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1 Corinthians 3:17

3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. defile: or, destroy

KJV

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If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, which you are.

If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.

3:18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

What does 1 Corinthians 3:17 mean?

1 Corinthians 3:17 is a verse in the book of 1 Corinthians, in the New Testament. In the original Greek, key words include τίς (ei), φθείρω (phtheiro), ναός (naos). It connects to 19 cross-referenced passages elsewhere in Scripture.

Greek interlinear

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If
any
manτίςeiG1536from 1487 and 5100; if any:--he that, if a(-ny) man('s thing, from any, ought), whether any, whosoever.
defileφθείρωphtheiro/fthi'-ro/G5351probably strengthened from phthio (to pine or waste); properly, to shrivel or wither, i.e. to spoil (by any process) or (generally) to ruin (especially figuratively, by moral influences, to deprave):--corrupt (self), defile, destroy.
the
templeναόςnaos/nah-os'/G3485from a primary naio (to dwell); a fane, shrine, temple :--shrine, temple. Compare 2411.
of
God,θεόςtheos/theh'-os/G2316of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).
himοὗτοςtouton/too'-ton/G5126accusative case singular masculine of 3778; this (person, as objective of verb or preposition):--him, the same, that, this.
shallφθείρωphtheiro/fthi'-ro/G5351probably strengthened from phthio (to pine or waste); properly, to shrivel or wither, i.e. to spoil (by any process) or (generally) to ruin (especially figuratively, by moral influences, to deprave):--corrupt (self), defile, destroy.
Godθεόςtheos/theh'-os/G2316of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).
destroy;φθείρωphtheiro/fthi'-ro/G5351probably strengthened from phthio (to pine or waste); properly, to shrivel or wither, i.e. to spoil (by any process) or (generally) to ruin (especially figuratively, by moral influences, to deprave):--corrupt (self), defile, destroy.
forγάρgar/gar/G1063a primary particle; properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles):--and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.
the
templeναόςnaos/nah-os'/G3485from a primary naio (to dwell); a fane, shrine, temple :--shrine, temple. Compare 2411.
of
Godθεόςtheos/theh'-os/G2316of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).
isεἰμίesti/es-tee'/G2076third person singular present indicative of 1510; he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are:--are, be(-long), call, X can(-not), come, consisteth, X dure for a while, + follow, X have, (that) is (to say), make, meaneth, X must needs, + profit, + remaineth, + wrestle.
holy,ἅγιοςhagios/hag'-ee-os/G40from hagos (an awful thing) (compare 53, 2282); sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated):--(most) holy (one, thing), saint.
whichὅστιςhostisG3748hetis hay'-tis, and the neuter ho,ti hot'-ee from 3739 and 5100; which some, i.e. any that; also (definite) which same:--X and (they), (such) as, (they) that, in that they, what(-soever), whereas ye, (they) which, who(-soever). Compare 3754.
temple
yeσύhumeis/hoo-mice'/G5210irregular plural of 4771; you (as subjective of verb):--ye (yourselves), you.
are.εἰμίeste/es-teh'/G2075second person plural present indicative of 1510; ye are:--be, have been, belong.
defile:
or,
destroy

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:17

HENRY_FULL · 1 Corinthians 3:17
ession of his tender love. These repeated benedictions, which stand for valedictions, speak Paul loth to part. Now, in this closing chapter, we may observe, I. His recommendation of one friend to the Roman Christians, and his particular salutation of several among them, ver. 1-16 . II. A caution to take heed of those who caused divisions, ver. 17-20 . III. Salutations added from some who were with Paul, ver. 21-24 . IV. He concludes with a solemn celebration of the glory of God, ver. 25-27 . Friendly Salutations; Apostolic Salutations. ( a. d. 58.) 1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: 2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. 3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: 4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. 6 Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us. 7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. 8

Cross-references

Related passages from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

Matthew 10:40

He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

Matthew 25:40

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

1 Corinthians 3:3

For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? divisions: or, factions as men: Gr. according to man?

1 Corinthians 3:4

For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?

1 Corinthians 3:6

I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

1 Corinthians 3:9

For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. husbandry: or, tillage

1 Corinthians 3:23

And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.

1 Corinthians 15:7

After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

Ephesians 5:3

But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;

Philippians 1:27

Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

Philippians 4:14

Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

Colossians 4:10

Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

1 Timothy 2:10

But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

2 Timothy 1:18

The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

Titus 2:3

The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; holiness: or, holy women false: or, one who foments strife

Philemon 1:12

Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:

Philemon 1:17

If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.

2 John 1:10

If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

3 John 1:5

Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;

Topics

HolinessSacrilegeTitles and Names of the Church

Verses like this

Other verses that share key original-language words with 1 Corinthians 3:17.

Matthew 1:20

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. conceived: Gr. begotten

John 2:19

Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

Luke 9:26

For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.

Mark 14:58

We heard him say I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.

Matthew 1:18

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

Matthew 1:23

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. they: or, his name shall be called

Matthew 2:2

Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

Matthew 3:11

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

Frequently asked questions

What does 1 Corinthians 3:17 say?

1 Corinthians 3:17 (King James Version) reads: "If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. defile: or, destroy"

Is 1 Corinthians 3:17 in the Old or New Testament?

1 Corinthians 3:17 is in the New Testament of the Bible, in the book of 1 Corinthians.

Reflect

As you read 1 Corinthians 3:17, what is one truth here you can carry into today?

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3:16Read all of 1 Corinthians 33:18