New International VersionBrothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ.
New Living TranslationDear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn’t talk to you as I would to spiritual people. I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in Christ.
English Standard VersionBut I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ.
Berean Standard BibleBrothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly—as infants in Christ.
Berean Literal BibleAnd I, brothers, was not able to speak to you as to spiritual, but as fleshly--as to infants in Christ.
King James BibleAnd I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
New King James VersionAnd I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ.
New American Standard BibleAnd I, brothers and sisters, could not speak to you as spiritual people, but only as fleshly, as to infants in Christ.
NASB 1995And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ.
NASB 1977And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to babes in Christ.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd I, brothers, was not able to speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to fleshly men, as to infants in Christ.
Amplified BibleHowever, brothers and sisters, I could not talk to you as to spiritual people, but [only] as to worldly people [dominated by human nature], mere infants [in the new life] in Christ!
Christian Standard BibleFor my part, brothers and sisters, I was not able to speak to you as spiritual people but as people of the flesh, as babies in Christ.
Holman Christian Standard BibleBrothers, I was not able to speak to you as spiritual people but as people of the flesh, as babies in Christ.
American Standard VersionAnd I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, as unto babes in Christ.
Contemporary English VersionMy friends, you are acting like the people of this world. That's why I could not speak to you as spiritual people. You are like babies as far as your faith in Christ is concerned.
English Revised VersionAnd I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, as unto babes in Christ.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationBrothers and sisters, I couldn't talk to you as spiritual people but as people still influenced by your corrupt nature. You were infants in your faith in Christ.
Good News TranslationAs a matter of fact, my friends, I could not talk to you as I talk to people who have the Spirit; I had to talk to you as though you belonged to this world, as children in the Christian faith.
International Standard VersionBrothers, I couldn't talk to you as spiritual people but as worldly people, as mere infants in the Messiah.
NET BibleSo, brothers and sisters, I could not speak to you as spiritual people, but instead as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ.
New Heart English BibleAnd I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual, but as fleshly, as infants in Christ.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual, but as to carnal, even as to babes in Christ.
Weymouth New TestamentAnd as for myself, brethren, I found it impossible to speak to you as spiritual men. It had to be as to worldlings--mere babes in Christ. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBrothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly—as infants in Christ.
World English BibleBrothers, I couldn’t speak to you as to spiritual, but as to fleshly, as to babies in Christ. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd I, brothers, was not able to speak to you as to spiritual, but as to fleshly—as to babies in Christ;
Berean Literal BibleAnd I, brothers, was not able to speak to you as to spiritual, but as fleshly--as to infants in Christ.
Young's Literal Translation And I, brethren, was not able to speak to you as to spiritual, but as to fleshly -- as to babes in Christ;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd I, brethren, was not able to speak to you as spiritual, but as carnal, as babes in Christ. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAND I, brethren, could not speak to you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal. As unto little ones in Christ.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd so, brothers, I was not able to speak to you as if to those who are spiritual, but rather as if to those who are carnal. For you are like infants in Christ.
New American BibleBrothers, I could not talk to you as spiritual people, but as fleshly people, as infants in Christ.
New Revised Standard VersionAnd so, brothers and sisters, I could not speak to you as spiritual people, but rather as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSO I, my brethren, could not converse with you as with spiritual men, but as with worldly men and even as with little children in Christ.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd I, my brethren, have not been able to speak with you as with spiritual ones but as with the carnal and as to babies in The Messiah. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd I, brethren, was not able to speak to you, as to spiritual men, but as to those who are carnal, as to babes in Christ.
Godbey New TestamentAnd I, brethren, was not able to speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even babes in Christ.
Haweis New TestamentAND I, brethren, have been unable to speak to you as unto spiritual men, but as to carnal, even as to babes in Christ.
Mace New TestamentHowever, I could not speak to you, my brethren, as to the spiritual, or as to the dispassionate, but as to novices in christianity.
Weymouth New TestamentAnd as for myself, brethren, I found it impossible to speak to you as spiritual men. It had to be as to worldlings--mere babes in Christ.
Worrell New TestamentAnd I, brethren, could not speak to you, as to spiritual, but as to carnal—as to babes in Christ.
Worsley New TestamentAnd I, my brethren, could not speak to you, as to spiritual persons, but as to carnal ones, even as to babes in Christ.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context God's Fellow Workers1Brothers,Icould notaddressyouasspiritual,butasworldly—asinfantsinChrist.2I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for solid food. In fact, you are still not ready,…
Cross References Hebrews 5:12-14Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to reteach you the basic principles of God’s word. You need milk, not solid food! / For everyone who lives on milk is still an infant, inexperienced in the message of righteousness. / But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.
1 Peter 2:2Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,
Galatians 4:19My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,
Ephesians 4:14Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming.
Romans 7:14We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin.
1 Corinthians 2:14The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Corinthians 14:20Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.
Philippians 3:15All of us who are mature should embrace this point of view. And if you think differently about some issue, God will reveal this to you as well.
Colossians 1:28We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
James 3:13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
Isaiah 28:9-10Whom is He trying to teach? To whom is He explaining His message? To infants just weaned from milk? To babies removed from the breast? / For they hear: “Order on order, order on order, line on line, line on line; a little here, a little there.”
Jeremiah 4:22“For My people are fools; they have not known Me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good.”
Ezekiel 16:46-47Your older sister was Samaria, who lived with her daughters to your north; and your younger sister was Sodom, who lived with her daughters to your south. / And you not only walked in their ways and practiced their abominations, but soon you were more depraved than they were.
Hosea 4:6My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.
Psalm 131:2Surely I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with his mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.
Treasury of Scripture And I, brothers, could not speak to you as to spiritual, but as to carnal, even as to babes in Christ. as unto spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:6,15 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: … Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. as unto carnal. 1 Corinthians 3:3,4 For ye are yet carnal: for whereasthere is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? … 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he knowthem, because they are spiritually discerned. Matthew 16:23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. babes. 1 Corinthians 14:20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. Ephesians 4:13,14 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: … 1 John 2:12 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. Jump to Previous AbleAddressBabesBabiesCarnalChristCouldn'tFleshFleshlyFoundImpossibleInfantsMereSpeakSpiritSpiritualTeachingWorldlyJump to Next AbleAddressBabesBabiesCarnalChristCouldn'tFleshFleshlyFoundImpossibleInfantsMereSpeakSpiritSpiritualTeachingWorldly1 Corinthians 3 1.Milk is fit for children.3.Strife and division, arguments of a fleshly mind.7.He who plants and He who waters are nothing.9.The ministers are God's fellow workmen.11.Christ the only foundation.16.You are the temples of God, which must be kept holy.19.The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.BrothersThe term "brothers" indicates a familial relationship among believers, emphasizing unity and equality within the body of Christ. This reflects the early Christian understanding of the church as a family, transcending social and ethnic boundaries. Paul often uses this term to address the members of the church, highlighting their shared faith and common identity in Christ ( Galatians 3:28). I could not address you as spiritual
Paul contrasts the spiritual maturity he desires with the current state of the Corinthian believers. The term "spiritual" refers to those who are led by the Holy Spirit and exhibit the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). The Corinthian church, known for its divisions and moral issues, struggled to live according to the Spirit, as evidenced by their behavior and attitudes (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). but as worldly
"Worldly" or "carnal" describes those who are influenced by the desires and values of the world rather than the Spirit. This reflects the tension between living according to the flesh and living according to the Spirit, a theme Paul explores inRomans 8:5-8. The Corinthian church's issues, such as factionalism and immorality, demonstrate their worldly mindset. as infants in Christ
Paul uses the metaphor of infancy to describe the Corinthians' spiritual immaturity. While they are "in Christ," indicating their salvation and position as believers, they have not grown in their faith. This imagery of spiritual growth is common in Paul's writings, where he encourages believers to mature in their understanding and practice of the faith (Ephesians 4:14-15). The concept of being "in Christ" is central to Paul's theology, signifying a believer's union with Jesus and participation in His life, death, and resurrection (2 Corinthians 5:17). Persons / Places / Events 1. PaulThe apostle who wrote the letter to the Corinthians. He is addressing the church in Corinth with pastoral concern. 2. CorinthA major city in ancient Greece known for its wealth and moral decadence. The church in Corinth was struggling with divisions and immaturity. 3. Corinthian ChurchThe recipients of Paul's letter, a community of believers who were experiencing spiritual immaturity and division. 4. Infants in ChristA metaphor used by Paul to describe the spiritual immaturity of the Corinthian believers. 5. WorldlyA term used by Paul to describe the behavior of the Corinthians, indicating that they were influenced by secular values rather than spiritual ones. Teaching Points Spiritual MaturityAs believers, we are called to grow in our faith and understanding, moving beyond spiritual infancy to maturity in Christ. Worldly vs. SpiritualEvaluate areas in your life where worldly influences may be hindering your spiritual growth and seek to align more closely with the teachings of Christ. Community and AccountabilityEngage with your church community to foster spiritual growth and hold each other accountable in love. Self-ExaminationRegularly assess your spiritual progress and seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to overcome areas of immaturity. Pursuit of HolinessStrive to live a life that reflects the holiness and righteousness of Christ, resisting the temptations of the world. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 3:1?
2.How does 1 Corinthians 3:1 define spiritual maturity versus spiritual infancy?
3.What behaviors indicate being "worldly" according to 1 Corinthians 3:1?
4.How can we grow from "infants in Christ" to mature believers?
5.What other scriptures emphasize the importance of spiritual growth and maturity?
6.How can we apply Paul's teachings in 1 Corinthians 3:1 to our daily lives?
7.What does 1 Corinthians 3:1 reveal about spiritual maturity among believers?
8.How does 1 Corinthians 3:1 differentiate between spiritual and worldly Christians?
9.Why does Paul address the Corinthians as "infants in Christ" in 1 Corinthians 3:1?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 3?
11.What defines a carnal Christian?
12.In 1 Corinthians 4:3–4, how can Paul claim a clear conscience when unconsciously held biases could still affect his judgment?
13.What is Spiritual Milk?
14.Will you mature in faith and avoid falling away?What Does 1 Corinthians 3:1 Mean Brothers,Paul begins with a warm family word: “Brothers.” In Christ, believers share the same Father and belong to the same household (Ephesians 2:19). By choosing this address, Paul: • Signals affection and unity, even while preparing to correct. • Reminds the Corinthians that their primary identity is in God’s family, not in competing factions (1 Corinthians 1:10–13). • Echoes Jesus’ words that spiritual relationships outweigh earthly ties (Mark 3:34–35). Though about to confront, Paul’s tone is relational, binding shepherd and flock together under one Lord (Ephesians 4:3–6).
I could not address you as spiritual,The apostle literally states he “could not”—his hands were tied by their condition. “Spiritual” in Scripture describes those led by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:25) and able to “discern all things” (1 Corinthians 2:15). Because the Corinthians were not living in that yielded state: • They missed deeper teaching much like Jesus’ disciples before Pentecost (John 16:12). • Their thinking resembled the “natural man” who “does not accept the things of the Spirit of God” (1 Corinthians 2:14). • Paul’s message had to stay elementary, mirroringHebrews 5:12: “You need someone to teach you the basic principles of God’s word all over again.” Their lack of spiritual responsiveness made richer truths inappropriate for the moment.
but as worldly,“Worldly” (or “fleshly”) flags behavior driven by old desires rather than by the Spirit (Romans 8:5). Evidence of that mindset in Corinth included jealousy and quarreling over favorite teachers (1 Corinthians 3:3–4). The Bible consistently warns: • “Friendship with the world is hostility toward God” (James 4:4). • “Do not love the world or anything in the world” (1 John 2:15). • Transformation comes by rejecting worldly patterns and renewing the mind (Romans 12:2). Instead of displaying the cross-shaped wisdom described in1 Corinthians 1:18–25, the church looked and acted like the culture around it.
—as infants in Christ.Paul’s final phrase softens the rebuke with hope: they are “in Christ.” They belong to Him, yet remain spiritual babies. Scripture illustrates infancy: • Needing milk, not solid food (1 Corinthians 3:2;Hebrews 5:13). • Easily tossed by false teaching (Ephesians 4:14). • Dependent, but expected to grow by “craving pure spiritual milk” (1 Peter 2:2). Their position—saved yet immature—calls for progress toward maturity where love, holiness, and discernment flourish (Colossians 1:28).
summary1 Corinthians 3:1 shows Paul’s heartfelt concern: fellow believers, though genuinely in Christ, were stalled at babyhood because worldly attitudes clogged their spiritual ears. He longs for them—and us—to shed fleshly ways, embrace the Spirit’s leading, and advance from milk to solid food so the church reflects heaven, not the world. III. (1)And I.--Again, as in1Corinthians 2:6, the Apostle shows how general principles which he has just explained were exemplified in his own conduct. In the closing verses of 1 Corinthians 2 St. Paul has enunciated the general method of teaching spiritual truth as being dependent upon the receptive powers of those who are being taught. He now proceeds to point out to them that their own character, as being wanting in spirituality, was the real hindrance to his teaching them the higher spiritual truth which may be called "the wisdom" of the gospel. As unto carnal.--Better,as being carnal. Our version may seem to imply that the Apostle spoke to themas if they were carnal, though they really were not so; but the force of the passage is that they were indeed carnal, and that the Apostle taught them not as if they were such, but as being such. "Carnal" is here the opposite of "spiritual," and does not involve any reference to what we would commonly speak of as carnal sin. Babes in Christ.--This is the opposite of the "full grown" in1Corinthians 2:6, to whom the "wisdom" could be taught. (See alsoColossians 1:28, "full grown in Christ.") It may be an interesting indication of the "manliness" of St. Paul's character and his high estimate of it in others, that he constantly uses the words "babe" and "childhood" in a depreciatory sense. (SeeRomans 2:20,Galatians 4:3,Ephesians 4:14.) . . . Verses 1-4. - The carnal conceit of the spiritually immature.Verse 1. - I... could not speak unto you as unto spiritual. Though softened by the word brethren, there was a crushing irony of reproof in these words: "You thought yourselves quite above the need of my simple teaching. You were looking down on me from the whole height of your inferiority. The elementary character of my doctrine was after all the necessary consequence of your own incapacity for anything more profound." As unto carnal. The true reading here is sarkinois, fleshen, not sarkikois, fleshly, or carnal; the later and severer word is perhaps first used in ver. 3. The word sarkinos ( earneus), fleshen, implies earthliness and weakness and the absence of spirituality; but sarki-kos ( carnalis) involves the dominance of the lower nature and antagonism to the spiritual. As mite babes in Christ. The word "babes" has a good and a bad sense. In its good sense it implies humility and teachableness, as in 1 Corinthians 14:20, "In malice be ye babes;" and in 1 Peter 2:2, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word;" and in Matthew 11:25. Here it is used in its bad sense of spiritual childishness.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Brothers,ἀδελφοί(adelphoi)Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural
Strong's 80:A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.IΚἀγώ(Kagō)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2504:To also, I too, but I. From kai and ego; so also the dative case kamoi, and accusative case kame and I, me.could notἠδυνήθην(ēdynēthēn)Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1410:(a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.addressλαλῆσαι(lalēsai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2980:A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.youὑμῖν(hymin)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.asὡς(hōs)Adverb
Strong's 5613:Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.spiritual,πνευματικοῖς(pneumatikois)Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4152:Spiritual. From pneuma; non-carnal, i.e. ethereal, or a spirit, or supernatural, regenerate, religious.butἀλλ’(all’)Conjunction
Strong's 235:But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.asὡς(hōs)Adverb
Strong's 5613:Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.worldly—σαρκίνοις(sarkinois)Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4560:Fleshly, consisting of flesh, carnal. From sarx; similar to flesh, i.e. soft.asὡς(hōs)Adverb
Strong's 5613:Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.infantsνηπίοις(nēpiois)Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3516:From an obsolete particle ne- and epos; not speaking, i.e. An infant; figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature Christian.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.Christ.Χριστῷ(Christō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547:Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.
Links 1 Corinthians 3:1 NIV1 Corinthians 3:1 NLT1 Corinthians 3:1 ESV1 Corinthians 3:1 NASB1 Corinthians 3:1 KJV
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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 3:1 Brothers I couldn't speak to you as (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) |
