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1 Corinthians 5:3

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 5:3 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For I verily, being absent in body but present in spirit, have already as though I were present judged him that hath so wrought this thing,” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For I verily, being absent in body but present in spirit, have already as though I were present judged him that hath so wrought this thing,
1 Corinthians 5:3 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 5

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1It is actually reported that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not even among the Gentiles, that one [of you] hath his father`s wife.
2And ye are puffed up, and did not rather mourn, that he that had done this deed might be taken away from among you.
3For I verily, being absent in body but present in spirit, have already as though I were present judged him that hath so wrought this thing,
4in the name of our Lord Jesus, ye being gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus,
5to deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
6Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
← 1 Corinthians 5:21 Corinthians 5:4 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For I verily, as absent in body, etc.] As he really was, being now at Philippi, if any dependence is to be had upon the subscription of this epistle; or rather at Ephesus; however, wherever he was, it is certain he was not at Corinth: but present in spirit; in his affection to them, care of them, and concern for their good, and the glory of God: have judged already; he had considered of the matter, thought very deliberately about it, and was now come to a point, to a determination concerning it, what to do in it: as though I were present; upon the spot, in person, to do what he had resolved upon: to him that hath so done this deed; this infamous one, and in so scandalous a manner, and which…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“as absent--The best manuscripts read, "being absent." present in spirit-- (Kg2 5:26; Col 2:5). so done--rather, "perpetrated," as the Greek word here is stronger than that for "done" in Co1 5:2. "So," that is, so scandalously while called a brother.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For I verily - But I, whatever it may cost me; however you may esteem my interference; and whatever personal ill-will may be the result toward me, have adjudged this case to be so flagrant as to demand the exercise of discipline, and since the church to whom it belongs have neglected it, I use the authority of an apostle, and of a spiritual father, in directing it to take place. This was not a formal sentence of excommunication; but it was the declared opinion of an apostle that such a sentence should be passed, and an injunction on the church to exercise this act of discipline. As absent in body - Since I am not personally present with you, I express my opinion in this manner. I am absent…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“I verily, as present in spirit - Having a full (it seems, a miraculous) view of the whole fact. Have already, as if I were actually present, judged him who hath so scandalously done this. 1 Corinthians 5:4”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“5:3 in the Spirit: Paul’s spiritual unity with them and the authority he had received from God through the Spirit were effective among them.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“as absent: Co2 10:1, Co2 10:11, Co2 13:2; Col 2:5; Th1 2:17 judged: or, determined 1 Corinthians 5:4”
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Related study paths

Read 1 Corinthians 5 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification