Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:

1 CORINTHIANS 1:6KJV
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1 Corinthians 1:6 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 1:6 mean?

1 Corinthians 1:6 says that the message about Christ—what Paul calls “the testimony of Christ”—was shown to be true among the Corinthians. Paul is pointing out that the good news about Jesus took root in their lives and was proven genuine by what happened to them.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, reminding them that when he first preached about Jesus, the truth of that message was confirmed by their response and the changes in their lives. This sets up his argument that they have already received real evidence of God’s work, so they should remember the foundation they have in Christ.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 1:6

  • μαρτυρία (martyria, “testimony”): This word means a witness or evidence, often used in the sense of giving proof or bearing witness. Here, it stresses that the message about Christ wasn’t just words but was backed up by real evidence among the Corinthians.
  • ἐβεβαιώθη (ebebaiōthē, “was confirmed”): This verb means to make firm or to establish as true. Paul is saying that the message about Christ was not just heard but was made solid and trustworthy in their experience.

Why 1 Corinthians 1:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that faith in Christ is not just about accepting a message but about seeing its truth confirmed in real life, as happened in Corinth.
  • Paul’s reminder helps the Corinthians see that their spiritual experiences and growth are evidence that the gospel is real and powerful among them.
  • The verse connects to Paul’s larger point in the chapter: the Corinthians lack nothing spiritually because the message of Christ has already been firmly established in their community.

Where else these words appear

“confirmed” Greek G950 · used in 8 verses

  • Mark 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
  • Colossians 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

“testimony” Greek G3142 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
  • Luke 5:14 And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.