1 CORINTHIANS 3:17 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”
If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you together are that temple — 'destroys' (phtheirō, corrupts) God's temple results in divine destruction. The principle is not vindictive but protective: God guards his dwelling's sanctity. 'You together are that temple' (hēmeis estin ho naos) emphasizes corporate identity. The Corinthians' factional conflicts desecrate their shared sanctuary.
Church Fathers on 1 Corinthians 3:17
“If any man destroy the Temple of God, him will God destroy.” Do you mark the sweeping vehemence of his words? However, so long as the person is unknown, what is spoken is not so invidious, all dividing among themselves the fear of rebuke. “Him will God destroy,” that is, will cause him to perish. And this is not the word of one denouncing a curse, but of one that prophesies. “For the Temple of God is holy:” but he that has committed fornication is profane. Then, in order…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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