1 Corinthians 6:20
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
1 Corinthians 6:20 (KJV)
Context
Paul writes to a church facing real struggles—believers taking one another to court, and more urgently, tolerating sexual immorality. In 1 Corinthians 6, he confronts the idea that what we do with our bodies does not matter. He reminds the Corinthians that their bodies are members of Christ (1 Corinthians 6:15) and temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Verse 20 then draws the argument to a close with a powerful conclusion: because believers have been bought at the cost of Christ’s own life, they are to honor God with their whole being.
Meaning
The opening phrase, “For ye are bought with a price,” points directly to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The price was not gold or silver, but His precious blood shed on the cross (1 Peter 1:18-19). This purchase is not abstract; it establishes ownership. Because believers are bought by Christ, they are no longer their own masters. The command that follows—”therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s“—flows from this completed transaction. It is not a suggestion but a direct imperative based on what Christ has already done.
Paul’s words cover both the physical and the inner life. “In your body” means our actions, habits, and how we treat the temple of the Holy Spirit. “In your spirit” includes our thoughts, attitudes, and desires. Both belong to God by virtue of the purchase. The body is not evil or to be discarded; it is a sphere for glorifying God. The whole person—body and spirit—is claimed by Him.
Biblical connections
This verse connects to the broader New Testament teaching that redemption creates obligation. Believers are saved from a former way of life to serve God, and the body is to be used for His glory, not for sin. The logic is simple: because Christ paid the ultimate price, our lives are no longer our own.
Application
Recognise your worth: Being bought with the blood of Christ shows your immense value in God’s eyes. This truth should encourage you to live in a way that honours Him, knowing you belong to Him.
Care for your body: Your body is a gift from God and a temple of the Holy Spirit. Practice self-discipline, maintain good health, and abstain from behaviours that defile it.
Pursue holiness: Glorifying God in body and spirit means pursuing holiness in every area—thoughts, speech, relationships, and actions. Align your life with God’s Word and seek His guidance through prayer and Scripture.
Reflect Christ’s character: As one bought by Christ, you are His ambassador. Let your life reflect His love, grace, and truth, and let your actions testify to the transforming power of the Gospel.
Reflection
Because you are bought with a price, your body and spirit are not your own—they belong to God. Let this truth shape how you live each day, honouring Him in all you do.
