

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

ἐν

G1722

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

τῷ

G3588

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

#10

σώματι

G4983

body

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

#11

ὑμῶν,

G5216

your

of (from or concerning) you

#12

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#13

ἐν

G1722

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

#14

τῷ

G3588

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

#15

πνεύματι

G4151

spirit

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

#16

ὑμῶν,

G5216

your

of (from or concerning) you

#17

ἅτινά

G3748

which

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

#18

ἐστιν

G2076

are

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

#19

τοῦ

G3588

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

#20

Θεοῦ

G2316

God

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

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ 1 Peter 1:18 1 Peter 1:18
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
— Not redeemed with corruptible things
² Romans 12:1 Romans 12:1
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
— Present your bodies

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

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 this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?

Related Resources

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

Topics

Love