And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

1 CORINTHIANS 6:11KJV
Know the Bible

1 Corinthians 6:11 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 6:11 mean?

1 Corinthians 6:11 tells the Corinthian believers that their former lives no longer define them in the same way. Paul describes them as people who have been cleansed, set apart for God, and declared right in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of God.

After the list of wrongs in the preceding verses, Paul says, “such were some of you.” The image of washing pictures the removal of uncleanness. His repeated “but” marks a sharp contrast between their past and what he says is now true of them.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 6:11

  • “washed” — ἀπολούω (apolouō): This word carries the sense of washing something away. The Greek form can suggest that the people received or participated in this washing.
  • “sanctified” — ἁγιάζω (hagiazō): This word means to make holy or set apart. Here it describes the Corinthians as belonging to God.
  • “justified” — δικαιόω (dikaioō): This word can mean to declare someone right or acceptable. Paul uses language associated with a judgment or decision about a person’s standing.

Why 1 Corinthians 6:11 matters

  • Paul speaks about some members of the group, not every person in it. He says, “such were some of you.”
  • The verse connects the change to both the Lord Jesus and God’s Spirit. Paul places the three descriptions alongside the phrases “in the name of the Lord Jesus” and “by the Spirit of our God.”
  • Paul’s words also bear on the disputes among the Corinthians. Earlier in the passage, he challenges them for wronging and cheating one another, including fellow believers (1 Corinthians 6:7–8).

Where else these words appear

“washed” Greek G628 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

“sanctified” Greek G37 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
  • Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
  • Hebrews 2:11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

“justified” Greek G1344 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 11:19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
  • Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
  • Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.