1 Corinthians 5:9 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 5:9 mean?

1 Corinthians 5:9 means that Paul, in a previous letter, instructed the Corinthian Christians not to associate closely with people who practice sexual immorality. Paul is reminding them that he had already given this guidance before the letter they are now reading.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing problems of behavior among its members. Here, Paul refers to an earlier letter (now lost) where he told them not to "company with fornicators," meaning not to mix or keep close fellowship with those known for sexual immorality. This sets up his clarification in the following verses about the difference between those inside and outside the church.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 5:9

• "company" (συναναμίγνυσθαι, synanamignysthai): This Greek word means to mix together or associate closely. Paul is not just talking about casual contact, but about forming close, ongoing relationships or partnerships.
• "fornicators" (πόρνοις, pornois): This word refers to people who are engaged in sexual immorality, especially those who make a habit of it. Paul is using a term that would have been clearly understood in the Corinthian context, where sexual immorality was a common issue.

Why 1 Corinthians 5:9 matters

• This verse clarifies that Paul had already addressed the issue of sexual immorality before, showing that the problem in Corinth was ongoing and serious.
• It helps readers see that Paul is not talking about avoiding all contact with non-Christians, but is especially concerned with how believers relate to those within the church who persist in such behavior.
• The verse sets the stage for the next few verses, where Paul explains more about what he means, helping to avoid misunderstandings about how Christians should relate to the wider society.