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1 Corinthians 6:5

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 6:5 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “I say [this] to move you to shame. What, cannot there be [found] among you one wise man who shall be able to decide between his brethren,” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

I say [this] to move you to shame. What, cannot there be [found] among you one wise man who shall be able to decide between his brethren,
1 Corinthians 6:5 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 6

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
2Or know ye not that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world is judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
3Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more, things that pertain to this life?
4If then ye have to judge things pertaining to this life, do ye set them to judge who are of no account in the church?
5I say [this] to move you to shame. What, cannot there be [found] among you one wise man who shall be able to decide between his brethren,
6but brother goeth to law with brother, and that before unbelievers?
7Nay, already it is altogether a defect in you, that ye have lawsuits one with another. Why not rather take wrong? why not rather be defrauded?
8Nay, but ye yourselves do wrong, and defraud, and that [your] brethren.
← 1 Corinthians 6:41 Corinthians 6:6 →
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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
“I speak to your shame, etc.] Not that they did set such persons to judge, but that they did not; and instead of so doing went to law with their brethren before the unjust: is it so that there is not a wise man among you? this also the apostle speaks to their shame, who had so much gloried in their wisdom, and boasted of their parts and abilities to the contempt of others, and even of the apostle himself; and yet acted as if there was not a wise man among them capable of judging and determining trivial matters, but they must carry them before unconverted persons: no not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren? for though the above mentioned benches consisted of three persons, yet…”
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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
“your shame--Thus he checks their puffed-up spirit (Co1 5:2; compare Co1 15:34). To shame you out of your present unworthy course of litigation before the heathen, I have said (Co1 6:4), "Set the least esteemed in the Church to judge." Better even this, than your present course. Is it so?--Are you in such a helpless state that, &c.? not a wise man--though ye admire "wisdom" so much on other occasions (Co1 1:5, Co1 1:22). Paul alludes probably to the title, "cachain," or wise man, applied to each Rabbi in Jewish councils. no, not one--not even one, amidst so many reputed among you for wisdom (Co1 3:18; Co1 4:6). shall be able--when applied to. brethren--literally, "brother"; that is, judge…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“I speak to your shame - I declare that which is a reproach to you, that your matters of dispute are carried before pagan tribunals. Is it so ... - Can it be that in the Christian church - the church collected in refined and enlightened Corinth - there is not a single member so wise, intelligent and prudent that his brethren may have confidence in him, and refer their causes to him? Can this be the case in a church that boasts so much of its wisdom, and that prides itself so much in the number and qualifications of its intelligent members? return to 'Top of Page'”
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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
“Is there not one among you, who are such admirers of wisdom, that is wise enough to decide such causes? 1 Corinthians 6:7”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“to your: Co1 4:14, Co1 11:14, Co1 15:34 Is it: Co1 3:18, Co1 4:10; Pro 14:8; Jam 1:5, Jam 3:13-18 1 Corinthians 6:6”
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Related study paths

Read 1 Corinthians 6 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification