1 Corinthians 6:3
Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
Original Language Analysis
οἴδατε
Know ye
G1492
οἴδατε
Know ye
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
2 of 8
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
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
3 of 8
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἀγγέλους
angels
G32
ἀγγέλους
angels
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
4 of 8
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
Cross References
Jude 1:6And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.Matthew 25:41Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:1 Corinthians 6:4If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.Luke 8:14And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.Luke 21:34And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.2 Timothy 2:4No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.2 Timothy 4:10For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
Historical Context
Jewish texts like 1 Enoch describe the righteous judging fallen watchers. Early Christians understood salvation as coronation—believers become co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), sharing His throne (Revelation 3:21). The Corinthians knew this theology but lived as if Roman courts had more authority than the body of Christ. Paul shocks them with the implications of their own eschatology.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'everyday matters' (financial, relational, property) dominate your attention while you neglect your calling as a future judge in God's kingdom?
- How does the reality of judging angels reframe petty conflicts with fellow believers?
- Why do Christians often trust secular authorities more than the Spirit-filled wisdom of their own community?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Know ye not that we shall judge angels? This stunning claim escalates Paul's argument. Angelous (ἀγγέλους) likely refers to fallen angels (2 Peter 2:4, Jude 6)—the church will participate in their final judgment. How much more things that pertain to this life? (biōtika, βιωτικά, 'everyday matters') uses climactic rhetoric: if believers judge supernatural beings, surely mundane property disputes are manageable!
Paul's repeated Know ye not (ouk oidate, οὐκ οἴδατε) stings—what the Corinthians don't know exposes their spiritual immaturity despite claims of superior knowledge (8:1-2). They're like children given a kingdom but fighting over toys. The world-to-come already determines the present: act now according to who you will be then.