1 Corinthians 6:5

Authorized King James Version

I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
πρὸς
shame
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#2
ἐντροπὴν
confusion
#3
ὑμῖν
to your
to (with or by) you
#4
λέγω
I speak
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#5
οὕτως
Is it so
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
#6
οὐκ
is not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#7
ἐστὶν
that there
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#8
ἐν
among
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#9
ὑμῖν
to your
to (with or by) you
#10
σοφὸς
a wise man
wise (in a most general application)
#11
οὐδὲ
no not
not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even
#12
εἷς,
one
one
#13
ὃς
that
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#14
δυνήσεται
shall be able
to be able or possible
#15
διακρῖναι
to judge
to separate thoroughly, i.e., (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from, or (by implication) oppose; figuratively, to discriminate (by implication,
#16
ἀνὰ
between
properly, up; but (by extension) used (distributively) severally, or (locally) at (etc.)
#17
μέσον
middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun)
#18
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
ἀδελφοῦ
G80
brethren
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
#20
αὐτοῦ;
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

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 revelation 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

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