Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 5:12

What does 1 Corinthians 5:12 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 5:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 5:12 means

Paul asks two rhetorical questions to mark the church’s jurisdiction. He has no mandate to judge those “without,” referring to those outside the church. But the Corinthians are indeed responsible to evaluate and address conduct “within,” among members. This is not about nitpicking but about maintaining the integrity of Christ’s people. The verse rescues discipline from misdirection: Christians are not moral police for the world; they are stewards of holiness in the household of God. When the church exercises wise judgment internally, it both protects the flock and preserves credibility in its outward witness.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For what have I to do with judging them that are without? Do not ye judge them that are within?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For what have I to do with judging them that are without? Do not ye judge them that are within?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For it is no business of mine to be judging those who are outside; but it is yours to be judging those who are among you;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for what have I also those without to judge? those within do ye not judge?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For what have I to do to judge them that are without? Do not you judge them that are within?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For what have I [to do] with judging those outside also? ye, do not ye judge them that are within?

Context

Following the specific boundary of verse 11, Paul provides the principle that explains it. Responsibility is greatest where confession of Christ is made. This sets up the final, decisive command in verse 13: God judges those outside; the church must remove the wicked man from its midst. The flow moves from policy (do not keep company) to principle (judge insiders) to practice (expel).

v.11but as it is, I wrote unto you not to keep company, if any man that is named a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such a one no, not to eat.

v.12This passage

v.13But them that are without God judgeth. Put away the wicked man from among yourselves.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Corinthians 5:3

    For I verily, being absent in body but present in spirit, have already as though I were present judged him that hath so wrought this thing,

  • Colossians 4:5

    Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

  • Luke 12:14

    But he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?

  • 1 Corinthians 6:1

    Dare any of you, having a matter against his neighbor, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints?

  • John 18:36

    Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

  • 1 Timothy 3:7

    Moreover he must have good testimony from them that are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

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