1 Corinthians 5:4 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 5:4 mean?

1 Corinthians 5:4 describes Paul instructing the church in Corinth to come together as a group, acting with his support and authority, and to do so in the name and power of Jesus Christ. Paul is emphasizing that their gathering and any action they take should be done with the spiritual authority given by Jesus, not just by their own decision.

Paul is writing to the Corinthians because there is a serious problem in their church—someone is living in open sin, and the church has not addressed it. Paul tells them that when they gather as a church, they are not alone; his spirit is with them, and most importantly, they act under the authority of Jesus Christ. This sets the stage for the instructions that follow about church discipline.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 5:4

• "ἐν" (en, G1722) — This word means "in" or "within." Here, it shows that everything the church does should be within the authority or sphere of Jesus' name, not just as a human meeting.
• "ὄνομα" (onoma, G3686) — Meaning "name," this points to acting under the authority and character of Jesus Christ, not just mentioning his name as a formality.
• "δύναμις" (dynamis, G1411) — Translated as "power," this word often refers to spiritual strength or authority. Paul is reminding them that the real power behind their actions comes from Jesus, not from themselves.
• "συναγείρω" (synago, G4863) — Translated as "gathered together," this word stresses the importance of the church acting as a united group, not as isolated individuals.

Why 1 Corinthians 5:4 matters

• This verse clarifies that church decisions, especially serious ones, should be made together and with a sense of spiritual responsibility, not just personal opinion or group pressure.
• Paul’s instructions connect the local church’s actions directly to the authority of Jesus, reminding readers that Christian gatherings are meant to reflect Jesus’ will and character.
• The verse sets up the context for church discipline, showing that such actions are not about human judgment alone but are meant to be carried out with humility and dependence on God’s power.