1 Corinthians 6:7

Analysis & Commentary

Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Hēttēma (ἥττημα, 'defect, defeat') signifies total moral failure—not a procedural error but a spiritual catastrophe. Litigation itself, regardless of merit, constitutes defeat. Then Paul offers a radical alternative: Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? (dia ti ouchi mallon adikeisthe; dia ti ouchi mallon apostereisthe; διὰ τί οὐχὶ μᾶλλον ἀδικεῖσθε; διὰ τί οὐχὶ μᾶλλον ἀποστερεῖσθε;)

This echoes Jesus: turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39-42), love enemies, go the extra mile. Adikeō (ἀδικέω, 'be wronged') and apostereō (ἀποστερέω, 'be defrauded') are passive—voluntarily absorb injustice rather than destroy brotherhood. Paul's ethic isn't naïve pacifism but cruciform witness: the cross shows God's power perfected in weakness (1 Corinthians 1:23-25). Demanding rights obliterates the witness of self-giving love.

Historical Context

Greco-Roman culture prized retribution and honor defense—losing face meant social death. Paul's call to absorb wrong was countercultural, even revolutionary. The church's early reputation for enemy love (Romans 12:14-21) and forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32) attracted converts. But Corinthian believers, steeped in honor-shame competition, preferred winning to witnessing. Paul reminds them: your real adversary isn't fellow Christians but spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:12)—don't make brothers into enemies.

Questions for Reflection

• What 'rights' are you demanding that prevent you from displaying Christ's self-giving love to a fellow believer?
• How does voluntarily accepting wrong (when not involving abuse or injustice to others) demonstrate the power of the gospel?
• When is pursuing justice appropriate, and when does it become a stumbling block to Christian witness and unity?