Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 6:3

What does 1 Corinthians 6:3 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 6:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 6:3 means

Paul further intensifies his point: believers will “judge angels.” While he does not explain the details, the statement underscores the extraordinary authority entrusted to God’s people in the age to come. If Christians are set to evaluate even angelic beings, then handling earthly disagreements is certainly within reach. The Corinthian practice of seeking unbelieving judges now appears absurd against their eternal calling. Paul’s point is not curiosity about angels but perspective—present conflicts are small compared to the glory and responsibility ahead. Therefore, believers should cultivate the wisdom and integrity necessary to resolve life’s practical matters within the church family.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more, things that pertain to this life?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more, things that pertain to this life?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Is it not certain that we are to be the judges of angels? how much more then of the things of this life?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

have ye not known that we shall judge messengers? why not then the things of life?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Know you not that we shall judge angels? How much more things of this world?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Do ye not know that we shall judge angels? and not then matters of this life?

Context

This verse completes the theological foundation begun in verse 2: future judgment by the saints magnifies the incongruity of present lawsuits. With that groundwork laid, verses 4–6 turn to the practical scandal—appointing those with no standing in the church to decide cases between brothers. The flow moves from eschatology to ecclesiology: who should judge, and how should the church’s identity shape its procedures and testimony before the watching world?

v.2Or know ye not that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world is judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?

v.3This passage

v.4If then ye have to judge things pertaining to this life, do ye set them to judge who are of no account in the church?

Cross references

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

  • Jude 1:6

    And angels that kept not their own principality, but left their proper habitation, he hath kept in everlasting bonds under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

  • Luke 8:14

    And that which fell among the thorns, these are they that have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

  • Matthew 25:41

    Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels:

  • 1 Corinthians 6:4

    If then ye have to judge things pertaining to this life, do ye set them to judge who are of no account in the church?

  • 2 Timothy 2:4

    No soldier on service entangleth himself in the affairs of this life; that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.

  • 2 Timothy 4:10

    for Demas forsook me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.

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