1 Corinthians 5:11
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The surprising part here is that Paul doesn't just say "don't associate" but specifically "not even to eat with such a one." This intense boundary shows that sharing a meal, a symbol of deep fellowship, is reserved for those living within the core values of the community, not just anyone who claims the name of Christ. It's a stark reminder that our interactions, even seemingly small ones, carry weight in how we understand and live out our faith together.
But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing a serious issue of sexual immorality within the Corinthian church, specifically a man in a relationship with his stepmother, which was unheard of even among non-believers. After rebuking them for tolerating this sin and exhorted them to expel the offender, he now clarifies the practical implications of dealing with unrepentant sinners who claim to be believers. This passage instructs the church on how to maintain its purity and witness by setting boundaries with those who flagrantly disregard God's standards while still calling themselves brothers.
Paul calls us to separate from certain people, but who exactly are we talking about? It's not just about anyone – it's about those who claim to be part of the family of faith.
In this passage, Paul isn't talking about cutting off every non-believer who struggles. He's addressing the community of believers, those who identify as 'brothers' and 'sisters' in Christ.
Who is a 'Brother' Here?
Paul's instruction is a call to the church to maintain its purity and witness by not tolerating ongoing, unrepentant sin within its ranks. It's about protecting the community and lovingly confronting those who are straying.
Ask a follow-up
Paul's instruction gets intense: 'not even to eat with such a one.' What does this extreme measure really mean for our relationships?
The command 'not even to eat with such a one' is a strong, symbolic act. In biblical times, sharing a meal was a deep sign of fellowship, intimacy, and acceptance. Paul is saying that the community can no longer share this level of intimate fellowship with someone deeply entrenched in unrepentant sin.
Why Such Severity?
This doesn't mean we become hostile or unloving. We can still pray for them, speak truth in appropriate ways, but we withdraw the fellowship that implies approval or acceptance of their lifestyle.
Understand the original words
adelphos · Greek Noun
One who belongs to the family of God through faith in Christ; a fellow member of the body of Christ. The term signifies a relational bond based on shared spiritual life.
porneia · Greek Noun
Sexual relations outside of the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman, encompassing all forms of illicit sexual activity. In a biblical context, it is a serious violation of God's design for human intimacy and holiness.
pleonektēs · Greek Noun
An intense, selfish desire for more, often involving wealth or possessions. It is condemned in Scripture as a form of idolatry, as it places material gain above trust in God.
eidōlolatrēs · Greek Noun
A person who worships or venerates anything other than the one true God. This includes both physical images and spiritual or emotional substitutes that replace God's rightful place in a person's life.
loidoros · Greek Noun
One who speaks abusively, insultingly, or railingly against others. This conduct is viewed as inconsistent with the character of a believer, who is called to speak life and truth.
methysos · Greek Noun
A person who is enslaved to alcohol or intoxicants, resulting in a loss of self-control and sober-mindedness. The Bible consistently warns against drunkenness as a hindrance to godly living.
harpax · Greek Noun
A person who obtains money or property through deceit, fraud, or exploitation of others. This term emphasizes the lack of integrity and love for one's neighbor.
The Corinthian church was a mix of Jewish and Gentile believers in a morally lax pagan city. Paul's instructions here address the need for the church to maintain its distinct identity by practicing church discipline, even with fellow believers, to preserve its holiness and witness.
c. AD 47-49
Paul Founds Church in Corinth
The Apostle Paul spent about 18 months in Corinth, establishing a vibrant Christian community despite significant opposition.
c. AD 50
Roman Expulsion of Jews from Rome
Emperor Claudius expelled Jews from Rome, potentially increasing the Jewish population in other Roman cities like Corinth and impacting early church dynamics.
c. AD 52-55
Tensions and Divisions in Corinth
Paul hears reports of serious issues within the Corinthian church, including divisions, immorality, and disputes over spiritual gifts, prompting him to write.
c. AD 55— this verse
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians
From Ephesus, Paul pens this letter to address the serious problems and theological questions plaguing the Corinthian believers, including the incestuous relationship discussed earlier in the chapter.
c. AD 56-57
Paul's Subsequent Visits and Letters
Paul likely made at least one more visit to Corinth and wrote at least one more letter (the 'severe letter') to deal with ongoing issues and reconciliation.
Jesus instructs the church to treat an unrepentant sinner like a Gentile and a tax collector, which implies a separation from fellowship until repentance.
1 Corinthians 10:14-22Paul warns believers against participating in idolatry, comparing it to sharing in the table of demons, which directly parallels the idea of not eating with those engaged in sinful practices.
2 Thessalonians 3:6-15Paul gives instructions on how to deal with disruptive and idle people within the church, including the directive to keep away from them so they may be put to shame.
Ephesians 5:3-11This passage explicitly lists sexual immorality and greed as actions that have no place among believers, urging them to live as children of light rather than participating in dark deeds.
The surprising part here is that Paul doesn't just say "don't associate" but specifically "not even to eat with such a one." This intense boundary shows that sharing a meal, a symbol of deep fellowship, is reserved for those living within the core values of the community, not just anyone who claims the name of Christ. It's a stark reminder that our interactions, even seemingly small ones, carry weight in how we understand and live out our faith together.
Paul is addressing a serious issue of sexual immorality within the Corinthian church, specifically a man in a relationship with his stepmother, which was unheard of even among non-believers. After rebuking them for tolerating this sin and exhorted them to expel the offender, he now clarifies the practical implications of dealing with unrepentant sinners who claim to be believers. This passage instructs the church on how to maintain its purity and witness by setting boundaries with those who flagrantly disregard God's standards while still calling themselves brothers.
Paul is addressing a serious issue of sexual immorality within the Corinthian church, specifically a man in a relationship with his stepmother, which was unheard of even among non-believers. After rebuking them for tolerating this sin and exhorted them to expel the offender, he now clarifies the practical implications of dealing with unrepentant sinners who claim to be believers. This passage instructs the church on how to maintain its purity and witness by setting boundaries with those who flagrantly disregard God's standards while still calling themselves brothers.
"But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one." — The surprising part here is that Paul doesn't just say "don't associate" but specifically "not even to eat with such a one." This intense boundary shows that sharing a meal, a symbol of deep fellowsh…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
