The Meaning of 1 Corinthians 3:16 Explained

1 Corinthians 3:16

KJV: Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

YLT: have ye not known that ye are a sanctuary of God, and the Spirit of God doth dwell in you?

Darby: Do ye not know that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

ASV: Know ye not that ye are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Know ye  not  that  ye are  the temple  of God,  and  [that] the Spirit  of God  dwelleth  in  you? 

What does 1 Corinthians 3:16 Mean?

Verse Meaning

The Corinthian church was a temple that God"s Spirit indwelt. Paul was not speaking here of individual believers being temples of God, though we are ( 1 Corinthians 6:19), or of the church universal as the temple of God, though it is ( Ephesians 2:19-22; 1 Peter 2:5). He meant the collective body of believers that made up the local church, as is clear from his use of the plural "you" in the Greek text and the singular "temple." The local congregation was not just any building ( 1 Corinthians 3:9) but a sanctuary (Gr. naos) that God inhabited. The presence of the Spirit alone marked them off as God"s sanctuary in Corinth. Ten times in this epistle Paul asked, "Do you not know?" (cf. 1 Corinthians 5:6; 1 Corinthians 6:2-3; 1 Corinthians 6:9; 1 Corinthians 6:15-16; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 1 Corinthians 9:13; 1 Corinthians 9:24) and each time the question introduces an indisputable statement.
The New Testament writers spoke often of the church (a group of believers) as God"s temple. They did not usually make the distinction between the holy place and the holy of holies that existed in the Israelites" physical temples. They viewed the temple as a whole. However here Paul did distinguish the place of God"s dwelling, the temple building itself (naos), from the temple precincts that surrounded and included the sanctuary (Gr. hieron).

Context Summary

1 Corinthians 3:10-23 - Build On The Sure Foundation
We are called upon to contribute our share to the building of saved souls which is rising through the ages, to be an habitation of God through the Spirit, Ephesians 2:21-22. But in addition, we must not neglect the building of our own character on the one foundation, which is Jesus Christ. God has placed Him to be the foundation of every structure which shall stand firm in all the tests of fire through which we are destined to pass. We must needs go on building day by day. Whatever we do or say is another stone or brick. It is for us to choose which heap of material we take it from; whether from that of the wood, hay, or stubble, or from that of the gold, silver, or precious stones.
All things serve the man or woman who serves Christ. The lowliest life may be a link in a chain of golden ministry which binds earth and heaven. Our Lord was constantly described in the Old Testament as the Servant of God. He said that He had come down to earth to do His Father's will. "I am among you as he that serveth." When we serve Him as He serves the great purposes of God, then everything begins to minister to us. The extremes of existence, of creation, and of duration, all serve us. [source]

Chapter Summary: 1 Corinthians 3

1  Milk is fit for children
3  Strife and division, arguments of a fleshly mind
7  He who plants and He who waters are nothing
9  The ministers are God's fellow workmen
11  Christ the only foundation
16  You are the temples of God, which must be kept holy
19  The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God

Greek Commentary for 1 Corinthians 3:16

Ye are a temple of God [ναος τεου εστε]
Literally, a sanctuary (ναος — naos not ιερον — hieron the sacred enclosure, but the holy place and the most holy place) of God. The same picture of building as in 1 Corinthians 3:9 (οικοδομη — oikodomē), only here the sanctuary itself. [source]
Dwelleth in you [εν υμιν οικει]
The Spirit of God makes his home (οικει — oikei) in us, not in temples made with hands (Acts 7:48; Acts 17:24). [source]
Temple [ναὸς]
Or sanctuary. See on Matthew 4:5. Compare Ephesians 2:21; 2 Corinthians 6:16. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Corinthians 3:16

John 2:18 Destroy this temple [λύσατε τὸν ναὸν τοῦτον]
Destroy, Literally, loosen. Wyc., undo. See on Mark 13:2; see on Luke 9:12; see on Acts 5:38. Notice that the word for temple is ναὸν , sanctuary (see on John 2:14). This temple points to the literal temple, which is truly a temple only as it is the abode of God, hence sanctuary, but with a typical reference to Jesus' own person as the holy dwelling-place of God who “was in Christ.” Compare 1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 3:17. Christ's death was therefore the pulling down of the temple, and His resurrection its rebuilding. The imperative in destroy is of the nature of a challenge. Compare fill ye up, Matthew 23:32. [source]
John 14:23 If a man love me [εαν τις αγαπαι με]
Condition of third class with εαν — ean and present active subjunctive, “if one keep on loving me.” That is key to the spiritual manifestation We will come Future middle of ερχομαι — erchomai and first person plural (the Father and I), not at the judgment, but here and now. And make our abode with him See John 14:2 for the word μονη — monē (dwelling, abiding place). If the Holy Spirit “abides” (μενει — menei John 14:17) in you, that heart becomes a temple (ναος — naos) of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16.), and so a fit dwelling place for the Father and the Son, a glorious and uplifting reality. [source]
John 2:19 Destroy this temple [λυσατε τον ναον τουτον]
First aorist active imperative of λυω — luō to loosen or destroy. It is the permissive imperative, not a command to do it. Note also ναος — naos not ιερον — hieron the sanctuary, symbol of God‘s ναος — naos in our hearts (1 Corinthians 3:16.). There is much confusion about this language since Jesus added: “And in three days I will raise it up” Those who heard Jesus, including the disciples till after the resurrection (John 2:22), understood the reference to be to Herod‘s temple. Certainly that is the obvious way to take it. But Jesus often spoke in parables and even in enigmas. He may have spoken of the literal temple as a parable for his own body which of course they would not understand, least of all the resurrection in three days. [source]
Romans 8:4 The Spirit [πνεῦμα]
From πνέω tobreathe or blow. The primary conception is wind or breath. Breath being the sign and condition of life in man, it comes to signify life. In this sense, physiologically considered, it is frequent in the classics. In the psychological sense, never. In the Old Testament it is ordinarily the translation of ruach It is also used to translate chai life, Isaiah 38:12; nbreath, 1 Kings 17:17. In the New Testament it occurs in the sense of wind or breath, John 3:8; 2 Thessalonians 2:8; Hebrews 1:7. Closely related to the physiological sense are such passages as Luke 8:55; James 2:26; Revelation 13:15. Pauline Usage: 1. Breath, 2 Thessalonians 2:8. 2. The spirit or mind of man; the inward, self-conscious principle which feels and thinks and wills (1 Corinthians 2:11; 1 Corinthians 5:3; 1 Corinthians 7:34; Colossians 2:5). In this sense it is distinguished from σῶμα bodyor accompanied with a personal pronoun in the genitive, as my, our, his spirit (Romans 1:9; Romans 8:16; 1 Corinthians 5:4; 1 Corinthians 16:18, etc.). It is used as parallel with ψυχή souland καρδία heartSee 1 Corinthians 5:3; 1 Thessalonians 2:17; and compare John 13:21and John 12:27; Matthew 26:38and Luke 1:46, Luke 1:47. But while ψυχή soulis represented as the subject of life, πνεύμα spiritrepresents the principle of life, having independent activity in all circumstances of the perceptive and emotional life, and never as the subject. Generally, πνεύμα spiritmay be described as the principle, ψυχή soulas the subject, and καρδία heartas the organ of life. 3. The spiritual nature of Christ. Romans 1:4; 1 Corinthians 15:45; 1 Timothy 3:16. 4. The divine power or influence belonging to God, and communicated in Christ to men, in virtue of which they become πνευματικοί spiritual - recipientsand organs of the Spirit. This is Paul's most common use of the word. Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 2:13; Galatians 4:6; Galatians 6:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:8. In this sense it appears as: a. Spirit of God. Romans 8:9, Romans 8:11, Romans 8:14; 1 Corinthians 2:10, 1 Corinthians 2:11, 1 Corinthians 2:12, 1 Corinthians 2:14; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1 Corinthians 7:40; 2 Corinthians 3:3; Ephesians 3:16. b. Spirit of Christ. Romans 8:9; 2 Corinthians 3:17, 2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 4:6; Philemon 1:19. c. Holy Spirit. Romans 5:5; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 1 Corinthians 12:3; Ephesians 1:13; 1 Thessalonians 1:5, 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 4:8, etc. d. Spirit. With or without the article, but with its reference to the Spirit of God or Holy Spirit indicated by the context. Romans 8:16, Romans 8:23, Romans 8:26, Romans 8:27; 1 Corinthians 2:4, 1 Corinthians 2:10; 1 Corinthians 12:4, 1 Corinthians 12:7, 1 Corinthians 12:8, 1 Corinthians 12:9; Ephesians 4:3; 2 Thessalonians 2:13, etc. 5. A power or influence, the character, manifestations, or results of which are more peculiarly defined by qualifying genitives. Thus spirit of meekness, faith, power, wisdom. Romans 8:2, Romans 8:15; 1 Corinthians 4:21; 2 Corinthians 4:13; Galatians 6:1; Ephesians 1:17; 2 Timothy 1:7, etc. These combinations with the genitives are not mere periphrases for a faculty or disposition of man. By the spirit of meekness or wisdom, for instance, is not meant merely a meek or wise spirit; but that meekness, wisdom, power, etc., are gifts of the Spirit of God. This usage is according to Old Testament analogy. Compare Exodus 28:3; Exodus 31:3; Exodus 35:31; Isaiah 11:2. 6. In the plural, used of spiritual gifts or of those who profess to be under spiritual influence, 1 Corinthians 12:10; 1 Corinthians 14:12. 7. Powers or influences alien or averse from the divine Spirit, but with some qualifying word. Thus, the spirit of the world; another spirit; spirit of slumber. Romans 11:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 2 Corinthians 11:4; Ephesians 2:2; 2 Timothy 1:7. Where these expressions are in negative form they are framed after the analogy of the positive counterpart with which they are placed in contrast. Thus Romans 8:15: “Ye have not received the spirit of bondage, but of adoption. In other cases, as Ephesians 2:2, where the expression is positive, the conception is shaped according to Old-Testament usage, where spirits of evil are conceived as issuing from, and dependent upon, God, so far as He permits their operation and makes them subservient to His own ends. See Judges 9:23; 1 Samuel 16:14-16, 1 Samuel 16:23; 1 Samuel 18:10; 1 Kings 22:21sqq.; Isaiah 19:4. Spirit is found contrasted with letter, Romans 2:29; Romans 7:6; 2 Corinthians 3:6. With flesh, Romans 8:1-13; Galatians 5:16, Galatians 5:24. It is frequently associated with the idea of power (Romans 1:4; Romans 15:13, Romans 15:19; 1 Corinthians 2:4; Galatians 3:5; Ephesians 3:16; 2 Timothy 1:7); and the verb ἐνεργεῖν , denoting to work efficaciously, is used to mark its special operation (1 Corinthians 12:11; Ephesians 3:20; Philemon 2:13; Colossians 1:29). It is also closely associated with life, Romans 8:2, Romans 8:6, Romans 8:11, Romans 8:13; 1 Corinthians 15:4, 1 Corinthians 15:5; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Galatians 5:25; Galatians 6:8. It is the common possession of the Church and its members; not an occasional gift, but an essential element and mark of the christian life; not appearing merely or mainly in exceptional, marvelous, ecstatic demonstrations, but as the motive and mainspring of all christian action and feeling. It reveals itself in confession (1 Corinthians 12:3); in the consciousness of sonship (Romans 8:16); in the knowledge of the love of God (Romans 5:5); in the peace and joy of faith (Romans 14:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:6); in hope (Romans 5:5; Romans 15:13). It leads believers (Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:18): they serve in newness of the Spirit (Romans 7:6) They walk after the Spirit (Romans 8:4, Romans 8:5; Galatians 5:16-25). Through the Spirit they are sanctified (2 Thessalonians 2:13). It manifests itself in the diversity of forms and operations, appearing under two main aspects: a difference of gifts, and a difference of functions. See Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 5:1, 1 Corinthians 5:11; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:13; Ephesians 4:3, Ephesians 4:4, Ephesians 4:30; Philemon 2:1; [source]
Romans 11:2 Wot ye not [οὐκ οἴδατε]
Why should the Revisers have retained the obsolete wot here, when they have rendered elsewhere, know ye not? See Romans 6:16; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 5:6, 1 Corinthians 6:2, etc. The phrase indicates that this cannot be thought of as true. [source]
1 Corinthians 6:19 Temple [ναὸς]
Better, as Rev., in margin, sanctuary. It is not only a temple, but the very shrine. See on 1 Corinthians 3:16. [source]
1 Corinthians 3:12 If any man build, etc. []
It is important to have a clear conception of Paul's figure, which must be taken in a large and free sense, and not pressed into detail. He speaks of the body of truth and doctrine which different teachers may erect on the one true foundation - Jesus Christ. This body is the building. The reference is to a single building, as is shown by 1 Corinthians 3:16; not to a city with different buildings of different materials. The figure of Christ as the foundation of a city does not occur in the New Testament. To this structure different teachers (builders) bring contributions of more or less value, represented by gold, wood, hay, etc. These are not intended to represent specific forms of truth or of error, but none of them are to be regarded as anti-Christian, which would be inconsistent with building on the true foundation. It is plainly implied that teachers may build upon the true foundation with perishable or worthless materials. This appears in the history of the Church in the false interpretations of scripture, and the crude or fanatical preaching of sincere but ignorant men. The whole structure will be brought to a final and decisive test at the day of judgment, when the true value of each teacher's work shall be manifested, and that which is worthless shall be destroyed. The distinction is clearly made between the teacher and the matter of his teaching. The sincere but mistaken teacher's work will be shown to be worthless in itself, but the teacher himself will be saved and will receive the reward of personal character, and not of good building. Luther alluded to this verse in his unfortunate description of the Epistle of James as “an epistle of straw.” [source]
1 Corinthians 6:19 Your body is a temple [το σωμα υμων ναος εστιν]
A sanctuary as in 1 Corinthians 3:16 which see. Our spirits dwell in our bodies and the Holy Spirit dwells in our spirits. Some of the Gnostics split hairs between the sins of the body and fellowship with God in the spirit. Paul will have none of this subterfuge. One‘s body is the very shrine for the Holy Spirit. In Corinth was the temple to Aphrodite in which fornication was regarded as consecration instead of desecration. Prostitutes were there as priestesses of Aphrodite, to help men worship the goddess by fornication. [source]
1 Corinthians 6:13 But the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body [το δε σωμα ου τηι πορνειαι αλλα τωι κυριωι και ο κυριος τωι σωματι]
Paul here boldly shows the fallacy in the parallel about appetite of the belly for food. The human body has a higher mission than the mere gratification of sensual appetite. Sex is of God for the propagation of the race, not for prostitution. Paul had already stated that God dwells in us as the sanctuary of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16.). This higher function of the body he here puts forward against the debased Greek philosophy of the time which ignored completely Paul‘s idea, “the body for the Lord and the Lord for the body” (dative of personal interest in both cases). “The Lord Jesus and πορνεια — porneia contested for the bodies of Christian men; loyal to him they must renounce that, yielding to that they renounce him” (Findlay). [source]
2 Corinthians 6:16 For we are the temple of the living God [ημεις γαρ ναος τεου εσμεν ζωντος]
We, not temples (Acts 7:48; Acts 17:24; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19). As God said (κατως ειπεν ο τεος — kathōs eipen ho theos). A paraphrase and catena of quotations, what J. Rendel Harris calls Testimonia (from Leviticus 26:11.; Isaiah 52:11; Ezekiel 20:34; Ezekiel 37:27; 2 Samuel 7:8, 2 Samuel 7:14). Plummer notes that at the beginning “I will dwell in them” (ενοικησω εν αυτοις — enoikēsō en autois) is not in any of them. “As God said” points to Leviticus 26:12; Ezekiel 37:27. [source]
Galatians 1:16 To reveal his Son in me [ἀποκαλύψαι τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ ἐν ἐμοὶ]
In N.T. ἀποκαλύπτειν toreveal is habitually used with the simple dative of the subject of the revelation, as Luke 10:21. Once with εἰς unto Romans 8:18: with ἐν inof the sphere in which the revelation takes place, only here, unless Romans 1:17be so explained; but there ἐν is probably instrumental. Render ἐν here by the simple in: in my spirit, according to the familiar N.T. idea of God revealing himself, living and working in man's inner personality. See, for instance, Romans 1:19; Romans 5:5; Romans 8:10, Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 14:25; 2 Corinthians 4:6; 1 John 2:5, 1 John 2:14, etc. Lightfoot explains, to reveal his Son by or through me to others. But apart from the doubtful use of ἐν , this introduces prematurely the thought of Paul's influence in his subsequent ministry. He is speaking of the initial stages of his experience. [source]
Ephesians 2:21 Each several building [πασα οικοδομη]
So without article Aleph B D G K L. Οικοδομη — Oikodomē is a late word from οικος — oikos and δεμω — demō to build for building up (edification) as in Ephesians 4:29, then for the building itself as here (Mark 13:1.). Ordinary Greek idiom here calls for “every building,” not for “all the building” (Robertson, Grammar, p. 772), though it is not perfectly clear what that means. Each believer is called a ναος τεου — naos theou (1 Corinthians 3:16). One may note the plural in Mark 13:1 (οικοδομαι — oikodomai) of the various parts of the temple. Perhaps that is the idea here without precise definition of each οικοδομη — oikodomē But there are examples of πας — pās without the article where “all” is the idea as in πασης κτισεως — pāsēs ktiseōs (all creation) in Colossians 1:15. [source]
1 Timothy 3:15 House of God [οἴκῳ θεοῦ]
An O.T. phrase, used of the temple. More frequently, house of the Lord ( κυρίου ); see 1 Kings 3:1; 1 Kings 6:1; 1 Chronicles 22:2, 1 Chronicles 22:11; 1 Chronicles 29:2, etc. Applied to the church only here. Paul has οἰκείους τῆς πίστεως Hebrews householders of the faith (Galatians 6:10), and οἰκεῖοι τοῦ θεοῦ householdersof God (Ephesians 2:19), signifying members of the church. Christians are called ναὸς θεοῦ sanctuaryof God (1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 3:17; 2 Corinthians 6:16); and the apostles are οἰκονόμοι householdstewards (1 Corinthians 4:1). So of a Bishop (Titus 1:7). See also Hebrews 3:6. [source]
1 Timothy 3:15 In the house of God [εν οικωι τεου]
Probably here “household of God,” that is “the family of God” rather than “the house (or temple) of God.” Christians as yet had no separate houses of worship and οικος — oikos commonly means “household.” Christians are the ναος — naos (sanctuary) of God (1 Corinthians 3:16.; 2 Corinthians 6:16), and Paul calls them οικειοι του τεου — oikeioi tou theou (Ephesians 2:19) “members of God‘s family.” It is conduct as members of God‘s family (οικος — oikos) that Paul has in mind. [source]
1 Timothy 3:15 That thou mayest know [ινα ειδηις]
Final clause with ινα — hina and second perfect active subjunctive of οιδα — oida to know. How men ought (πως δει — pōs dei). “How it is necessary for thee” (supply σε — se more naturally than τινα — tina any one). Indirect question. To behave themselves Present middle (direct) infinitive of αναστρεπω — anastrephō old verb, to turn up and down. See note on 2 Corinthians 1:12; Ephesians 2:3. In the house of God (εν οικωι τεου — en oikōi theou). Probably here “household of God,” that is “the family of God” rather than “the house (or temple) of God.” Christians as yet had no separate houses of worship and οικος — oikos commonly means “household.” Christians are the ναος — naos (sanctuary) of God (1 Corinthians 3:16.; 2 Corinthians 6:16), and Paul calls them οικειοι του τεου — oikeioi tou theou (Ephesians 2:19) “members of God‘s family.” It is conduct as members of God‘s family (οικος — oikos) that Paul has in mind. Which “Which very house of God,” agreeing (feminine) with the predicate word εκκλησια — ekklēsia (church). The church of the living God (εκκλησια τεου ζωντος — ekklēsia theou zōntos). Probably here the general church or kingdom as in Colossians and Ephesians, though the local church in 1 Timothy 3:5. The pillar and ground of the truth Paul changes the metaphor again as he often does. Those words are in apposition to εκκλησια — ekklēsia and οικος — oikos On στυλος — stulos old word for pillar, see note on Galatians 2:9; Revelation 3:12 (only other N.T. examples). εδραιωμα — Hedraiōma late and rare word (from εδραιοω — hedraioō to make stable) occurs here first and only in ecclesiastical writers later. Probably it means stay or support rather than foundation or ground. See 1 Corinthians 1:23; 2 Timothy 2:19 for similar idea. See also Matthew 16:18. [source]
1 Timothy 3:15 To behave themselves [αναστρεπεσται]
Present middle (direct) infinitive of αναστρεπω — anastrephō old verb, to turn up and down. See note on 2 Corinthians 1:12; Ephesians 2:3. In the house of God (εν οικωι τεου — en oikōi theou). Probably here “household of God,” that is “the family of God” rather than “the house (or temple) of God.” Christians as yet had no separate houses of worship and οικος — oikos commonly means “household.” Christians are the ναος — naos (sanctuary) of God (1 Corinthians 3:16.; 2 Corinthians 6:16), and Paul calls them οικειοι του τεου — oikeioi tou theou (Ephesians 2:19) “members of God‘s family.” It is conduct as members of God‘s family (οικος — oikos) that Paul has in mind. Which “Which very house of God,” agreeing (feminine) with the predicate word εκκλησια — ekklēsia (church). The church of the living God (εκκλησια τεου ζωντος — ekklēsia theou zōntos). Probably here the general church or kingdom as in Colossians and Ephesians, though the local church in 1 Timothy 3:5. The pillar and ground of the truth Paul changes the metaphor again as he often does. Those words are in apposition to εκκλησια — ekklēsia and οικος — oikos On στυλος — stulos old word for pillar, see note on Galatians 2:9; Revelation 3:12 (only other N.T. examples). εδραιωμα — Hedraiōma late and rare word (from εδραιοω — hedraioō to make stable) occurs here first and only in ecclesiastical writers later. Probably it means stay or support rather than foundation or ground. See 1 Corinthians 1:23; 2 Timothy 2:19 for similar idea. See also Matthew 16:18. [source]
2 Timothy 2:19 The foundation of God standeth sure [ὁ στερεὸς θεμέλιος τοῦ θεοῦ ἕστηκεν]
Wrong. Στερεὸς sureis attributive, not predicative. Rend. the firm foundation of God standeth. The phrase foundation of God, N.T.o Θεμέλιος foundationis an adjective, and λίθος stoneis to be supplied. It is not to be taken by metonymy for οἰκία house(2 Timothy 2:20), but must be interpreted consistently with it, and, in a loose way, represents or foreshadows it. So we speak of an endowed institution as a foundation. By “the sure foundation of God” is meant the church, which is “the pillar and stay of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15), by means of which the truth of God is to withstand the assaults of error. The church has its being in the contents of “the sound teaching” (1 Timothy 1:10), which is “according to godliness” (1 Timothy 6:3), and which is deposited in it. “The mystery of godliness “ is intrusted to it (1 Timothy 3:16). Its servants possess “the mystery of the faith” (1 Timothy 3:9). In 1 Corinthians 3:11, Christ is represented as “ the chief corner-stone.” In Ephesians 2:20, the church is built “upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets,” with Christ as the corner-stone, and grows into a “holy temple ( ναὸν ) in the Lord.” Here, the church itself is the foundation, and the building is conceived as a great dwelling-house. While the conception of the church here does not contradict that of Paul, the difference is apparent between it and the conception in Ephesians, where the church is the seat of the indwelling and energy of the Holy Spirit. Comp. 1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 3:17. Στερεός firmonly here, Hebrews 5:12, Hebrews 5:14, and 1 Peter 5:9(note). Ἕστηκεν standethin contrast with overthrow (2 Timothy 2:18). [source]
Hebrews 3:6 We [ἡμεῖς]
Even as was the house in which Moses served. The Christian community is thus emphatically designated as the house of God, implying the transitoriness of the Mosaic system. Comp. 1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 3:17; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:22; 1 Peter 4:17. [source]
Hebrews 10:21 House of God [οἶκον τοῦ θεοῦ]
In the Gospels always of the temple. Not found in Paul. Once in the Pastorals, of the church, 1 Timothy 3:15, and so 1 Peter 4:17. Here the whole Christian family. Comp. 1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 3:17; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:22. [source]
Revelation 11:18 To destroy [διαπτειραι]
First aorist active infinitive of διαπτειρω — diaphtheirō carrying on the construction with καιρος — kairos Note τους διαπτειροντας — tous diaphtheirontas “those destroying” the earth (corrupting the earth). There is a double sense in διαπτειρω — diaphtheirō that justifies this play on the word. See Revelation 19:2. In 1 Timothy 6:5 we have those “corrupted in mind” God will destroy the destroyers (1 Corinthians 3:16.). [source]
Revelation 11:1 Like a rod [ομοιος ραβδωι]
See Revelation 2:27; Mark 6:8 for ραβδος — rabdos one said “Saying” (present active masculine participle of λεγω — legō) is all that the Greek has. The participle implies εδωκεν — edōken (he gave), not εδοτη — edothē a harsh construction seen in Genesis 22:20; Genesis 38:24, etc.Rise and measure (εγειρε και μετρησον — egeire kai metrēson). Present active imperative of εγειρω — egeirō (intransitive, exclamatory use as in Mark 2:11) and first aorist active imperative of μετρεω — metreō In Ezekiel 42:2. the prophet measures the temple and that passage is probably in mind here. But modern scholars do not know how to interpret this interlude (Revelation 11:1-13) before the seventh trumpet (Revelation 11:15). Some (Wellhausen) take it to be a scrap from the Zealot party before the destruction of Jerusalem, which event Christ also foretold (Mark 13:2; Matthew 24:2; Luke 21:6) and which was also attributed to Stephen (Acts 6:14). Charles denies any possible literal interpretation and takes the language in a wholly eschatological sense. There are three points in the interlude, however understood: the chastisement of Jerusalem or Israel (Revelation 11:1, Revelation 11:2), the mission of the two witnesses (Revelation 11:3-12), the rescue of the remnant (Revelation 11:13). There is a heavenly sanctuary (Revelation 7:15; Revelation 11:19; Revelation 14:15, etc.), but here ναος — naos is on earth and yet not the actual temple in Jerusalem (unless so interpreted). Perhaps here it is the spiritual (Revelation 3:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:4; 1 Corinthians 3:16.; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:19.). For altar (τυσιαστηριον — thusiastērion) see Revelation 8:3. Perhaps measuring as applied to “them that worship therein” (τους προσκυνουντας εν αυτωι — tous proskunountas en autōi) implies a word like numbering, with an allusion to the 144,000 in chapter 7 (a zeugma). [source]
Revelation 11:1 Rise and measure [εγειρε και μετρησον]
Present active imperative of εγειρω — egeirō (intransitive, exclamatory use as in Mark 2:11) and first aorist active imperative of μετρεω — metreō In Ezekiel 42:2. the prophet measures the temple and that passage is probably in mind here. But modern scholars do not know how to interpret this interlude (Revelation 11:1-13) before the seventh trumpet (Revelation 11:15). Some (Wellhausen) take it to be a scrap from the Zealot party before the destruction of Jerusalem, which event Christ also foretold (Mark 13:2; Matthew 24:2; Luke 21:6) and which was also attributed to Stephen (Acts 6:14). Charles denies any possible literal interpretation and takes the language in a wholly eschatological sense. There are three points in the interlude, however understood: the chastisement of Jerusalem or Israel (Revelation 11:1, Revelation 11:2), the mission of the two witnesses (Revelation 11:3-12), the rescue of the remnant (Revelation 11:13). There is a heavenly sanctuary (Revelation 7:15; Revelation 11:19; Revelation 14:15, etc.), but here ναος — naos is on earth and yet not the actual temple in Jerusalem (unless so interpreted). Perhaps here it is the spiritual (Revelation 3:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:4; 1 Corinthians 3:16.; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:19.). For altar (τυσιαστηριον — thusiastērion) see Revelation 8:3. Perhaps measuring as applied to “them that worship therein” (τους προσκυνουντας εν αυτωι — tous proskunountas en autōi) implies a word like numbering, with an allusion to the 144,000 in chapter 7 (a zeugma). [source]
Revelation 11:18 Thy wrath came [ηλτεν η οργη σου]
Second aorist active indicative of ερχομαι — erchomai the prophetic aorist again. The Dies Irae is conceived as already come.The time of the dead to be judged (ο καιρος των νεκρων κριτηναι — ho kairos tōn nekrōn krithēnai). For this use of καιρος — kairos see Mark 11:13; Luke 21:24. By “the dead” John apparently means both good and bad (John 5:25; Acts 24:21), coincident with the resurrection and judgment (Mark 4:29; Revelation 14:15.; Revelation 20:1-15). The infinitive κριτηναι — krithēnai is the first aorist passive of κρινω — krinō epexegetic use with the preceding clause, as is true also of δουναι — dounai (second aorist active infinitive of διδωμι — didōmi), to give.Their reward This will come in the end of the day (Matthew 20:8), from God (Matthew 6:1), at the Lord‘s return (Revelation 22:12), according to each one‘s work (1 Corinthians 3:8).The small and the great (τους μικρους και τους μεγαλους — tous mikrous kai tous megalous). The accusative here is an anacoluthon and fails to agree in case with the preceding datives after δουναι τον μιστον — dounai ton misthon though some MSS. have the dative τοις μικροις — tois mikrois etc. John is fond of this phrase “the small and the great” (Revelation 13:16; Revelation 19:5, Revelation 19:18; Revelation 20:12).To destroy First aorist active infinitive of διαπτειρω — diaphtheirō carrying on the construction with καιρος — kairos Note τους διαπτειροντας — tous diaphtheirontas “those destroying” the earth (corrupting the earth). There is a double sense in διαπτειρω — diaphtheirō that justifies this play on the word. See Revelation 19:2. In 1 Timothy 6:5 we have those “corrupted in mind” God will destroy the destroyers (1 Corinthians 3:16.). [source]
Revelation 11:18 Their reward [τον μιστον]
This will come in the end of the day (Matthew 20:8), from God (Matthew 6:1), at the Lord‘s return (Revelation 22:12), according to each one‘s work (1 Corinthians 3:8).The small and the great (τους μικρους και τους μεγαλους — tous mikrous kai tous megalous). The accusative here is an anacoluthon and fails to agree in case with the preceding datives after δουναι τον μιστον — dounai ton misthon though some MSS. have the dative τοις μικροις — tois mikrois etc. John is fond of this phrase “the small and the great” (Revelation 13:16; Revelation 19:5, Revelation 19:18; Revelation 20:12).To destroy First aorist active infinitive of διαπτειρω — diaphtheirō carrying on the construction with καιρος — kairos Note τους διαπτειροντας — tous diaphtheirontas “those destroying” the earth (corrupting the earth). There is a double sense in διαπτειρω — diaphtheirō that justifies this play on the word. See Revelation 19:2. In 1 Timothy 6:5 we have those “corrupted in mind” God will destroy the destroyers (1 Corinthians 3:16.). [source]

What do the individual words in 1 Corinthians 3:16 mean?

Not know you that temple of God you yourselves are and the Spirit - in you dwells
Οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι ναὸς Θεοῦ ἐστε καὶ τὸ Πνεῦμα τοῦ ἐν ὑμῖν» οἰκεῖ

οἴδατε  know  you 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Indicative Active, 2nd Person Plural
Root: οἶδα  
Sense: to see.
ὅτι  that 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: ὅτι  
Sense: that, because, since.
ναὸς  temple 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: ναός  
Sense: used of the temple at Jerusalem, but only of the sacred edifice (or sanctuary) itself, consisting of the Holy place and the Holy of Holies (in classical Greek it is used of the sanctuary or cell of the temple, where the image of gold was placed which is distinguished from the whole enclosure).
Θεοῦ  of  God 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: θεός  
Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities.
ἐστε  you  yourselves  are 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 2nd Person Plural
Root: εἰμί  
Sense: to be, to exist, to happen, to be present.
Πνεῦμα  Spirit 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root: πνεῦμα  
Sense: a movement of air (a gentle blast.
τοῦ  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
οἰκεῖ  dwells 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: οἰκέω  
Sense: to dwell in.