1 Corinthians 6:3
New International Version
Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!

New Living Translation
Don’t you realize that we will judge angels? So you should surely be able to resolve ordinary disputes in this life.

English Standard Version
Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life!

Berean Standard Bible
Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!

Berean Literal Bible
Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life?

King James Bible
Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

New King James Version
Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?

New American Standard Bible
Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more matters of this life?

NASB 1995
Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more matters of this life?

NASB 1977
Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, matters of this life?

Legacy Standard Bible
Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more matters of this life?

Amplified Bible
Do you not know that we [believers] will judge angels? How much more then [as to] matters of this life?

Christian Standard Bible
Don’t you know that we will judge angels—how much more matters of this life?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Don’t you know that we will judge angels—not to mention ordinary matters?

American Standard Version
Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more, things that pertain to this life?

Contemporary English Version
Don't you know we will judge angels? And if this is so, we can surely judge everyday matters.

English Revised Version
Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more, things that pertain to this life?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Don't you know that we will judge angels, not to mention things in this life?

Good News Translation
Do you not know that we shall judge the angels? How much more, then, the things of this life!

International Standard Version
You know that we will rule angels, not to mention things in this life, don't you?

Majority Standard Bible
Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!

NET Bible
Do you not know that we will judge angels? Why not ordinary matters!

New Heart English Bible
Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?

Webster's Bible Translation
Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more, things that pertain to this life?

Weymouth New Testament
Do you not know that we are to sit in judgement upon angels--to say nothing of things belonging to this life?

World English Bible
Don’t you know that we will judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Have you not known that we will judge messengers? Why not then the things of life?

Berean Literal Bible
Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life?

Young's Literal Translation
have ye not known that we shall judge messengers? why not then the things of life?

Smith's Literal Translation
Know ye not that we shall judge messengers? also not only things pertaining to the cares of life?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Know you not that we shall judge angels ? how much more things of this world ?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more the things of this age?

New American Bible
Do you not know that we will judge angels? Then why not everyday matters?

New Revised Standard Version
Do you not know that we are to judge angels—to say nothing of ordinary matters?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more then should we judge those who belong to this world?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Do you not know that we judge the Angels? How much rather those who are of this world?
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Know you not that we shall judge angels? Much more then, things pertaining to this life.

Godbey New Testament
Do you not know that we shall judge angels, not indeed matters of this life?

Haweis New Testament
Know ye not that we shall judge angels, much more things pertaining to this life?

Mace New Testament
don't you know that we shall be judges of angels? much more then of the affairs of life?

Weymouth New Testament
Do you not know that we are to sit in judgement upon angels--to say nothing of things belonging to this life?

Worrell New Testament
Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more, then, things pertaining to this life?

Worsley New Testament
Know ye not that we shall judge angels? what! and not worthy of judging the affairs of this life?
Audio Bible



Context
Lawsuits among Believers
2Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? 3 Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! 4So if you need to settle everyday matters, do you appoint as judges those of no standing in the church?…

Cross References
Matthew 19:28
Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, in the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Revelation 3:21
To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

Daniel 7:22
until the Ancient of Days arrived and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for them to possess the kingdom.

Luke 22:30
so that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Revelation 20:4
Then I saw the thrones, and those seated on them had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or hands. And they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

Matthew 25:31-32
When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne. / All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

Romans 8:17
And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.

2 Timothy 2:12
if we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He will also deny us;

Revelation 2:26-27
And to the one who overcomes and continues in My work until the end, I will give authority over the nations. / He will rule them with an iron scepter and shatter them like pottery—just as I have received authority from My Father.

Psalm 149:5-9
Let the saints exult in glory; let them shout for joy upon their beds. / May the high praises of God be in their mouths, and a double-edged sword in their hands, / to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, ...

Jude 1:14-15
Enoch, the seventh from Adam, also prophesied about them: “Behold, the Lord is coming with myriads of His holy ones / to execute judgment on everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of every ungodly act of wickedness and every harsh word spoken against Him by ungodly sinners.”

Revelation 1:6
who has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and power forever and ever! Amen.

Revelation 5:10
You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign upon the earth.”

Hebrews 2:5
For it is not to angels that He has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking.

Psalm 8:4-6
what is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him? / You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor. / You made him ruler of the works of Your hands; You have placed everything under his feet:


Treasury of Scripture

Know you not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

judge.

Matthew 25:41
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

2 Peter 2:4
For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

Jude 1:6
And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

pertain.

1 Corinthians 6:4
If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.

Psalm 17:14
From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.

Luke 8:14
And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

Jump to Previous
Angels Belonging Judge Judgement Judges Life Matters Messengers Pertain Pertaining Sit
Jump to Next
Angels Belonging Judge Judgement Judges Life Matters Messengers Pertain Pertaining Sit
1 Corinthians 6
1. The Corinthians must take their brothers to court;
6. especially under infidels.
9. The wicked shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
15. Our bodies are the members of Christ, and temples of the Holy Spirit:
19. they must not therefore be defiled.














Do you not know
This phrase is a rhetorical question used by Paul to remind the Corinthians of a truth they should already be aware of. The Greek word for "know" here is "οἴδατε" (oidate), which implies a deep, intrinsic understanding. Paul is emphasizing the importance of spiritual awareness and knowledge among believers. In the context of the Corinthian church, which was struggling with internal disputes, Paul is urging them to remember their spiritual identity and responsibilities.

that we will judge
The Greek word for "judge" is "κρινοῦμεν" (krinoumen), which means to separate, distinguish, or make a decision. This implies a role of authority and discernment. In the eschatological context, believers are promised a role in God's final judgment, highlighting the dignity and responsibility bestowed upon them. This serves as a reminder of the high calling and future responsibilities of Christians, encouraging them to live righteously and wisely in the present.

angels
The mention of "angels" here is intriguing and profound. Angels, in biblical terms, are spiritual beings created by God, often seen as messengers or servants of God. The Greek word "ἀγγέλους" (angelous) is used. The idea that believers will judge angels suggests a future role of authority over even these celestial beings, which underscores the elevated status of redeemed humanity in God's kingdom. This should inspire believers to live with a sense of purpose and destiny, knowing that their lives have eternal significance.

How much more
This phrase is a form of argument from the greater to the lesser, a common rhetorical device used by Paul. It suggests that if believers are to judge angels, a task of great magnitude, then they are certainly capable of handling lesser matters. This is a call to the Corinthians to exercise wisdom and discernment in their daily lives, particularly in resolving disputes among themselves.

the things of this life
The Greek term "βιωτικά" (biotika) refers to matters pertaining to everyday life. Paul is addressing the practical issues and disputes that arise within the church community. By contrasting these with the future judgment of angels, Paul is emphasizing the importance of handling earthly matters with the wisdom and authority that comes from their identity in Christ. This serves as a reminder to believers to prioritize spiritual maturity and unity, reflecting their heavenly calling in their earthly conduct.

(3) We shall judge angels.--Many conjectures have been made as to the exact significance of the word "angels" here. Some suggest that it must signify bad angels; but this would be an unusual use of the word without any qualifying adjective. It is better, perhaps, to regard the passage as a climax arising out of the Apostle's intense realisation of the unity of Christ and His Church triumphant--a point which seems ever present to the mind of St. Paul when he speaks of the dignity of Christianity. In this sense, redeemed humanity will be superior to, and judges of, the spiritual world. That the words have some such large significance, and are not the expression of a hard and literal fact regarding some members of the angelic host, is, I think, borne out by the subsequent words, where the contrast to "angels" is not "men," but "things" relating to this life.

Verse 3. - That we shall judge angels. Angels, i.e. some who belong, or once did belong, to that class. The statement furnishes no data for further speculation. It can hardly mean "evil spirits," for where the word is entirely unqualified it always means good angels; otherwise we might refer it to the "angels which kept not their first estate" (Jude 1:6). It is impossible, and not straightforward, to explain away the word "angels" as meaning Church officials, etc., or to make the word "judge" mean "involve a condemnation of them by comparison with ourselves." All that we can say is that "God chargeth even his angels with folly, and in his sight the very heavens are not clean" (Job 4:18); and that "to angels hath he not subjected the world to come" (Hebrews 2:5). We must take the plain meaning of the apostle's words, whether we can throw any light on his conceptions or not. The only alternative is to suppose that the word means "those who once were good angels," but are now fallen spirits. It was so understood by Tertullian, Chrysostom, etc. How much more; rather, to say nothing of. The accurate rendering of these verses is a matter of some difficulty, but not to an extent which affects the material sense, or which can be explained without a minute knowledge of Greek.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Do you not know
οἴδατε (oidate)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

we will judge
κρινοῦμεν (krinoumen)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2919: Properly, to distinguish, i.e. Decide; by implication, to try, condemn, punish.

angels?
ἀγγέλους (angelous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 32: From aggello; a messenger; especially an 'angel'; by implication, a pastor.

How much more
μήτιγε (mētige)
Adverb
Strong's 3386: Let alone, much less, much more. From meti and ge; not at all then, i.e. Not to say.

the things of this life!
βιωτικά (biōtika)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 982: Belonging to ordinary life, worldly. From a derivative of bioo; relating to the present existence.


Links
1 Corinthians 6:3 NIV
1 Corinthians 6:3 NLT
1 Corinthians 6:3 ESV
1 Corinthians 6:3 NASB
1 Corinthians 6:3 KJV

1 Corinthians 6:3 BibleApps.com
1 Corinthians 6:3 Biblia Paralela
1 Corinthians 6:3 Chinese Bible
1 Corinthians 6:3 French Bible
1 Corinthians 6:3 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 6:3 Don't you know that we will judge (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor)
1 Corinthians 6:2
Top of Page
Top of Page