A New Translation of Paul’s First Letter to the
Corinthians
Based on the Westcott and Hort Text of 1881 with references to the Papyrus fragments of the Chester Beatty collections, c. 3rd Century A.D. and the Sinaitic Manuscript of the 4th Century.
Some notes on this translation:
Is there a 3rd Corinthians? Our Bible contains two letters from Paul to the Corinthians. However, reference is made to a prior letter, which we do not have. So technically, the books we know as 1st and 2nd Corinthians are really 2nd and 3rd Corinthians!
Gentiles vs. nations: Many translations have translated the Greek root ethn- as Gentiles. We have translated it as nations. The reason for the discrepancy is this: The Hebrew word goyim technically means nations, but as used by the Jews for millennia, the word implies non-Jewish nations, hence, Gentiles. In writing the New Testament, the Greek equivalent of goyim was used, but since the writing was done primarily by Jews, they tended to use the word to mean non-Jewish nations. In reading this translation, readers should keep that in mind, realizing that when Paul said “nations,” he meant “non-Jewish nations.”
Thou vs. YOU: Many people today have a hard time understanding the Elizabethan usage of thou, thee, thy, etc. For this reason, we have chosen to avoid this archaic language. At the same time, we need to be able to fulfill the purpose of those words, which was to distinguish between a singular you and a plural YOU. Following the example of other translations, we have used all capital letters to indicate plural (more than one person addressed), and small letters to indicate singular (one person addressed).
Words in italics: Following the example of other translations, we have used italics for words that are not in the original text, but which are essential to the sense of the original when translated into English. Unlike other translations, however, we have NOT added words which alter the meaning of the original.
Words in (parentheses): These are not part of the biblical text, but are notes of explanation from the translator.
Man and Woman vs. Husband and Wife: Greek has no specific words for husband or wife, but uses the words man and woman, as do many other languages. We have translated the words man and woman as such, but in proper context, the readers should understand them to mean husband and wife.
Perfect vs. Complete: Many English versions use the word “perfect” both as a verb and as an adjective, to translate a particular Greek root. We have also used it occasionally, but it should be understood as perfect in the sense of “complete” and not in the sense of “without flaw.”
1 Corinthians 1
1 Paul, called an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Brother Sosthenes,
2 to the church of God which is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called saints, together with all who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, their Lord and ours:
3 Grace to YOU and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
4 I thank my God always for YOU, for the grace of God which was given to YOU by Christ Jesus;
5 that in everything YOU were enriched by him, in all word and all knowledge;
6 just as the testimony of Christ was established in YOU:
7 so that YOU do not lack in any gift at all; eagerly awaiting the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ;
8 who will also establish YOU to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 God is faithful, through whom YOU were called into the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
10 But I am asking YOU, brethren, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that YOU all speak the same thing and there be no divisions among YOU, but that YOU may be perfected in the same mind and in the same opinion.
11 For it has been made clear to me about YOU, my brethren, by those of the household of Chloe, that there are factions among YOU.
12 What I am saying is this, that each one of YOU says, I am Paul’s; and I am Apollos’: and I am Cephas’; and I am Christ’s.
13 Christ has been divided! Paul was not crucified for YOU. Or were YOU baptized into the name of Paul?
14 I am thankful that I baptized none of YOU, except Crispus and Gaius;
15 so no one should say that YOU were baptized into my name.
16 And I also baptized the household of Stephanas; as for the rest, I don’t know if I baptized anybody else.
17 For Christ did not send me to be baptizing, but to be preaching the gospel: not with wisdom of word, that the cross of Christ should not be made purposeless.
18 For to those who perish, the word of the cross is foolishness; but to us who are saved it is the power of God.
19 For it is written, ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and I will put aside the intelligence of the intelligent.’
20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Hasn’t God made the wisdom of the world foolish?
21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world by its wisdom did not know God, God thought it good to save those who believe through the foolishness of the preaching.
22 Since Jews ask for signs, and Greeks seek wisdom:
23 but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumblingblock, and to the nations foolishness;
24 but to the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ: the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26 For look at your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many powerful, not many high born were called;
27 but God chose the foolish things of the world, so that he might put the wise to shame; and God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put the strong to shame;
28 and God chose the low born of the world, and the despised, and the things that are not, so that he might make the things that are, of no effect:
29 so that no flesh might boast in the sight of God.
30 But YOU are of him in Christ Jesus, who became wisdom to us from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption:
31 so that, as it is written, ‘The one who boasts, let him boast in the Lord.’
1 Corinthians 2
1 And I, having come to YOU, brethren, did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, preaching the mystery of God to YOU.
2 For I decided not to know anything among YOU, except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
3 And I came to YOU in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
4 And my speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of Spirit and of power:
5 so that YOUR faith may not be in men’s wisdom, but in God’s power.
6 But we are speaking wisdom among the mature: but not a wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who will be abolished:
7 but we are speaking God's wisdom in a mystery, having been hidden, which God foreordained before the ages for our glory:
8 which none of the rulers of this age has known: for if they knew, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory:
9 but as it is written, ‘What eye has not seen, and ear not heard, and has not gone up upon the heart of man, as many things as God prepared for those who love him.’
10 For God revealed to us through the Spirit: for the Spirit searches all, and the deep things of God.
11 For who among men has known the things of man, except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one has known the things of God, except the Spirit of God.
12 But we received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is from God, so that we might know the things that were freely given to us by God.
13 Which things we also are speaking, not in words taught by man's wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit; comparing spiritual things with spiritual words.
14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot know them, because they are discerned spiritually.
15 But the spiritual one discerns all things, but he is discerned by no one.
16 For ‘who has known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him?’ But we have the mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 3
1 And I, brethren, was not able to speak to YOU as to spiritual, but as to fleshly, as to babes in Christ.
2 I made YOU drink milk, not food, for YOU were not yet able. But neither are YOU able now;
3 for YOU are still fleshly. For where there is jealousy and strife among you, aren’t YOU fleshly, and aren’t YOU walking in the manner of men?
4 For when one says, I am Paul’s, and another, I am Apollos’, aren’t YOU men?
5 What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Ministers through whom YOU believed, and to each as the Lord gave.
6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God made it grow.
7 So then neither the one planting is anything, nor the one watering; but God, the one making it grow.
8 But the one planting and the one watering are one: but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor.
9 For we are God's fellow-workers: YOU are God's field, God's building.
10 According to the grace of God given to me, as a wise architect, I laid a foundation; but another is building on it. But let each one watch how he builds on it.
11 For no one can lay any other foundation than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 But if anyone is building on the foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13 each one's work will be made manifest: for the day will make it evident, because it is revealed by fire; and the fire itself shall prove each one's work, of what sort it is.
14 If anyone's work which he built on it will remain, he will receive a reward.
15 If anyone's work will be burned down, he will be injured, but he himself will be saved; but so as through fire.
16 Do YOU not know that YOU are God’s temple, and the Spirit of God is dwelling in YOU?
17 If anyone ruins the temple of God, God will ruin him; for the temple of God, which YOU are, is holy.
18 Let no one deceive himself: If anyone among YOU thinks he is wise in this age, let him become a fool, so that he might become wise.
19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, ‘He captures the wise in their craftiness;’
20 and again, ‘The Lord knows the reasonings of the wise, that they are empty.’
21 And so let no one boast in men. For all things are YOURS:
22 whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are YOURS;
23 but YOU are Christ's; and Christ is God's.
1 Corinthians 4
1 Let a man so consider us, as subordinates of Christ, and treasurers of the mysteries of God.
2 Here, furthermore, it is sought in treasurers that someone faithful might be found.
3 But to me, it is trivial that I should be judged by YOU or by a human judgment: I am not even judging myself.
4 For I am conscious of nothing against myself, but I am not justified by this; but he that judges me is the Lord.
5 And so do not judge anything before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and make manifest the counsels of the hearts; and then praise will come to each from God.
6 But these things, brethren, I have applied to myself and Apollos for YOUR sakes, so that by us YOU might learn not to go beyond the things which are written, so that no one be puffed up for one against the other.
7 For who makes you differ? And what do you have that you did not receive? But if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
8 Are YOU already filled? Are YOU already rich? Have YOU reigned without us? And I wish that YOU did reign, so that we also might reign with YOU.
9 For I think God has shown us, the apostles, last of all, as appointed to death: for we became a public spectacle to the world and to angels and to men.
10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but YOU are wise in Christ; we are weak, but YOU are strong; YOU are glorious, but we are dishonored.
11 And to this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty, and are naked, and are beaten, and homeless;
12 and we labor, working with our own hands: being taunted, we bless; being persecuted, we endure;
13 being defamed, we entreat: we became as the garbage of the world, the scum of all, even until now.
14 I am writing these things not to shame YOU, but to admonish YOU as my beloved children.
15 For YOU may have ten thousand babysitters in Christ, but not many fathers; for by Christ Jesus I begot YOU through the gospel. (Babysitters: The Greek word means a servant whose sole duty was to bring children to and from school in place of the parents.)
16 I am asking YOU, therefore, to become imitators of me.
17 For this reason I sent Timothy to YOU, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who will remind YOU of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church.
18 But some were puffed up, as though I were not coming to YOU.
19 But I will come to YOU shortly, if the Lord is willing; and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but their power.
20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
21 What do YOU want? Should I come to YOU with a rod, or with love and a spirit of mildness?
1 Corinthians 5
1 It is commonly heard that there is fornication among YOU, and such fornication as is not even among the nations, that someone has his father's woman.
2 And YOU are puffed up, and did not mourn instead, in order that the one who did this deed might be taken away from YOUR midst.
3 For indeed I, being absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged the one who has worked this way, as though I were present,
4 in the name of our Lord Jesus, YOU being gathered together, with my spirit, together with the power of our Lord Jesus,
5 to surrender such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that the spirit might be saved in the day of the Lord. (Some versions say “in the day of the Lord Jesus.”)
6 Your boasting is not good. Don’t YOU know that a little yeast leavens the whole lump?
7 Clean out the old yeast, so that YOU may be a new lump, just as YOU are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover, was also sacrificed,
8 so may we keep the feast, not with old yeast, neither with the yeast of evil and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
9 I wrote to YOU in my letter not to associate with fornicators;
10 not meaning altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the greedy and extortioners, or with idolaters; since then YOU would actually have to leave the world!
11 But I wrote to YOU not to associate, if anyone who is called a brother is a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a taunter, or a drunkard, or an extortioner, not to eat with such a one.
12 For what do I have to do with judging those outside? Don’t YOU judge those inside,
13 while God judges those outside? Put the wicked one away from among YOURSELVES.
1 Corinthians 6
1 Do any of YOU, having a matter against another, dare to go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?
2 Or don’t YOU know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is judged by YOU, are YOU unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
3 Don’t YOU know that we will judge angels? Why not then things pertaining to this life?
4 If then YOU have to judge things pertaining to this life, do YOU seat as judges those who are least esteemed by the church?
5 I am saying this to YOUR shame. Is there among YOU no one wise who will be able to judge between his brethren,
6 but brother goes to law with brother, and this before unbelievers?
7 Indeed, therefore, already there is altogether fault in you: It is that YOU have lawsuits among YOURSELVES. Why not rather be treated unjustly? Why not rather be defrauded?
8 But YOU are treating unjustly, and defrauding, and brethren, at that!
9 Or don’t YOU know that the unjust will not inherit the kingdom of God? Don’t be misled: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor soft ones (an idiom, likely referring to wealthy people who live for their own comfort. Compare “fat cats.”), nor those women who sleep with men,
10 nor thieves, nor greedy, nor drunkards, nor taunters, nor extortioners, will inherit the kingdom of God.
11 And some of YOU were these: but YOU were washed, but YOU were sanctified, but YOU were justified in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the Spirit of our God.
12 All things are lawful for me; but not all things are good for me. All things are lawful for me; but I will not be brought under the authority by any.
13 Foods are for the belly, and the belly for foods: but God will do away with both it and them. But the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body:
14 and God both raised the Lord, and will raise us up, through his power.
15 Don’t YOU know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take away the members of Christ, and make them members of a prostitute? May it not happen!
16 Or don’t YOU know that the one who is joined to a prostitute is one body? For, ‘The two,’ he says, ‘will be one flesh.’
17 But the one joined to the Lord is one spirit.
18 Flee from fornication. Every sin that a man might do is outside the body; but the one committing fornication sins into his own body.
19 Or don’t YOU know that YOUR body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in YOU, which YOU have from God? And YOU are not YOUR own;
20 for YOU were bought with a price: Therefore glorify God with YOUR body.
1 Corinthians 7
1 But about the things which YOU wrote: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
2 But, because of fornications, let each man have his own woman, and let each woman have her own man.
3 Let the man render to the woman her due: and likewise also the woman to the man.
4 The woman does not have authority over her own body, but the man: and likewise also the man does not have authority over his own body, but the woman.
5 Do not deprive one another, unless by consent for a season, so that YOU might have free time for prayer, and then come back together again for it, so that Satan might not tempt YOU through YOUR lack of strength.
6 But I am saying this as a concession, not as a commandment.
7 But I would want all men to be also as I am myself. However each has his own gift from God, one this, but the other that.
8 But I am saying to the unmarried and to widows, it is good for them if they remain as I am.
9 But if they do not have self-restraint, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to be on fire.
10 But to the married I am delivering a message, not I, but the Lord, that a woman not be separated from her man
11 but if she should be separated, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her man; and that the man should not leave his woman.
12 But to the rest I am saying, not the Lord: If any brother has an unbelieving woman, and she thinks well to dwell with him, let him not leave her.
13 And the woman who has an unbelieving man, and he thinks well to dwell with her, let her not leave her man.
14 For the unbelieving man has been sanctified by the woman, and the unbelieving woman has been sanctified by the brother: otherwise YOUR children would be unclean; but now they are holy.
15 But if the unbelieving one departs, let him depart: the brother or the sister is not in bondage in such cases, but God has called YOU in peace (some versions say “us” instead of “YOU”).
16 For how do you know, woman, whether you will save your man? Or how do you know, man, whether you will save your woman?
17 But, as the Lord has distributed to each, as God has called each, so let him walk. And so I am ordaining in all the churches.
18 Was anyone called being circumcised? Let him not uncircumcise himself (literally, “pull over”). Has anyone been called in uncircumcision? Let him not be circumcised.
19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing; but the keeping of the commandments of God is something.
20 Let each remain in the calling to which he was called.
21 Were you called being a slave? Don’t be concerned with it: but, if you can become free, so much the better: make use of the opportunity.
22 For the one who was called by the Lord being a slave, is the Lord's freedman: likewise the freedman that was called is Christ's slave.
23 YOU were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.
24 Brethren, let each one, in what he was called, remain in it with God.
25 But concerning the virgins, I do not have a commandment from the Lord: but I am giving my opinion, as one having been shown mercy by the Lord to be faithful.
26 I think therefore, that this is good, because of the necessity existing at present, that it is good for a man to be as he is.
27 Are you bound to a woman? Do not seek loosening. Are you loosed from a woman? Do not seek a woman.
28 But if you should marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin should marry, she has not sinned. But such will have tribulation in the flesh: but I am sparing you.
29 But I say this, brethren, the time is winding up, that from now on also those who have women may be as though they had none;
30 and those weeping, as though not weeping; and those rejoicing, as though not rejoicing; and those buying, as though not possessing;
31 and those using the world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world is passing away.
32 But I would like you to be free from anxiety. The unmarried one is concerned for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord:
33 but the married one is careful for the things of the world, how he may please his woman,
34 and is divided. And the unmarried virgin woman is concerned for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but the married woman is concerned for the things of the world, how she may please her man.
35 But I am saying this for your own good; not so that I might throw a noose over you, but for that which is becoming and allows YOU to attend upon the Lord without distraction.
36 But if anyone thinks that he is behaving improperly in regard to his virgin daughter, if she is past the prime of her youth, and if it must happen so, let him do what he wants; he is not sinning; let them marry.
37 But the one who has stood firmly in his heart, having no necessity, but having authority concerning his own will, and has decided in his own heart to withhold his own virgin daughter, will do well.
38 So then both the one giving his own virgin daughter in marriage does well; and the one not giving her in marriage will do better.
39 A woman is bound for so long a time as her man lives; but if the man should sleep (i.e. die), she is free to be married to whomever she will; only in the Lord.
40 But she is happier if she remains as she is, in my opinion: for I think I also have the Spirit of God.
1 Corinthians 8
1 But about the food offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
2 If anyone thinks to have known anything, he still doesn’t know like he ought to know;
3 but if anyone loves God, this one is known by him.
4 Therefore about the eating of food offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that no one is God but one.
5 For even if there are ones called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, just as there are many gods, and many lords;
6 but for us, one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we are for him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and we through him.
7 However, that knowledge is not in all: but some, being accustomed to the idol until now, eat as though the food was offered to an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
8 But food will not bring us before God: neither, if we don’t eat, are we the worse; nor, if we eat, are we the better.
9 But watch out, lest somehow this authority of YOURS become a stumblingblock to the weak.
10 For if anyone should see you, who have knowledge, sitting (literally “lying down,” the usual position assumed for eating in that culture) in an idol's temple, won’t his conscience, being weak, be built up to eat food offered to idols?
11 For by your knowledge the one who is weak is being destroyed, the brother for whose sake Christ died.
12 And thus, sinning against the brethren, and striking their conscience that is weak, YOU are sinning against Christ.
13 Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again forever, so that I won’t cause my brother to stumble.
1 Corinthians 9
1 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Haven’t I seen Jesus our Lord? Aren’t YOU my work in the Lord?
2 If to others I am not an apostle, nevertheless to YOU I am; for YOU are my seal of apostleship in the Lord.
3 My defense to those examining me is this:
4 Don’t we have a right to eat and to drink?
5 Don’t we have a right to walk around with a woman who is a Sister, just like the rest of the apostles, and the Lord’s brothers, and Cephas?
6 Or I and Barnabas only, we have no right not to be working? (i.e., a secular job)
7 Who ever does military service at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard, and does not eat the fruit of it? Or who shepherds a flock, and does not eat some of the milk of the flock?
8 I am not speaking these things after the manner of men: Doesn’t the law also say these things?
9 For it is written in the law of Moses, ‘You will not muzzle a threshing ox.’ Is it that God cares about oxen,
10 or is he saying it altogether for our sake? It was written for our sake: because the one plowing should plow in hope, and the one threshing, in hope of partaking.
11 If we sowed to YOU spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap YOUR fleshly things?
12 If others partake of this authority over YOU, should not we more? Nevertheless we did not use this right; but we bear all things, so that we may cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ.
13 Don’t YOU know that those who work the sacred things eat of the things of the temple, that those attending the altar have a portion with the altar?
14 So also the Lord ordained that those who proclaim the gospel live of the gospel.
15 But I have used none of these things: and I didn’t write these things so that it should become so for me; for it would be better for me to die, than that anyone would make my boasting empty.
16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of; for necessity is laid upon me; for woe is to me, if I do not preach the gospel.
17 For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward: but if involuntarily, I have been entrusted with a stewardship.
18 What then is my reward? That, preaching the gospel, I might set forth the gospel without cost, so as not to misuse my right in the gospel.
19 For, being free from all, I enslaved myself to all, so that I might win more people.
20 And to the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those under the law, as under the law, not being myself under the law, so that I might win those under the law;
21 to those without law, as without law, not being without a law of God, but within the law of Christ, so that I might win those without law.
22 To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak: I am become all things to all people, so that by all means I might save some.
23 But I am doing all these for the gospel's sake, so that I may become a joint partaker of it.
24 Don’t YOU know that those running a race all indeed run, but one receives the prize? So run, so that YOU might take the prize.
25 But everyone competing exercises self-control in all things: Those, in order to receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
26 I therefore am thus running, as not uncertainly; so I am boxing, as not thrashing the air:
27 but I punch my own body in the eye, and bring it into slavery: lest somehow, having preached to others, I myself should be rejected.
1 Corinthians 10
1 For I am not willing for YOU to be ignorant, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
2 and were all baptized into Moses by the cloud and by the sea;
3 and all ate the same spiritual food;
4 and all drank the same spiritual drink: for they were drinking out of a spiritual rock that followed them: and the rock was Christ.
5 However, God was not well pleased with most of them: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
6 But these things happened as models for us, to the end that we should not desire evil things, just as they also desired.
7 Neither become idolaters, as some of them; as it is written, ‘The people sat down to eat and drink, and stood up to play.’
8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed fornication, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day.
9 Neither let us put the Lord to the test, as some of them tested, and perished by the serpents.
10 Neither murmur, as some of them murmured, and perished by the destroyer.
11 But these things happened to them as examples; and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.
12 Therefore let the one who thinks he stands watch out lest he fall.
13 No temptation has taken YOU except what is common to humanity: but God is faithful, who will not permit YOU to be tempted more than YOU are able; but with the temptation will also make the way out, that YOU will be able to endure it.
14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
15 I am speaking as to wise: YOU judge what I say.
16 The cup of blessing which we bless, isn’t it a sharing of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, isn’t it a sharing of the body of Christ?
17 Because we, the many, are one bread, one body: for we all partake of the one bread.
18 Look at Israel after the flesh: Aren’t those who eat the sacrifices sharers of the altar?
19 What do I say then? That a thing offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything?
20 But that the things the nations are offering, they offer to demons, and not to God: and I am not willing for YOU to become sharers with demons.
21 YOU cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of demons: YOU cannot partake of the table of the Lord, and of the table of demons.
22 Or are we provoking the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?
23 All things are lawful; but not all things are good for us. All things are lawful; but not all things build us up.
24 Let no one seek his own advantage, but that of the other person.
25 Whatever is being sold in the meat market, eat, asking no questions, for conscience' sake,
26 for ‘the earth is the Lord's, and its fullness.’
27 If any of the unbelievers invites YOU, and YOU are willing to go, eat whatever is set before YOU, asking no questions for conscience' sake.
28 But if any one should say to YOU, This has been offered as a sacrifice, don’t eat it, for the sake of the one who disclosed it, and for conscience’ sake:
29 But conscience, I am saying, not your own, but the other's; for why is my liberty judged by another conscience?
30 If I partake with thanks, why am I blasphemed for that for which I am giving thanks?
31 Therefore, whether YOU are eating, or drinking, or whatever YOU are doing, do all for the glory of God.
32 Do not become causes of stumbling, either to Jews, or to Greeks, or to the church of God:
33 just as I also am pleasing all people in all things, not seeking my own advantage, but that of the many, so that they might be saved.
1 Corinthians 11
1 Become imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.
2 And I praise YOU because YOU have remembered all my teachings, and are holding fast the precepts, just as I delivered them to you.
3 But I would like YOU to know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, is dishonoring his head.
5 But every woman praying or prophesying with her head uncovered dishonors her head; for it is one and the same as if she were shaved.
6 For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shaved: but if it is disgraceful to a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.
7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, being the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.
8 For man is not out of woman; but woman out of man:
9 For also man was not created for the sake of woman; but woman for the sake of man:
10 for this reason the woman ought to have authority on her head, for the sake of the angels.
11 Besides, neither woman without man, nor man without woman, in the Lord.
12 For as the woman is out of the man, so also is the man through the woman; but all things are from God.
13 YOU judge for YOURSELVES: is it proper for a woman to be praying to God uncovered?
14 Doesn’t human nature itself teach you, that, if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him?
15 But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her: because long hair is given to her instead of a covering.
16 But if anyone seems quarrelsome (literally “seems to be fond of quarrels”), we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.
17 But giving this instruction, I am not praising, because YOU do not come together for the better but for the worse.
18 For first of all, when YOU come together for church, I hear that divisions exist among YOU; and I partly believe it.
19 For there must also be heresies among YOU, so that those who are approved might become manifest among YOU.
20 Therefore, when YOU assemble together in one place, it isn’t to eat the Lord's supper:
21 for each one takes his own supper to eat in front of the others; and one is hungry, and another is drunk.
22 Don’t YOU have houses for eating and drinking? Or are YOU dishonoring the church of God, and shaming those who do not have? What should I say to YOU? Should I praise YOU? I do not praise YOU in this.
23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to YOU, that the Lord Jesus, on the night in which he was handed over, took bread;
24 and having given thanks, he broke it, and said, This is my body, which is for YOU: do this for a remembrance of me.
25 Likewise also the cup, after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood: do this, as often as YOU drink it, for a remembrance of me.
26 For as often as YOU eat this bread, and drink the cup, YOU announce the Lord's death until he comes.
27 Therefore whoever may eat the bread or drink the cup of the Lord unworthily, will be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord.
28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of the cup.
29 For the one eating and drinking, not thoroughly judging the body, eats and drinks judgment to himself.
30 For this reason, many among YOU are weak and sick, and quite a few are sleeping.
31 But if we thoroughly judged ourselves, we would not be judged.
32 But being judged, we are disciplined by the Lord, so that we should not be condemned with the world.
33 Therefore, my brethren, when coming together to eat, wait for one another.
34 If anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, so that YOU don’t come together into judgment. And I will set the rest in order whenever I come.
1 Corinthians 12
1 But about the spiritual things, brethren, I am not willing for YOU to be ignorant.
2 YOU know that when YOU were of the nations YOU were led away to the unspeaking (literally, “soundless” or “voiceless”) idols, however YOU were led.
3 Therefore I am making known to YOU, that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, ‘Jesus is anathema’; and no one can say, ‘Lord Jesus,’ but by the Holy Spirit.
4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord.
6 And there are varieties of operations, but the same God, who works all things in all people.
7 But to each one is given the evidence of the Spirit for the good of all.
8 For a word of wisdom is given to one through the Spirit; but to another a word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit:
9 to another faith, by the same Spirit; but to another gifts of healings, by the one Spirit;
10 but to another operations of miraculous powers; but to another prophecy; but to another discernings of spirits; to another different kinds of tongues; but to another interpretation of tongues:
11 but the one and the same Spirit works all these, distributing to each one separately as he wishes.
12 For just as the body is one, and has many members, but all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ.
13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free; and were all made to drink of one Spirit.
14 For the body also is not one member, but many.
15 If the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body;’ it is not because of this not of the body.
16 And if the ear should say, ‘Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body;’ it is not because of this not of the body.
17 If the whole body is an eye, where is the hearing? If the whole is hearing, where is the smelling?
18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body, just as he wanted.
19 But if all are one member, where is the body?
20 But now they are many members, but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you,’ or again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you.’
22 But much rather, the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary:
23 and those parts of the body, which we think to be less honorable, to these we present more abundant honor; and our unappealing parts have more abundant appeal;
24 but our appealing parts have no need: but God put the body together, giving more abundant honor to the part that lacked;
25 so that there may not be division in the body; but that the members should have the same concern one for another.
26 And if one member is suffering, all the members suffer together; if a member is glorified, all the members rejoice together.
27 But YOU are the body of Christ, and members individually.
28 And God has set some in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miraculous powers, then gifts of healings, helps, leaderships, different kinds of tongues.
29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miraculous powers?
30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?
31 But earnestly desire the greater gifts. But now I will show YOU a more excellent way:
1 Corinthians 13
1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become noisy brass, or a clanging cymbal.
2 And if I have prophecy, and know all the mysteries and all the knowledge; and if I have all the faith, so as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
3 And if I give all my belongings to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body so that I might boast, but do not have love, I am profited nothing.
4 Love is patient, it is kind; love is not jealous; it does not brag, is not puffed up,
5 does not behave unseemly, does not seek its own advantage, is not provoked, does not keep an inventory of evil;
6 Does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth.
7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never fails: but whether there are prophecies, they will be abolished; whether there are tongues, they will come to an end; whether there is knowledge, it will be done away with.
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part;
10 but when what is perfect comes, what is in part will be done away with.
11 When I was a baby, I spoke like a baby; I thought like a baby, I reasoned like a baby: now that I have become a man, I have done away with the things of a baby.
12 For now we are looking in a mirror, in dimness; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then I will know fully, just as I was also fully known.
13 But now faith, hope, and love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 14
1 Pursue love; but earnestly desire the spiritual things, but especially that YOU may prophesy.
2 For the one speaking in a tongue is not speaking to men, but to God; for no one is listening; but in the Spirit he is speaking mysteries.
3 But the one prophesying speaks building up and encouragement and consolation to men.
4 The one speaking in a tongue is building himself up; but the one prophesying builds up the church.
5 Now I would like YOU all to speak in tongues, but especially that YOU may prophesy: and the one prophesying is greater than the one speaking in tongues, unless he interprets so the church might receive edification.
6 But now, brethren, if I come to YOU speaking in tongues, what use would I be to YOU, unless I speak to YOU either by a revelation, or by knowledge, or by a prophecy, or by a teaching?
7 Even inanimate things giving sound, whether a flute or a harp, if it does not give a variation in the notes, how will it be known what is being played on the flute or played on the harp?
8 For also, if a trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who will prepare himself for war?
9 So also YOU, unless YOU give a clear (literally “well indicated”) word by the tongue, how will what is spoken be known? For YOU will be speaking into the air.
10 It may be that there are so many kinds of sounds in the world, and none is soundless.
11 Therefore, if I don’t know the meaning of the sound, I will be a barbarian to the one speaking, and the one speaking, a barbarian to me.
12 So also YOU, since YOU are zealous of gifts of the Spirit, seek that YOU may abound to the building up of the church.
13 So let the one speaking in a tongue, pray that he may interpret.
14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit is praying, but my understanding is unfruitful.
15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, but I will pray with the understanding also: I will make melody with the spirit, but I will make melody with the understanding also.
16 Since, if you bless with the spirit, how will the one filling the place of the ordinary person (or possibly, “ignorant” or “unlearned”) say ‘Amen’ at your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying?
17 For you indeed are giving thanks well, but the other is not built up.
18 I thank God more than all of YOU I speak in tongues:
19 however in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.
20 Brethren, don’t become children in intellect; in evil be babies, but in intellect be adults.
21 In the law it is written, ‘With other tongues and with lips of others I will speak to this people; and still they will not hear me, says the Lord.’
22 So tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe, but to the unbelievers; but prophecy is not to the unbelievers, but to those who believe.
23 Therefore, if the whole church is assembled together in the same place, and all are speaking in tongues, but ordinary people (or possibly, “ignorant” or “unlearned”) or unbelievers should come in, won’t they say that YOU’re crazy?
24 But if all are prophesying, and any unbeliever or ordinary person should come in, he is reproved by all, he is discerned by all;
25 the hidden things of his heart become apparent; and so, having fallen on his face, he will worship God, declaring that ‘God is truly among YOU!’
26 Therefore, what is it, brethren? Whenever YOU come together, every one of YOU has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation! Let all be done for building up.
27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let it be two, or at the most, three, and by turn; and let someone interpret:
28 but if there is no interpreter, let him keep silence in church; but let him speak to himself, and to God.
29 And let the prophets speak --two or three-- and let the others discern.
30 But if something is revealed to another sitting by, let the first keep silence.
31 For YOU all can prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be encouraged;
32 and the spirits of the prophets are in subjection to the prophets;
33 for God is not of disorder, but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,
34 let the women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted to them to speak; but let them be in subjection, as the law also says.
35 But if they would like to understand something, let them ask their own men at home: for it is disgraceful for a woman to be talking in church.
36 What, did the word of God come out from YOU? Or did it reach only as far as YOU?
37 If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge what I am writing to YOU, because it is the commandment of the Lord.
38 But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant.
39 So, my brethren, be zealous to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.
40 But let all things be done decently and in order.
1 Corinthians 15
1 But I am making known to YOU, brethren, the gospel which I preached to YOU, which YOU also received, in which YOU have also stood,
2 by which YOU are also saved, if YOU hold fast the word I preached to YOU, unless YOU believed in vain.
3 For I delivered to YOU first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 and that he was buried; and that he has been raised on the third day according to the scriptures;
5 and that he was seen by Cephas; then by the twelve;
6 then he was seen by more than five hundred brethren at once, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep;
7 then he was seen by James (Jacob); then by all the apostles;
8 but last of all, as to one born at the wrong time, he was seen by me also.
9 For I am the least of the apostles, who am not qualified to be called apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace for me was not found vain; but I labored more abundantly than all of them: yet not I, but the grace of God with me.
11 Therefore, whether I or they, so we are preaching, and so YOU believed.
12 But if Christ is being preached that he has been raised from the dead, how are some among YOU saying that there is no resurrection of the dead?
13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, neither has Christ been raised:
14 and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is really in vain; YOUR faith is also in vain.
15 And we are also found to be false witnesses of God, because we testified about God, that he raised up Christ: whom he did not raise up, if the dead really are not raised.
16 For if the dead are not raised, neither has Christ been raised:
17 but if Christ has not been raised, YOUR faith is in vain; YOU are still in YOUR sins.
18 Also, those who have fallen asleep in Christ have in fact perished.
19 If we have been hoping in Christ for this life only, we are of all men most pitiable.
20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who are asleep.
21 For since death is by a man, the resurrection of the dead is also by a man.
22 For as by Adam all die, so also by Christ all will be made alive.
23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then those who are Christ's at his coming,
24 then the end, when he will hand the kingdom over to his God and Father; when he will have abolished all government and all authority and power.
25 For he must reign until he has put all enemies under his feet.
26 The last enemy being abolished is death.
27 For, he in subjected all things under his feet. But when he says that all things have been subjected, it is evident that the one who subjected all things to him is excepted.
28 But when all things have been subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who subjected all things to him, so that God may be all in all.
29 Otherwise, what will the ones who are baptized for the dead do? If the dead are not raised at all, why then are they being baptized for them?
30 Why are we also in danger every hour?
31 I attest, brethren, by the boasting over YOU which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, that I am dying every day.
32 If, according to the custom of men, I fought wild beasts at Ephesus, what benefit is it to me? If the dead are not raised, we should eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.
33 Do not be misled: Evil companionships corrupt good habits.
34 Rouse YOURSELVES from stupor righteously, and do not sin; for some have ignorance of God: I am speaking to shame YOU.
35 But someone will say, ‘How are the dead raised? And with what kind of body are they coming?’
36 You stupid one, the seed which you sow is not made alive unless it dies:
37 and what you sow, you don’t sow the body that it will become, but a naked seed kernel, perhaps of wheat, or of some other;
38 but God gives it a body just as he wanted, and to each seed its own body.
39 All flesh is not the same flesh: but one of men, and another flesh of domestic animals, and another flesh of birds, and another of fish.
40 Also heavenly bodies, and earthly bodies: but the glory of the heavenly is one, and the glory of the earthly is another.
41 One glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory.
42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
43 it is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
44 it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual.
45 So also it is written, ‘The first man Adam became a living soul. The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.
46 However the spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the spiritual.
47 The first man is from the earth, of dust: the second man is from heaven.
48 As is the one of dust, so are the dusty also: and as is the heavenly one, so are the heavenly also.
49 And as we have borne the image of the one of dust, we should also bear the image of the heavenly one.
50 But I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither does corruption inherit incorruption.
51 Look, I am telling YOU a mystery: We will not all be laid to sleep, but we will all be changed,
52 in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54 But when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then the word that is written will take place, ‘Death was swallowed up in victory.’
55 ‘Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your sting?’
56 But the sting of death is sin; and the power of sin is the law:
57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 So, my beloved brethren, become steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that YOUR labor is not in vain with the Lord.
1 Corinthians 16
1 Now about the collection for the saints, just as I ordered the churches of Galatia, YOU should also do this:
2 On the day after Sabbath let each one of YOU set aside in store at his home, as he may be prospering, so that when I come, collections are not taking place then.
3 But when I arrive, will I send whomever YOU should approve with letters to carry YOUR gift to Jerusalem:
4 but if it is appropriate for me to go also, they will go with me.
5 But I will come to YOU, when I have come through Macedonia; for I am coming through Macedonia;
6 but perhaps I will remain with YOU, or spend the winter, so that YOU may send me forward wherever I may go.
7 For I don’t want to see YOU right now on the way; for I am hoping to stay by you a while, if the Lord should permit.
8 But I am remaining in Ephesus until Pentecost;
9 for a great and active door has been opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
10 But if Timothy should come, see that he comes to you without fear; for he is working the work of the Lord, as I am:
11 Therefore no one should look down on him. But send him forward in peace, so that he may come to me: for I am waiting for him with the brethren.
12 But about Brother Apollos, I requested of him very much to come to YOU with the brethren: and it was not at all his will to come now; but he will come whenever he might have an opportunity.
13 Stay awake, stand firmly in the faith, be men, be strong.
14 Let all YOU do be in love.
15 But I ask YOU, brethren --YOU know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves to minister to the saints --,
16 that YOU also subject YOURSELVES to such as these, and to every one working together and laboring.
17 But I am rejoicing at the arrival of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: because they filled up what was lacking on YOUR part.
18 For they refreshed my spirit and YOURS: Therefore recognize such as these.
19 The churches of Asia greet YOU. Aquila and Prisca (nickname for Priscilla) greet YOU much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
20 All the brethren greet YOU. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21 My greeting, Paul’s, with my own hand.
22 If any one does not love the Lord, let him be anathema. Maranatha.*
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with YOU. (Some versions add “Christ” after “Jesus.”)
24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. (Some versions add “Amen.”)
*This is an Aramaic phrase. “Maran atha” means “Our Lord has come.” Due to flexibility of tenses in ancient Semitic languages, it can also mean “Our Lord is coming” or “Our Lord will come.”