In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,

1 CORINTHIANS 5:4KJV
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1 Corinthians 5:4 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 5:4 mean?

1 Corinthians 5:4 describes how Paul expects the Corinthian believers to act together in response to a serious case of sexual wrongdoing among them. Though Paul is absent, he associates himself with their gathering and calls for action in the name and power of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Following Paul’s judgment in verse 3, the sentence continues into verse 5, where he states the action he has in mind. The phrase “my spirit” expresses Paul’s connection with the gathering despite his physical absence.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 5:4

  • “name” — ὄνομα (onoma): This word means a name, but it can also carry the sense of the person and authority associated with that name. Here, acting “in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” identifies whose authority is invoked for the gathering.
  • “power” — δύναμις (dynamis): This word means power or ability. Its use here places the gathering’s action alongside the power of the Lord Jesus Christ, rather than describing a merely private decision.

Why 1 Corinthians 5:4 matters

  • Paul addresses the gathered group, not just one individual acting alone. The words “when ye are gathered together” make their meeting the setting for the action.
  • The sentence must be read through verse 5 to see what Paul directs them to do. The verse break comes before the main action, so verse 4 supplies the setting and authority for what follows.

Where else these words appear

“together” Greek G4863 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
  • Matthew 27:17 Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?
  • John 11:52 And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.

“my” Greek G1699 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
  • John 8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

“power” Greek G1411 · used in 116 verses

  • Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
  • Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
  • Galatians 3:5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

“with” Greek G4862 · used in 121 verses

  • Matthew 25:27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
  • Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
  • Acts 27:2 And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.