Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 5:12
What business of mine is it to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Corinthian church, defining the scope of their disciplinary authority immediately after commanding separation from professing members who practice unrepentant sin.
The words — κρίνειν (krinein) translates literally to "to judge" or "to pass sentence," while ἔξω (exō) means "outside." Paul contrasts the congregation's internal jurisdiction with the external realm where God alone exercises judgment.
The thread — The boundary between internal correction and external judgment appears in Luke 12:14 and 1 Timothy 3:7, where believers are instructed to avoid acting as arbiters in secular disputes and to maintain a good reputation with outsiders.
Why it lands — The verse requires the church to exercise accountability among its own members while recognizing that God alone judges those outside, directing corrective action inward rather than toward the unregenerate world.
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
For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
Cross-references
- Mark 4:11 He replied, “The mystery of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to those on the outside everything is expressed in parables,
- Luke 12:14 But Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed Me judge or executor between you?”
- 1 Timothy 3:7 Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil.
- 1 Corinthians 5:3 Although I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, and I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present.
- 1 Corinthians 6:1 If any of you has a grievance against another, how dare he go to law before the unrighteous instead of before the saints!
- Colossians 4:5 Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:12 Then you will behave properly toward outsiders, without being dependent on anyone.
- John 18:36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world; if it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is not of this realm.”