1 Corinthians 3:16-17 from the King James Version (KJV) says, "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."

This verse is a powerful reminder to Christians that they are the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit and should therefore honor and care for their bodies as such. The passage serves as a warning against defiling one's body and emphasizes the sanctity of the human body as a temple of God.

The theme of the sanctity of the human body is prominently featured in this verse. It serves as a reminder to believers that their bodies are not their own, but rather the temple of God. This concept is consistent with other biblical teachings that emphasize the sacredness of the human body, such as in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, which states, "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? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."

The context of 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 is important for understanding the significance of this passage. The broader context of Paul's letter to the Corinthians includes addressing issues of divisiveness and disagreement within the church. Paul uses the metaphor of a building to emphasize the unity of the church and the importance of God's presence within it. In this specific passage, Paul is addressing the individual believer as the temple of God, highlighting the personal responsibility to honor God within oneself.

The symbolism of the temple is also significant in this verse. In the Old Testament, the temple was the central place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. By comparing the individual believer to the temple, Paul is emphasizing the importance of the Holy Spirit's presence within each person. This symbolism reinforces the idea of the believer as a holy and consecrated vessel for the indwelling of God.

The language used in this passage is also noteworthy. The phrase "the Spirit of God dwelleth in you" conveys the intimate and personal nature of the Holy Spirit's presence within the believer. This language emphasizes the close relationship between God and His people, and the responsibility that comes with being the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.

The warning about defiling the temple of God carries a serious tone. The consequences of defiling the temple are severe, as it says, "him shall God destroy." This speaks to the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God and honoring to the temple of the Holy Spirit within oneself. This warning serves as a reminder to believers to carefully consider their actions and the ways in which they care for their bodies and their spiritual well-being.

In conclusion, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 from the KJV serves as a powerful reminder of the sanctity of the human body as the temple of God. It emphasizes the personal responsibility of believers to honor and care for their bodies as vessels for the Holy Spirit. The context, themes, and symbolism of this verse all contribute to the profound message it conveys about the relationship between God and His people, and the importance of living in a way that reflects this sacred union.