New International Version If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple. New Living Translation God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. English Standard Version If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. Berean Standard Bible If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. Berean Literal Bible If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, which you⁺ are. King James Bible If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. New King James Version If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. New American Standard Bible If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy that person; for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are. NASB 1995 If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are. NASB 1977 If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are. Legacy Standard Bible If any man destroys the sanctuary of God, God will destroy him, for the sanctuary of God is holy, and that is what you are. Amplified Bible If anyone destroys the temple of God [corrupting it with false doctrine], God will destroy the destroyer; for the temple of God is holy (sacred), and that is what you are. Berean Annotated Bible If anyone destroys God’s {Theou} temple, God {Theos} will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and you⁺ are that temple. Christian Standard Bible If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and that is what you are. Holman Christian Standard Bible If anyone destroys God’s sanctuary, God will destroy him; for God’s sanctuary is holy, and that is what you are. American Standard Version If any man destroyeth the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, and such are ye. Contemporary English Version Together you are God's holy temple, and God will destroy anyone who destroys his temple. English Revised Version If any man destroyeth the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. GOD'S WORD® Translation If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him because God's temple is holy. You are that holy temple! Good News Translation God will destroy anyone who destroys God's temple. For God's temple is holy, and you yourselves are his temple. International Standard Version If anyone destroys God's sanctuary, God will destroy him, for God's sanctuary is holy. And you are that sanctuary! NET Bible If someone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, which is what you are. New Heart English Bible If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him; for God's temple is holy, which you are. Webster's Bible Translation If any man defileth the temple of God, him will God destroy: for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. Weymouth New Testament If any one is marring the Sanctuary of God, him will God mar; for the Sanctuary of God is holy, which you all are. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIf anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. World English Bible If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, which you are. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionIf anyone ruins the temple of God, God will ruin him; for the temple of God is holy, which you are. Berean Literal Bible If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, which you⁺ are. Young's Literal Translation if any one the sanctuary of God doth waste, him shall God waste; for the sanctuary of God is holy, the which ye are. Smith's Literal Translation If any one destroy the temple of God, him will God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which ye are. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut if any man violate the temple of God, him shall God destroy. For the temple of God is holy, which you are. Catholic Public Domain Version But if anyone violates the Temple of God, God will destroy him. For the Temple of God is holy, and you are that Temple. New American Bible If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for the temple of God, which you are, is holy. New Revised Standard Version If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd whoever defiles the temple of God, God will destroy; for the temple of God is holy, and that temple is you. Aramaic Bible in Plain English Whoever destroys the Temple of God, God destroys; for the Temple of God is holy, which you are. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentIf any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy: for the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. Godbey New Testament If any one destroys the temple of God, him will God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which ye are. Haweis New Testament If any man prophane the temple of God, him will God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. Mace New Testament if any man divide the temple of God, him shall God destroy: for you, who are the temple of God, are consecrated to him. Weymouth New Testament If any one is marring the Sanctuary of God, him will God mar; for the Sanctuary of God is holy, which you all are. Worrell New Testament If any one destroys the temple of God, him will God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, and such are ye. Worsley New Testament If any one destroy the temple of God, him will God destroy: for the temple of God is holy, and this temple are ye. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context You are God's Temple16Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? 17If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. 18Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise.… Cross References If anyone destroys God’s temple, 2 Thessalonians 2:4 He will oppose and exalt himself above every so-called god or object of worship. So he will seat himself in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. Matthew 24:15 So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand), Daniel 11:31 His forces will rise up and desecrate the temple fortress. They will abolish the daily sacrifice and set up the abomination of desolation. God will destroy him; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9 After all, it is only right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, / and to grant relief to you who are oppressed and to us as well. This will take place when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels / in blazing fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. … Psalm 5:6 You destroy those who tell lies; the LORD abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit. 2 Peter 2:1-3 Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. / Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed. / In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep. for God’s temple is holy, Psalm 93:5 Your testimonies are fully confirmed; holiness adorns Your house, O LORD, for all the days to come. Ezekiel 43:12 This is the law of the temple: All its surrounding territory on top of the mountain will be most holy. Yes, this is the law of the temple. Leviticus 19:30 You must keep My Sabbaths and have reverence for My sanctuary. I am the LORD. and you are that temple. Ephesians 2:21-22 In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. / And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit. 2 Corinthians 6:16 What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” 1 Peter 2:5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; / you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body. Matthew 16:18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. Revelation 21:27 But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Hebrews 3:6 But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are His house, if we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope of which we boast. Treasury of Scripture If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. any. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body… Leviticus 15:31 Thus shall ye separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness; that they die not in their uncleanness, when they defile my tabernacle that is among them. Leviticus 20:3 And I will set my face against that man, and will cut him off from among his people; because he hath given of his seed unto Molech, to defile my sanctuary, and to profane my holy name. defile. Genesis 28:17 And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. Exodus 3:5 And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. 1 Chronicles 29:3 Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house, Jump to Previous Corrupt Defile Defileth Destroy Destroyeth Destroys God's Holy House Makes Mar Sacred Sanctuary Temple Unclean WasteJump to Next Corrupt Defile Defileth Destroy Destroyeth Destroys God's Holy House Makes Mar Sacred Sanctuary Temple Unclean Waste1 Corinthians 3 1. Milk is fit for children.3. Strife and division, arguments of a fleshly mind. 7. He who plants and He who waters are nothing. 9. The ministers are God's fellow workmen. 11. Christ the only foundation. 16. You are the temples of God, which must be kept holy. 19. The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. If anyone destroys God’s temple, God’s temple in this context is the gathered church, the people in whom God dwells by His Spirit. The Corinthian believers were damaging that holy dwelling through factionalism, pride, and worldly wisdom. To corrupt, divide, or undermine Christ’s people is to assault what belongs uniquely to God. 2Th 2:4 He will oppose and exalt himself above every-so-called god… God will destroy him; God Himself will judge those who persist in harming His church. The warning recalls His judgment upon those who treated holy things with contempt, including the destruction of Jerusalem’s temple after generations of covenant rebellion. No leader, teacher, or member is free to use the church for personal ambition without answering to the Lord. 2Th 1:6-9 After all, it is only right for God to repay with affliction… for God’s temple is holy, Holiness belongs to God’s dwelling because He is holy. Israel’s temple was set apart as the place where His glory rested among His covenant people; now the church has been set apart through Christ’s saving work and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Its unity, purity, worship, and faithful teaching therefore matter deeply to God. Psa 93:5 Your testimonies are fully confirmed;… and you are that temple. Paul addresses the Corinthian congregation as a whole. Individual believers are also called temples of the Holy Spirit, but the emphasis here rests on the church as God’s living dwelling place, built upon Jesus Christ. Believers must therefore seek one another’s spiritual good, guard the truth of the gospel, and live as a people among whom God is present. Eph 2:21-22 In Him the whole building is fitted together… Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth with authority and pastoral concern. 2. The Church in Corinth A diverse and often divided early Christian community facing issues of immorality, division, and misunderstanding of spiritual truths. 3. God’s Temple Refers to the collective body of believers, emphasizing the sacredness and unity of the church as the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. Teaching Points The Sacredness of the ChurchThe church is not just a gathering of individuals but a holy temple where God dwells. This understanding should foster a deep respect and reverence for the community of believers. The Call to Holiness As God’s temple, believers are called to live lives that reflect God’s holiness. This involves both personal purity and communal integrity. The Seriousness of Division and Destruction Causing division or harm within the church is a grave matter. Believers should strive for unity and peace, recognizing the severe consequences of destroying God’s temple. The Role of the Holy Spirit The presence of the Holy Spirit in the church and in individual believers empowers them to live holy lives and maintain the sanctity of God’s temple. Accountability and Stewardship Believers are stewards of God’s temple, responsible for nurturing and protecting the spiritual health of the church community. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 3:17?2. How does 1 Corinthians 3:17 emphasize the importance of respecting God's temple today? 3. What actions might defile God's temple according to 1 Corinthians 3:17? 4. How does 1 Corinthians 3:17 connect with Old Testament teachings on holiness? 5. In what ways can we ensure we are building on God's holy foundation? 6. How can we apply the warning in 1 Corinthians 3:17 to our daily lives? 7. What does "God will destroy him" mean in 1 Corinthians 3:17? 8. How does 1 Corinthians 3:17 define God's temple? 9. Why is holiness emphasized in 1 Corinthians 3:17? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 3? What Does 1 Corinthians 3:17 Mean If anyone destroys God’s templePaul has just compared the church to a building laid on the foundation of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:10-15). Now he warns that anyone who tears down that structure faces grave consequences. • Destruction includes divisive teaching (Titus 3:10-11), immoral influence (Jude 4), or abusive leadership (Ezekiel 34:2-4). • Jesus treated stumbling blocks with the same gravity: “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better… a millstone were hung around his neck” (Matthew 18:6). • 2 Peter 2:1 echoes the danger of “destructive heresies.” God cares deeply about the unity and purity of His church. God will destroy him The threat is not empty; divine judgment is certain. • “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, he will reap” (Galatians 6:7). • Hebrews 10:27 warns of “a fearful expectation of judgment” for those who trample holy things. • Acts 5:1-11 shows God acting swiftly against those who endanger the church’s integrity. God’s holiness demands justice; the promise of destruction underscores that His patience has limits when His people are harmed. For God’s temple is holy Why such severe language? Because the church is sacred space. • In the wilderness the tabernacle was set apart (Exodus 40:34-38). Now, through Christ, the gathered believers bear that same consecration (Ephesians 2:21). • “Be holy, because I the LORD your God am holy” (Leviticus 19:2) is still the standard (1 Peter 1:15-16). Practical outworking: – Pursue purity in teaching (2 Timothy 1:13-14). – Guard relationships against bitterness (Ephesians 4:31-32). – Keep worship centered on God’s glory, not personalities (Colossians 1:18). And you are that temple The “you” is plural, pointing to the collective body of believers in Corinth—and by extension every local church. • “We are the temple of the living God” (2 Corinthians 6:16). • Individually, our bodies are also temples (1 Corinthians 6:19), but here Paul stresses the corporate identity: together we house God’s presence. What this means day-to-day: • Every member counts—no disposable parts (1 Corinthians 12:21-26). • Unity isn’t optional; it reflects God’s own oneness (John 17:23). • Service, prayer, and mutual care become acts of temple worship (Hebrews 13:15-16). summary 1 Corinthians 3:17 places a flashing warning light over anyone who would harm Christ’s church. Because the congregation is God’s holy temple, attacks on its unity, purity, or doctrine are attacks on God Himself. Such actions invite His decisive judgment. Conversely, recognizing ourselves as that temple calls us to cherish, protect, and build up one another in holy reverence, knowing that in our shared life together God’s presence now dwells. (17) If any man defile.—Better, If any man destroy—the opposite of “building up,” which should be the work of the Christian teacher; the architectural image being still in view.Which temple ye are.—Literally, the which are ye, “which” referring rather to holy than to the temple; the argument being that as they are “holy” by the indwelling of God’s Spirit, therefore they are the temple of God. As God commanded the punishment of death to be inflicted on whoever defiled the actual Temple (see Exodus 28:43; Leviticus 16:2), because it was holy unto the Lord, and His presence dwelt there; so they, having the same Spirit in them, were a temple also holy unto the Lord, and God would not leave him unpunished who destroyed or marred this spiritual temple. Verse 17. - If any man defile the temple of God. The verb is the same as in the next clause, and should be rendered, If any man destroy the temple of God; but the word is perhaps too strong, and the word "mar" or "injure" might better convey the meaning (Olshausen). The two verbs are brought into vivid juxtaposition in the original: "God shall ruin the ruiner of his temple." St. Paul was, perhaps, thinking of the penalty of death attached to any one who desecrated the temple of Jerusalem. Inscriptions on the chel, or "middle wall of partition," threatened death to any Gentile who set foot within the sacred enclosure." Which temple ye are; literally, the which are ye; i.e. ye are holy. St. Paul is here referring to the Church of Corinth, and to the false teachers who desecrated it by bringing in "factions of destruction" (2 Peter 2:1). Ideally the Church was glorious, "not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing" (Ephesians 5:27).Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Ifεἴ (ei) Conjunction Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. anyone τις (tis) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. destroys φθείρει (phtheirei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 5351: To corrupt, spoil, destroy, ruin. Probably strengthened from phthio; properly, to shrivel or wither, i.e. To spoil or to ruin. God’s Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. temple, ναὸν (naon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 3485: A temple, a shrine, that part of the temple where God himself resides. From a primary naio; a fane, shrine, temple. God Θεός (Theos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. will destroy φθερεῖ (phtherei) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 5351: To corrupt, spoil, destroy, ruin. Probably strengthened from phthio; properly, to shrivel or wither, i.e. To spoil or to ruin. him; τοῦτον (touton) Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it. for γὰρ (gar) Conjunction Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. God’s Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. temple ναὸς (naos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3485: A temple, a shrine, that part of the temple where God himself resides. From a primary naio; a fane, shrine, temple. is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. holy, ἅγιός (hagios) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 40: Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred. [and] you ὑμεῖς (hymeis) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. are ἐστε (este) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. [that temple]. οἵτινές (hoitines) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 3748: Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever. Additonal Resources 1 Corinthians 3:17 Blue Letter Bible1 Corinthians 3:17 Bible Gateway 1 Corinthians 3:17 Bible.com 1 Corinthians 3:17 NIV |
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