1 Corinthians 6:19 – Meaning & Devotional
"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?"
What This Verse Means
Paul reveals an astonishing truth: the Holy Spirit of God permanently indwells every believer, making their physical body a sacred temple. This transforms how we think about our bodies — they are not our own property to misuse but God's dwelling place to steward.
In the Old Testament, God's presence dwelt in the tabernacle and temple. Now, through the Holy Spirit, every Christian is a living temple of the living God.
Historical Context
Corinth was notorious for sexual immorality. Some believers argued that since the body was temporary, what they did with it didn't matter spiritually. Paul shatters this thinking: your body matters eternally because the Holy Spirit lives there.
How to Apply This Today
Treat your body with the reverence due a temple of God. What you eat, drink, watch, and do with your body matters — not because of legalism, but because the Holy Spirit dwells within you. Honor God with your physical life.
Related Verses
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."
2 Corinthians 6:16
"For ye are the temple of the living God."
Romans 12:1
"Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God."
🙏 A Prayer from 1 Corinthians 6:19
Holy Spirit, thank You for making my body Your temple. Help me to honor You with how I treat myself — physically, mentally, and spiritually. I am not my own; I was bought with a price. Let me glorify You in my body today. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Bible Questions
Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.
What Does the Bible Say About Sexual Purity?
The Bible calls believers to reserve sexual intimacy for marriage, teaching that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and that purity honors God.
Read answerWhat Does the Bible Say About Holiness?
Holiness means being set apart for God's purposes, reflecting His pure character, and growing in moral and spiritual purity through the Holy Spirit.
Read answerWhat Is the Indwelling of the Holy Spirit?
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the permanent residence of the Spirit in every believer from the moment of conversion, making the body a temple of God and guaranteeing our final redemption.
Read answerWhat Does the Bible Say About Tobacco?
While the Bible does not mention tobacco by name, the principle that the believer's body is the temple of the Holy Spirit calls Christians to avoid habits that defile or harm the physical body God has entrusted to them.
Read answerWhat Is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is the work of Christ placing believers into His body at salvation, empowering them for service and sealing them for eternity.
Read answerWhat Are the Gifts of the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit distributes supernatural abilities to believers — including wisdom, healing, prophecy, and teaching — for building up the body of Christ.
Read answerDeep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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