1 Corinthians 6:17

Authorized King James Version

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But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.

Original Language Analysis

ὁ G3588
ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 1 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δὲ But G1161
δὲ But
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 2 of 8
but, and, etc
κολλώμενος he that is joined G2853
κολλώμενος he that is joined
Strong's: G2853
Word #: 3 of 8
to glue, i.e., (passively or reflexively) to stick (figuratively)
τῷ G3588
τῷ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 4 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίῳ unto the Lord G2962
κυρίῳ unto the Lord
Strong's: G2962
Word #: 5 of 8
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἓν one G1520
ἓν one
Strong's: G1520
Word #: 6 of 8
one
πνεῦμά spirit G4151
πνεῦμά spirit
Strong's: G4151
Word #: 7 of 8
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
ἐστιν is G2076
ἐστιν is
Strong's: G2076
Word #: 8 of 8
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

Analysis & Commentary

But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. The contrast to verse 16: ho de kollamenos tō kyriō hen pneuma estin (ὁ δὲ κολλώμενος τῷ κυρίῳ ἓν πνεῦμα ἐστίν). Kollaō (κολλάω) again—'joined, united'—but now to the Lord (tō kyriō), resulting in one spirit (hen pneuma, ἓν πνεῦμα). While sexual union creates one-flesh entity, union with Christ creates one-spirit entity.

This doesn't disparage bodies (Paul just emphasized their importance!) but highlights the spiritual dimension of salvation: the Holy Spirit unites believers to Christ (Romans 8:9-11). Pneuma here is likely the shared Spirit—Christ's Spirit indwelling believers (Galatians 2:20). Paul's argument: you can't be one-spirit with Christ and one-flesh with a prostitute simultaneously. Competing unions fracture identity. Loyalty to Christ requires sexual fidelity.

Historical Context

Mystical union language permeates Paul (Galatians 2:20, Philippians 1:21, Colossians 3:3). This isn't abstract doctrine but lived reality: the Spirit's presence reorients desires, identity, ethics. Corinthians pursued pneumatic experiences (tongues, prophecy) while tolerating porneia—Paul says: the Spirit who unites you to Christ demands holiness, not just charismatic manifestations. True spirituality is cruciform, not just ecstatic. Union with Christ reshapes sexuality, finances (vv. 1-8), and all behavior.

Questions for Reflection

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