What does 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 mean?
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 teaches the sanctity of the body. Because the Holy Spirit dwells within believers, their physical bodies are sacred temples. This truth is the basis for sexual purity and stewardship of physical health.
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples 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 honor God with your bodies.”
— 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)
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Understanding 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 revolutionizes how we view our physical selves. Paul is addressing sexual immorality in the Corinthian church, where some believed that what they did with their bodies didn't affect their spirits.
"Your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit" — In the Old Testament, God's presence dwelt in the Tabernacle and then the Temple. Now, that presence dwells in us. This makes the body sacred ground. Desecrating the body with sin is like vandalizing the sanctuary of God.
"You are not your own; you were bought at a price" — This is the language of the slave market. Christ "redeemed" (bought back) us with His blood. We belong to Him. This counters the modern slogan "my body, my choice." For the Christian, it is "God's body, God's choice."
"Therefore honor God with your bodies" — The conclusion is practical. Because your body is God's temple and property, what you do with it matters. This applies most directly to sexual purity (the context), but also extends to how we feed, rest, clothe, and care for our bodies.
This verse elevates the physical body. It is not a shell to be discarded or a playground for indulgence. It is the vessel of the Living God, worthy of honor and discipline.
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