What does 1 Corinthians 11:33 mean?

Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. 1 Corinthians 11:33

Explanation

The verse, 1 Corinthians 11:33 from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, instructs the members of the Corinthian church on the proper behavior during the communal meal, which included the celebration of the Lord’s Supper or Eucharist. The phrase “tarry one for another” suggests that the members should wait for each other before beginning to eat. This encourages a sense of unity and mutual respect among the believers, emphasizing the communal aspect of the meal and the remembrance of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice.

Historical Context

1 Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul to the early Christian church in Corinth around A.D. 55. The church was beset by various issues, including divisions, immorality, and misunderstandings regarding Christian doctrine and practice. Specifically, this verse comes from a passage in which Paul addresses the issue of abuses at the Lord’s Supper. The Corinthians were partaking of the meal in a disorderly manner, with some eating and drinking excessively while others were left hungry. This evidenced a lack of love and disregard for community among the church members, which Paul sought to correct.

Theological Insights

The verse speaks to the communal nature of Christian worship and the importance of considering others within the body of Christ. Theologically, it reinforces the significance of the Lord’s Supper as an act of unity among believers, a remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice, and a proclamation of his death until he comes again, as mentioned in the surrounding verses (1 Corinthians 11:26).

Different denominations may emphasize varied aspects of this communal meal. Some, like the Catholic Church, view the Eucharist as a sacrament and a literal transformation of the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ. Others, like many Protestant denominations, may see it as a symbolic gesture of faith and fellowship.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse teaches the importance of patience, mutual respect, and consideration for the needs and circumstances of others. It calls for a spirit of unity and equality within the community, particularly when coming together for meals or worship, reminding Christians that the practices of faith are not just personal but also communal. This extends beyond the context of the Lord’s Supper to other aspects of life, emphasizing that one should not seek personal gratification at the expense of others.

Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 10:17: “For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.”
• 1 Corinthians 11:21-22: “For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.”
• Romans 12:10: “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;”
• Galatians 5:13: “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”

Language Study

The key phrase in 1 Corinthians 11:33 is “tarry one for another” (Greek: ἀναμένετε ἀλλήλους, anamenete allelous). The word ἀναμένετε (anamenete) comes from the verb ἀναμένω (anamenō), meaning ‘to wait for’, ‘to expect’, and by extension, ‘to await one’s turn.’ The word ἀλλήλους (allelous) is a reciprocal pronoun meaning ‘one another’ or ‘each other.’ The phrase thus has a connotation of mutual waiting and consideration.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, communal meals held significant importance as times of social bonding and the reinforcement of community values. In the Jewish tradition, shared meals, including the Passover, also carried deep religious significance. Early Christian practices were influenced by these traditions but also infused with new meaning as commemorations of Jesus Christ’s Last Supper with his disciples. Comparatively, this notion of communal unity can be paralleled with other ancient customs that emphasized group cohesion and shared identity.

Scientific Perspectives

The practice of communal eating as referenced in this verse and the benefits of communal meals have been supported by scientific studies in the modern context. Research indicates that sharing meals can strengthen social bonds, improve mental health, and contribute to overall well-being. While the verse itself does not delve into scientific matters, the encouragement of communal activities aligns with findings on human social behavior and psychological health.

Commentaries

Various experts and biblical scholars offer insights on this verse. Many echo the sentiment that Apostle Paul is addressing a practical issue in the Corinthian church – the communal meal was to be a time of fellowship and unity, not division. Commentators like Matthew Henry stress that the Lord’s Supper is a sacrament of love and should be treated with the utmost respect for fellow believers. John Wesley notes the need for patience and readiness in helping one another, and not just in ceremonies, but in all the affairs of life. Contemporary biblical scholars would likely discuss this verse within the larger framework of Christian ethics and ecclesiology, focusing on how this applies to modern church practices and the life of faith communities.