1 Corinthians 1:13

Authorized King James Version

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Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

Original Language Analysis

μεμέρισται Is G3307
μεμέρισται Is
Strong's: G3307
Word #: 1 of 14
to part, i.e., (literally) to apportion, bestow, share, or (figuratively) to disunite, differ
ὁ G3588
ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 2 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Χριστός Christ G5547
Χριστός Christ
Strong's: G5547
Word #: 3 of 14
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
μὴ G3361
μὴ
Strong's: G3361
Word #: 4 of 14
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Παύλου Paul G3972
Παύλου Paul
Strong's: G3972
Word #: 5 of 14
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
ἐσταυρώθη crucified G4717
ἐσταυρώθη crucified
Strong's: G4717
Word #: 6 of 14
to impale on the cross; figuratively, to extinguish (subdue) passion or selfishness
ὑπὲρ for G5228
ὑπὲρ for
Strong's: G5228
Word #: 7 of 14
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
ὑμῶν you G5216
ὑμῶν you
Strong's: G5216
Word #: 8 of 14
of (from or concerning) you
ἢ or G2228
ἢ or
Strong's: G2228
Word #: 9 of 14
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
εἰς in G1519
εἰς in
Strong's: G1519
Word #: 10 of 14
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ G3588
τὸ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 11 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄνομα the name G3686
ὄνομα the name
Strong's: G3686
Word #: 12 of 14
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
Παύλου Paul G3972
Παύλου Paul
Strong's: G3972
Word #: 13 of 14
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
ἐβαπτίσθητε were ye baptized G907
ἐβαπτίσθητε were ye baptized
Strong's: G907
Word #: 14 of 14
to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi

Analysis & Commentary

Is Christ divided? (memeristai ho Christos, μεμέρισται ὁ Χριστός)—Paul's rhetorical question is devastating: the factions treat Christ as if He were parceled out, each group possessing a different piece. The verb merizo (μερίζω, "to divide, partition") implies tearing Christ into fragments—an absurdity that exposes the insanity of their divisions. Christ is one, His body is one, therefore His church must be one.

Was Paul crucified for you? Or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? (me Paulos estaurōthe hyper hymon, μὴ Παῦλος ἐσταυρώθη ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν)—Two more rhetorical questions drive home the point. Only Christ was crucified for them (hyper hymon, ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν, "on your behalf"), therefore only Christ deserves ultimate loyalty. Baptism in the name of (eis to onoma, εἰς τὸ ὄνομα) signifies ownership and allegiance—baptism into Christ's name means belonging to Him, not to Paul or any other human leader. Paul's horror at the thought of baptizing into his own name shows his Christ-centeredness.

Historical Context

In the ancient world, disciples were baptized into allegiance to their teacher or philosophical school. Paul categorically rejects this model for Christianity. Baptism is into Christ alone, not into the apostle who performed the ritual. This corrects a dangerous tendency to elevate the minister over the Master.

Questions for Reflection

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