1 Corinthians 6:17
What does 1 Corinthians 6:17 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 6:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 6:17 means
By contrast to the ‘one flesh’ union, the one who is joined to the Lord is “one spirit” with Him. This describes the intimate, life-giving bond believers have with Christ through the Holy Spirit. That union defines their identity and directs their use of the body. Earthly sexual unions must never contradict the superior, covenantal union with the Lord. Knowing we belong to Him at the deepest level leads to holy boundaries, not legalism but love-shaped loyalty. Paul sets spiritual oneness as the controlling reality, so that bodily behavior harmonizes with communion with Christ.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But he who is united to the Lord is one spirit.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But he that [is] joined to the Lord is one Spirit.
Context
After grounding sexual ethics in creation (v. 16), Paul now grounds it in redemption—union with the Lord. This contrast completes the theological frame: creation’s design and Christ’s union both prohibit sexual immorality. With this groundwork, verse 18 will issue the practical command to flee, accompanied by a reason about sinning against one’s own body, which will then be further explained in verses 19–20.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 12:13
For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all made to drink of one Spirit.
- Ephesians 5:30
because we are members of his body.
- Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.
- John 17:21
that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us: that the world may believe that thou didst send me.
- Philippians 2:5
Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
- Ephesians 4:3
giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
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