1 Corinthians 6:5 Meaning and Explanation
“I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Paul shames the church that prized wisdom for being unable to produce one wise person to mediate between brothers.
What Does 1 Corinthians 6:5 Mean?
Paul states plainly that his aim here is to bring a healthy shame. The Corinthians prided themselves on wisdom and eloquence, so he asks pointedly whether not even one among them can arbitrate between fellow believers.
The sting lands precisely on their boast. A congregation rich in claimed insight cannot supply a single peacemaker, and so it carries grievances before strangers. Paul calls them to recover the practical wisdom that belongs to those who follow Christ, the kind that heals rather than wins. True wisdom is not measured by clever speech but by the capacity to reconcile brothers and sisters in love.
1 Corinthians 6:5 in the Original Language
sophos (σοφός), 'wise man' -- one possessing discernment and skill, especially to settle disputes justly.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Corinthians 6:5
What does 1 Corinthians 6:5 mean?
Paul shames the church that prized wisdom for being unable to produce one wise person to mediate between brothers.