1 Corinthians 6:19

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

1 Corinthians 6:19 (KJV)

Context

The apostle Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to guide the church in Corinth through various challenges. In this section (1 Corinthians 6:12-20), he directly addresses sexual immorality, showing how it contradicts the believer’s identity and calling. Paul’s argument builds to the truth in this verse: the believer’s body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Meaning

Paul asks a pointed rhetorical question, “What? know ye not…” to awaken the Corinthians to a truth they should already grasp. The word “temple” translates the Greek naos, which refers to the inner sanctuary where God’s presence dwelt. Paul applies this sacred image to the individual believer’s body: the Holy Spirit dwells within every Christian, given by God. This is not a distant or symbolic presence; it makes the body a holy place.

Paul then states, “ye are not your own.” Believers belong to God, not to themselves. This truth establishes the principle of stewardship: our bodies are entrusted to us to be used for God’s purposes. As stewards, we are responsible to care for our bodies and to use them in ways that honour Him.

Biblical connections

Paul’s teaching here connects to his earlier words in 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, where he calls the Corinthian believers God’s temple because the Spirit dwells among them. Here, he applies that truth specifically to each believer’s body. The next verse, 1 Corinthians 6:20, reinforces the basis for this claim: believers have been bought with a price, so they are not their own.

Application

Paul’s primary concern is sexual immorality. In the preceding verses, he explains that our bodies are members of Christ and should not be united with a prostitute. To engage in sexual immorality is to defile the temple of the Holy Spirit. The principle, however, extends beyond this specific sin. Because the Holy Spirit dwells in us, we are called to honour God with our bodies in every area: our health, our relationships, and our daily choices. We are to treat our bodies with respect and make decisions that align with God’s will.

Reflection

This verse reminds us that our bodies have great value and significance. As temples of the Holy Spirit, we are called to live in a way that reflects God’s presence within us. May we strive to be good stewards of our bodies, glorifying God in all that we do.