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.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church regarding a member guilty of sexual immorality while he is physically distant from the congregation. He writes at a moment when the community is failing to exercise discipline and he is preparing to issue a verdict.

The words — ἀπὼν (apōn) means "being absent" and παρὼν (parōn) means "being present," establishing the direct contrast between physical distance and spiritual authority.

The thread — The same body-spirit distinction appears in Col 2:5 and 2 Cor 13:2, where absent presence functions as a mechanism of pastoral oversight and warning.

Why it lands — The text states that judgment and spiritual authority operate independently of physical proximity, requiring the community to treat apostolic verdicts as if the author were physically present.

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

ἐγὼegōI myself μὲνmenindeed γὰρgarthough ὡςhōsas ἀπὼνapōnbeing absent τῷtō<the>σώματιsōmatiin body παρὼνparōnbeing present δὲdehowever τῷtō<the>πνεύματιpneumatiin spirit ἤδηēdēalready κέκρικαkekrikahave judged ὡςhōsas παρὼνparōnbeing present τὸνtonthe [one]οὕτωςhoutōsso τοῦτοtoutothis κατεργασάμενονkatergasamenonhaving produced

King James Version

For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,

Cross-references

Colossians 2:5 For although I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, and I delight to see your orderly condition and firm faith in Christ.
1 Thessalonians 2:17 Brothers, although we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in heart), our desire to see you face to face was even more intense.
2 Corinthians 13:2 I already warned you the second time I was with you. So now in my absence I warn those who sinned earlier and everyone else: If I return, I will not spare anyone,
2 Corinthians 10:11 Such people should consider that what we are in our letters when absent, we will be in our actions when present.
2 Corinthians 10:1 Now by the mildness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am humble when face to face with you, but bold when away.