1 Corinthians 5:11

But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul writes to the Corinthian congregation, mid-response to a sexual scandal within the church, drawing the line between what the world tolerates and what the body of Christ must not.

The words — συναναμῖγνυσθαι (sunanamignusthai), literally "to be mixed together," carries the sense of substances blending into one; the prohibition is not merely "don't befriend" but "don't let yourselves be mingled with."

The thread — 2 Thessalonians 3:6 commands the same avoidance of an undisciplined brother, and 3:14 adds "do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed."

Why it lands — The verse demands that a church treat persistent sin among its own members as grounds for total social separation, including shared meals, not a private correction or a public rebuke.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

Cross-references

Romans 16:17 Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them.
2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who leads an undisciplined life that is not in keeping with the tradition you received from us.
2 Thessalonians 3:14 Take note of anyone who does not obey the instructions we have given in this letter. Do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed.
Matthew 18:17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
1 Corinthians 5:13 God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”
2 John 1:10 If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him.
Galatians 5:19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery;
1 Corinthians 5:1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is intolerable even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife.
Revelation 21:8 But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death.”
Mark 7:21 For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery,