1 Corinthians 6:9

Authorized King James Version

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἢ

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

οὐ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

οἴδατε

G1492

Know ye

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

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἄδικοι

G94

the unrighteous

unjust; by extension wicked; by implication, treacherous; specially, heathen

βασιλείαν

G932

the kingdom

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

οὐ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

κληρονομήσουσιν;

G2816

inherit

to be an heir to (literally or figuratively)

#10

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#11

πλανᾶσθε·

G4105

to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)

#12

οὔτε

G3777

neither

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

#13

πόρνοι

G4205

fornicators

a (male) prostitute (as venal), i.e., (by analogy) a debauchee (libertine)

#14

οὔτε

G3777

neither

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

#15

εἰδωλολάτραι

G1496

idolaters

an image- (servant or) worshipper (literally or figuratively)

#16

οὔτε

G3777

neither

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

#17

μοιχοὶ

G3432

adulterers

a (male) paramour; figuratively, apostate

#18

οὔτε

G3777

neither

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

#19

μαλακοὶ

G3120

effeminate

soft, i.e., fine (clothing); figuratively, a catamite

#20

οὔτε

G3777

neither

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

#21

ἀρσενοκοῖται

G733

abusers of themselves with mankind

a sodomite

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Corinthians, this passage highlights kingdom of God through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of kingdom connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about kingdom, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Corinthians.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of 1 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes kingdom in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of kingdom differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding kingdom in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Corinthians chapter 6 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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