Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

1 CORINTHIANS 6:9KJV
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1 Corinthians 6:9 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 6:9 mean?

1 Corinthians 6:9 warns that people who live in certain ways described as "unrighteous" will not inherit the kingdom of God. Paul lists specific behaviors—such as sexual immorality, idolatry, adultery, and others—and urges the readers not to be deceived about who will share in God's kingdom.

Paul is writing to the Christian community in Corinth, addressing problems of behavior and belief among them. He is reminding these believers that their actions matter and that living in ways contrary to God's ways has serious consequences. The verse is part of a larger section where Paul is urging the church to live differently from the surrounding culture.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 6:9

  • ἀδικοι (adikoi, "unrighteous"): This word refers to those who act unjustly or in ways that are not right according to God's standards. Paul uses it to set up a contrast between those who belong to God's kingdom and those who do not.
  • πορνοι (pornoi, "fornicators"): This term refers to people engaged in sexual immorality, often outside of marriage. It is a broad term in Greek and includes various kinds of sexual misconduct.
  • μαλακοὶ (malakoi, "effeminate"): The Greek word literally means "soft" and is often understood as describing men who take on passive sexual roles or live in ways considered unmanly in the ancient context. The exact meaning is debated, but it points to behaviors seen as contrary to the expected moral standards.
  • ἀρσενοκοῖται (arsenokoitai, "abusers of themselves with mankind"): This rare Greek word combines "male" (arsēn) and "bed" (koitē), and is often understood as referring to men who engage in sexual acts with other men. The precise meaning is debated, but it clearly refers to a specific kind of sexual behavior.

Why 1 Corinthians 6:9 matters

  • 1 Corinthians 6:9 clarifies that Paul is not just talking about beliefs but about concrete actions and lifestyles that are inconsistent with inheriting God's kingdom.
  • The verse challenges the Corinthian church, which lived in a city known for its loose morals, to recognize that following Jesus means a real change in how one lives.
  • By listing specific behaviors, Paul makes it clear that being part of God's people involves turning away from certain actions, not just holding certain beliefs.

Where else these words appear

“mankind” Greek G733 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Timothy 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

“effeminate” Greek G3120 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 11:8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.
  • Luke 7:25 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.

“adulterers” Greek G3432 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
  • Hebrews 13:4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
  • James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

“idolaters” Greek G1496 · used in 7 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 5:10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
  • Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.