1 Corinthians 6:8
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 6:8
8 Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 6 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of salvation, love, redemption. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 6:8
8 Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.
Analysis
Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren. The accusation intensifies: alla (ἀλλά, 'but/rather') signals reversal. Instead of suffering wrong, they inflict it. Adikeite (ἀδικεῖτε, 'you wrong') and apostereite (ἀποστερεῖτε, 'you defraud')—the same verbs from verse 7, now active. The irony is brutal: lawsuit plaintiffs claim to seek justice, but Paul sees their litigation as injustice itself.
And that your brethren (kai tauta adelphous, καὶ ταῦτα ἀδελφούς) adds a tragic coda. Tauta ('these things') refers to wrongs committed; adelphous ('brothers') reminds of kinship. Defrauding family members betrays both covenant (Leviticus 19:13) and Christ's command (John 13:34-35: 'love one another'). Their lawsuits aren't righteousness but fratricide—Cain-like violence in a courtroom.
Historical Context
Ancient lawsuits often involved property, debt, or inheritance—common among the rising merchant class in Corinth. But using Roman courts to seize assets from fellow Christians violated Torah justice (Exodus 22, Deuteronomy 15) and Christ's ethic. Paul sees litigation as pleonexia (πλεονεξία, 'greed, covetousness')—the desire to have more, even at brothers' expense. This vice reappears in verse 10's catalog of those who won't inherit God's kingdom.
Reflection
- In what ways might you be 'defrauding' fellow Christians—taking advantage financially, relationally, or through manipulation?
- How does Paul's accusation challenge the assumption that legal victory equals moral righteousness?
- What restitution or reconciliation do you need to pursue with a brother or sister you've wronged?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Colossians 3:25, 1 Thessalonians 4:6