Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life!
English Standard Version (ESV)
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1 Corinthians 6:3
What does 1 Corinthians 6:3 mean?
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1 Corinthians 6:3
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This verse actually flips our common understanding of judgment on its head! It's not about us being judged, but about us judging – even spiritual beings. This highlights the incredible authority and future role believers will have, making our current earthly disputes seem comparatively small.
Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life!
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing a deeply troubling issue in the Corinthian church: members were suing each other in secular courts, bringing disgrace to their Christian witness. He's reminding them of their elevated status in Christ, a status that includes future authority, implying that these earthly squabbles are beneath them. The astonishing statement about judging angels serves to highlight just how significant their new identity and responsibilities are, making the present conflicts seem trivial by comparison.
Paul throws out a mind-blowing statement about judging angels. What does that even mean, and why bring it up here?
This isn't just a random fact; it's a cosmic preview of your destiny in Christ.
What it Means
Paul is reminding believers that their ultimate future, alongside Christ, involves a role in a renewed creation where even angelic beings will be subject to God's ultimate judgment and order, a judgment in which believers will participate. This points to a future transformation and authority we have in Christ that is far beyond our current earthly struggles.
Why it Matters Now
Knowing this future reality should massively shift our perspective on present conflicts and problems. If we're destined for such a high calling, arguing over petty disputes now seems incredibly small in comparison.
The Corinthians were taking each other to court, and Paul uses a startling comparison to put things in perspective. What’s the big deal?
Paul is using hyperbole to make a crucial point about misplaced priorities.
The Problem
In chapter 6, Paul is addressing the disunity and lawsuits among believers in Corinth. They were suing each other in secular courts, embarrassing the church and reflecting poorly on Christ.
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The Correction
Paul contrasts these 'matters pertaining to this life' with the immense, future reality of judging angels. He’s essentially saying, 'You’re worried about who wronged whom over property or business deals now, when you have a future role in cosmic judgment? Get your priorities straight!' The current squabbles are insignificant when weighed against our eternal calling and future responsibilities.
Understand the original words
angelos · Greek Noun
Celestial beings created by God to serve Him. The Bible indicates they are subject to the ultimate authority of Christ, and believers are described as participating in their judgment.
The verse’s surprising statement about judging angels likely serves as an extreme, awe-inspiring reminder to the Corinthians that their current squabbles over earthly matters are insignificant when compared to their ultimate glorious destiny as God's redeemed people.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
The Apostle Paul establishes the church in Corinth, a bustling Roman port city known for its wealth, culture, and moral laxity.
c. AD 53-57
Paul Writes from Ephesus
While in Ephesus, Paul hears reports about divisions and serious issues within the Corinthian church, prompting him to write his first letter.
c. AD 55— this verse
Paul Addresses Divisions
In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul tackles issues like factions, sexual immorality, lawsuits among believers, and questions about spiritual gifts.
c. AD 57
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians
This letter, 1 Corinthians, is written to correct disorder and confusion within the Corinthian church, addressing many practical and theological problems.
This passage directly precedes the verse, showing the Corinthians are already mishandling disputes among themselves, which is the immediate context for judging angels.
Matthew 19:28Jesus tells his disciples that in the new creation, they will sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel, highlighting a future role for believers in judgment.
1 Peter 2:12This verse speaks about believers living such honorable lives that even those who slander them will be convinced of their good deeds, implying a powerful testimony that influences even spiritual beings.
Jude 1:6This passage describes angels who did not keep their positions of authority being kept in eternal chains, underscoring the reality and seriousness of angelic judgment and the authority given to believers.
This verse actually flips our common understanding of judgment on its head! It's not about us being judged, but about us judging – even spiritual beings. This highlights the incredible authority and future role believers will have, making our current earthly disputes seem comparatively small.
Paul is addressing a deeply troubling issue in the Corinthian church: members were suing each other in secular courts, bringing disgrace to their Christian witness. He's reminding them of their elevated status in Christ, a status that includes future authority, implying that these earthly squabbles are beneath them. The astonishing statement about judging angels serves to highlight just how significant their new identity and responsibilities are, making the present conflicts seem trivial by comparison.
Paul is addressing a deeply troubling issue in the Corinthian church: members were suing each other in secular courts, bringing disgrace to their Christian witness. He's reminding them of their elevated status in Christ, a status that includes future authority, implying that these earthly squabbles are beneath them. The astonishing statement about judging angels serves to highlight just how significant their new identity and responsibilities are, making the present conflicts seem trivial by comparison.
"Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life!" — This verse actually flips our common understanding of judgment on its head! It's not about us being judged, but about us judging – even spiritual beings. This highlights the incredible authority…
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Last reviewed October 2026