1 Corinthians 6:4
If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.
Original Language Analysis
βιωτικὰ
of things pertaining to this life
G982
βιωτικὰ
of things pertaining to this life
Strong's:
G982
Word #:
1 of 13
relating to the present existence
μὲν
then
G3303
μὲν
then
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
οὖν
G3767
κριτήρια
judgments
G2922
κριτήρια
judgments
Strong's:
G2922
Word #:
4 of 13
a rule of judging ("criterion"), i.e., (by implication) a tribunal
ἐὰν
If
G1437
ἐὰν
If
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
5 of 13
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ἔχητε
ye have
G2192
ἔχητε
ye have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
6 of 13
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκκλησίᾳ
the church
G1577
ἐκκλησίᾳ
the church
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
11 of 13
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
Historical Context
Roman society was hyper-stratified: senators, equestrians, freedmen, slaves. Status anxiety consumed Corinthians (the nouveau riche of a Roman colony). Church members likely included wealthy patrons and poor laborers (1:26-29)—taking disputes to civil courts reinforced worldly hierarchies Paul seeks to demolish. In Christ, the 'least esteemed' might be apostles (4:9-13) or poor believers disrespected at the Lord's Supper (11:22).
Questions for Reflection
- Who in your church do you 'least esteem'—and how might God's wisdom speak through them in ways you're ignoring?
- How does seeking secular remedies for church conflicts reveal that you trust worldly power more than Christ's body?
- What would it look like for your congregation to develop robust internal processes for conflict resolution?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. Paul's biting irony: even the least esteemed (exouthenēmenous, ἐξουθενημένους, 'despised, made of no account') in the church possess more competence than pagan judges for Christian disputes. This either means
The Greek syntax is ambiguous (imperative vs. rhetorical question), but the sting is clear: Corinthian Christians elevate external authority while demeaning internal wisdom. Biōtika (βιωτικά) reduces their lawsuits to trivialities—why involve unbelievers in what amounts to household squabbles?