Actually, then, it is already a defeat for you, that you have lawsuits with one another. Why not rather suffer the wrong? Why not rather be defrauded?
Parallel translations
- WEB Therefore it is already altogether a defect in you, that you have lawsuits one with another. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded?
- KJV Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?
- BSB The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means that you are thoroughly defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?
- NKJV Now therefore, it is already an utter failure for you that you go to law against one another. Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated?
- NLT Even to have such lawsuits with one another is a defeat for you. Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that? Why not let yourselves be cheated?
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
The very existence of lawsuits among them is a defeat; better to accept wrong than to fight. It matters because Christlike love would rather suffer loss than dishonor God over personal rights.
Overview
Paul names the lawsuits themselves as a moral failure, regardless of who wins. Echoing Jesus' call to turn the other cheek, he asks why they would not rather be wronged or defrauded than damage the church and its witness. The gospel reorders priorities so that love and Christ's honor outweigh insisting on one's own rights.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 11
- Rom 12:17–19Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men.
- Prov 20:22Don’t say, “I will pay back evil.” Wait for Yahweh, and he will save you.
- 1 Pet 3:9not rendering evil for evil, or insult for insult; but instead blessing; knowing that to this were you called, that you may inherit a blessing.
- Matt 5:39–41But I tell you, don’t resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.
- 1 Pet 2:19–23For it is commendable if someone endures pain, suffering unjustly, because of conscience toward God.
- Jas 4:1–3Where do wars and fightings among you come from? Don’t they come from your pleasures that war in your members?
- 1 Th 5:15See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always follow after that which is good, for one another, and for all.
- Luke 6:29To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer also the other; and from him who takes away your cloak, don’t withhold your coat also.
- Prov 2:8–10that he may guard the paths of justice, and preserve the way of his saints.
- Hos 10:2Their heart is divided. Now they will be found guilty. He will demolish their altars. He will destroy their sacred stones.
- Prov 2:5then you will understand the fear of Yahweh, and find the knowledge of God.
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Christ at the center
Christ crucified is the wisdom and power of God; he is our Passover sacrificed for us, the firstfruits of resurrection, the foundation on which everything is built.
How 1 Corinthians 6:7 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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