1 Corinthians Chapter 6 · Verse 7
Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?
Original Language Analysis
μὲν
therefore
G3303
μὲν
therefore
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
οὖν
G3767
ὅλως
utterly
G3654
ὅλως
utterly
Strong's:
G3654
Word #:
4 of 21
completely, i.e., altogether; (by analogy), everywhere; (negatively) not by any means
ἥττημα
a fault
G2275
ἥττημα
a fault
Strong's:
G2275
Word #:
5 of 21
a deterioration, i.e., (objectively) failure or (subjectively) loss
ἐστιν,
there is
G2076
ἐστιν,
there is
Strong's:
G2076
Word #:
8 of 21
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
9 of 21
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
κρίματα
G2917
κρίματα
Strong's:
G2917
Word #:
10 of 21
a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime"))
ἔχετε
ye go to law
G2192
ἔχετε
ye go to law
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
11 of 21
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
μεθ'
one with
G3326
μεθ'
one with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
12 of 21
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
ἑαυτῶν.
another
G1438
ἑαυτῶν.
another
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
13 of 21
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
ἀδικεῖσθε;
do ye
G91
ἀδικεῖσθε;
do ye
Strong's:
G91
Word #:
17 of 21
to be unjust, i.e., (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically)
Cross References
1 Peter 3:9Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.Proverbs 20:22Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.1 Thessalonians 5:15See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.Luke 6:29And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also.
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?
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.