Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 5:9

What does 1 Corinthians 5:9 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 5:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 5:9 means

Paul reminds them of a previous instruction: he had written not to associate with sexually immoral people. The Corinthians likely misunderstood or misapplied this, perhaps using it to justify withdrawal from the world or, conversely, to ignore problems inside the church. By recalling the earlier directive, Paul signals that he is now going to clarify its scope. His pastoral aim is precision: purity must be pursued wisely, without confusing evangelistic engagement with fellowship that affirms sin. This verse opens the door to correct their categories so that they neither compromise holiness nor abandon their mission to those outside.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

I wrote unto you in my epistle to have no company with fornicators;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

I wrote unto you in my epistle to have no company with fornicators;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

In my letter I said to you that you were not to keep company with those who go after the desires of the flesh;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

I did write to you in the epistle, not to keep company with whoremongers--

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

I wrote to you in an epistle, not to keep company with fornicators.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

I have written to you in the epistle not to mix with fornicators;

Context

Having set a gospel-shaped vision for purity (vv. 6–8), Paul turns to practical boundaries in relationships. Verse 9 references an earlier epistle to frame the discussion. The next verse will clarify that the prohibition did not target unbelievers at large, since avoiding all sinners in society would be impossible. Verse 11 will then specify the real focus: professing believers who live in unrepentant sin.

v.8wherefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

v.9This passage

v.10not at all meaning with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous and extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world:

Cross references

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

  • Proverbs 9:6

    Leave off, ye simple ones, and live; And walk in the way of understanding.

  • 2 Corinthians 6:14

    Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers: for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? or what communion hath light with darkness?

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:14

    And if any man obeyeth not our word by this epistle, note that man, that ye have no company with him, to the end that he may be ashamed.

  • Psalms 1:1

    Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the wicked, Nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of scoffers:

  • 1 Corinthians 5:7

    Purge out the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, even as ye are unleavened. For our passover also hath been sacrificed, even Christ:

  • Ephesians 5:11

    and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them;

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