1 Corinthians 6:2 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 6:2 mean?

1 Corinthians 6:2 says that believers, called "saints," will one day have a role in judging the world, so they should be able to handle even small disagreements among themselves. Paul is challenging the church in Corinth to settle their own disputes instead of taking them to secular courts.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, addressing their habit of suing each other in public courts over minor issues. He reminds them that, as "saints," they are set apart and will have a future responsibility in judging the world. This verse is part of Paul's argument that the community of believers should be wise and mature enough to resolve everyday matters among themselves.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 6:2

• ἅγιοι (hagioi, "saints"): This word means "holy ones" or "set-apart people." Paul uses it to refer to ordinary Christians, not just a special group, highlighting their dignity and future role.
• κρίνω (krinō, "judge"): The Greek word here means to decide, judge, or rule. Paul is pointing to a future time when believers will have authority to judge, which gives weight to his argument that they can handle lesser matters now.
• κόσμος (kosmos, "world"): This word often means the whole world or human society. Paul is emphasizing the scale of the responsibility believers will have, contrasting it with the "smallest matters" they are currently disputing.

Why 1 Corinthians 6:2 matters

• This verse clears up the misunderstanding that only church leaders or a spiritual elite are called "saints"; Paul uses the term for all believers.
• Paul’s argument puts everyday disagreements in perspective by comparing them to the much greater responsibility believers will have in the future.
• The verse connects to the wider passage where Paul urges the church to handle internal conflicts with wisdom and unity, rather than relying on outside authorities.