Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 5:4

What does 1 Corinthians 5:4 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 5:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 5:4 means

Discipline must be undertaken “in the name of our Lord Jesus,” with the church assembled and in dependence on “the power of our Lord Jesus.” This underscores that church action is not a human vendetta or a majority vote detached from heaven. The gathered congregation, acknowledging Christ’s lordship, functions as His earthly embassy. Paul’s “spirit” being present means his authoritative counsel and concern guide them, even if he is physically away. The verse teaches that restoring holiness is a communal act under divine authority. When believers act together in Christ’s name, they seek His honor and the good of all, not personal vindication.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

in the name of our Lord Jesus, ye being gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

in the name of our Lord Jesus, ye being gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

In the name of our Lord Jesus, when you have come together with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ--ye being gathered together, also my spirit--with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, you being gathered together and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

[to deliver,] in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (ye and my spirit being gathered together, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ), him that has so wrought this:

Context

Paul moves from personal judgment (v. 3) to corporate procedure. The church must assemble and act consciously under Christ’s authority. This sets up the specific directive in verse 5—what the assembled body is to do. The emphasis on Christ’s name and power explains why the action, though severe, aims at salvation, not destruction, which will be made explicit next. The flow clarifies that church discipline is worshipful obedience, not mere administration.

v.3For 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,

v.4This passage

v.5to deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 2:9

    For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye are obedient in all things.

  • Acts 4:30

    while thou stretchest forth thy hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of thy holy Servant Jesus.

  • 2 Corinthians 13:3

    seeing that ye seek a proof of Christ that speaketh in me; who to you-ward is not weak, but is powerful in you:

  • Matthew 28:20

    teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.

  • John 20:23

    whose soever sins ye forgive, they are forgiven unto them; whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

  • Matthew 16:19

    I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

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