1 Corinthians 3:17 Meaning and Explanation
“If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Whoever ruins God's temple will himself be ruined by God, for that temple is holy, and the Corinthians are it.
What Does 1 Corinthians 3:17 Mean?
Paul issues a solemn warning that follows directly from the temple image. To defile the temple of God, to harm or corrupt His dwelling, brings judgment: him shall God destroy. The Corinthians, with their strife and divisions, were endangering this very temple.
The reason is the holiness of the place: the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. God guards what is His own. The warning is severe because the church is precious to Him. To tear at His people is no light thing, for they are set apart as His sacred dwelling.
1 Corinthians 3:17 in the Original Language
hagios (ἅγιος), 'holy' -- set apart, consecrated, belonging wholly to God.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Corinthians 3:17
What does 1 Corinthians 3:17 mean?
Whoever ruins God's temple will himself be ruined by God, for that temple is holy, and the Corinthians are it.