1 Corinthians 6:7

The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means that you are thoroughly defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul writes to the Corinthian church, confronting believers who are taking civil lawsuits against one another. He addresses them at the precise moment they are seeking secular judgment rather than resolving internal disputes.

The words — The Greek ἥττημα (hēttēma) means a defeat, modified by ὅλως (holōs) for altogether to indicate total loss. Paul pairs this with ἤδη (ēdē) to stress that the litigation itself already marks their spiritual failure.

The thread — The refusal to retaliate runs through Matthew 5:39, Romans 12:17, and Proverbs 20:22, which all direct believers to leave vengeance to God rather than pursue personal retribution.

Why it lands — The text states that suing a fellow believer is a confessed defeat, then commands acceptance of being wronged or cheated instead. It demands the reader abandon legal retaliation and submit to loss for the sake of community unity.

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

Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?

Cross-references

Romans 12:17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody.
Proverbs 20:22 Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.
Matthew 5:39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also;
1 Peter 2:19 For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended.
1 Peter 3:9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
James 4:1 What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you?
1 Thessalonians 5:15 Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.
Luke 6:29 If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone takes your cloak, do not withhold your tunic as well.
Proverbs 2:8 to guard the paths of justice and protect the way of His saints.
Hosea 10:2 Their hearts are devious; now they must bear their guilt. The LORD will break down their altars and demolish their sacred pillars.