1 Corinthians 6:19
What does 1 Corinthians 6:19 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 6:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 6:19 means
Paul reminds believers of who they are: their body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who dwells in them, received from God. Therefore they do not belong to themselves. This is not mere metaphor; God’s Spirit truly makes His home in Christians, setting them apart as sacred space. Ownership shifts from self to God. Sexual immorality is thus a form of sacrilege, defiling what God has consecrated. Remembering the Spirit’s indwelling gives both dignity and restraint: our bodies matter to God, are filled with His presence, and must be treated in a way fitting for His holy dwelling.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Or know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have from God? and ye are not your own;
KJV
King James Version · 1611What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Or know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have from God? and ye are not your own;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Or are you not conscious that your body is a house for the Holy Spirit which is in you, and which has been given to you by God? and you are not the owners of yourselves;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Have ye not known that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit in you, which ye have from God? and ye are not your own,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Or know you not that your members are the temple of the Holy Ghost, who is in you, whom you have from God: and you are not your own?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Do ye not know that your body is [the] temple of the Holy Spirit which [is] in you, which ye have ofGod; and ye are not your own?
Context
This verse expands the reason given in verse 18, explaining why sexual sin uniquely violates the person. The temple imagery lifts bodily conduct into the realm of worship. Verse 20 will complete the motivation by recalling the cost of redemption—believers were bought at a price—and issuing the comprehensive charge to glorify God in the body. Together, these verses crown Paul’s argument against sexual immorality.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Titus 2:14
who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works.
- Psalms 12:4
Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; Our lips are our own: who is lord over us?
- 1 Corinthians 3:16
Know ye not that ye are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
- 1 Corinthians 6:15
Know ye not that your bodies are members of Christ? shall I then take away the members of Christ, and make them members of a harlot? God forbid.
- Ephesians 2:21
in whom each several building, fitly framed together, groweth into a holy temple in the Lord;
- 2 Corinthians 6:16
And what agreement hath a temple of God with idols? for we are a temple of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore 1 Corinthians 6
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 1 Corinthians 6.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Body Image
Our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made by God, and these scriptures help us to see ourselves through His eyes.
Topic
Bible Verses About Dating
Dating, while not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, can be guided by biblical principles for wise and God-honoring relationships
Topic
Bible Verses About Drunkenness
Drunkenness in the Bible is consistently depicted as a vice that leads to spiritual and practical harm, urging believers toward self-control.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Your Marriage Is Falling Apart
When the silence at home is louder than the words — verses to pray for your marriage.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You're Struggling With Addiction
When the cycle won't break — verses for the long road home.