What does 1 Corinthians 11:27 mean?

Explanation

This passage in 1 Corinthians 11:27 stresses the importance of taking the Christian rite of the Lord's Supper, or Communion, with the utmost reverence and self-examination.

It warns that those who partake in the ceremony "unworthily" are disrespecting the body and blood of Jesus Christ.

The term "unworthily" does not mean that a person must be free from all sin to participate, as that would exclude all people, but rather that they should approach the meal with a sense of humility, self-awareness of sin, and reverence for what the elements represent – the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for humanity's sins.

Historical Context

The Apostle Paul is addressing the early Christian community in Corinth around 54-55 A.D.

The church in Corinth was diverse and had issues with divisions, moral lapses, and misunderstandings about Christian practices.

Specifically, during communal meals which included the Lord's Supper, wealthier members of the congregation would eat and drink excessively, leaving little for the poorer members.

This conduct displayed a fundamental disregard for the unity and the sacredness that the Supper was supposed to represent.

Theological Insights

This verse has been interpreted in various ways.

The Roman Catholic Church views it in light of the doctrine of transubstantiation, meaning that partaking in the Eucharist unworthily is a grave sin due to the real presence of Christ in the sacrament.

Protestants, depending on their denomination, may not hold to transubstantiation but would still see this as a call for worthy participation through faith and reverence for what the elements symbolize.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse calls Christians to a life of self-reflection and confession before participating in the Lord's Supper.

It suggests a need to reconcile with others in the community, to ensure that the act of Communion is one of unity and shared faith. The application extends beyond the sacrament itself, suggesting Christians should live in a way that honors Christ's sacrifice every day.

Cross-References

• Matthew 26:26-28 – Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper during the Last Supper.
• 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 – Discusses the communion of the body and blood of Christ.
• 1 Corinthians 11:28-29 – Encourages self-examination before partaking in Communion.
• John 6:53-58 – Jesus speaks about eating His flesh and drinking His blood.

Language Study

The word "unworthily" (Greek: ἀναξίως, anaxios) is an adverb meaning unworthily or in an unworthy manner.

It is the only occurrence of the word in the New Testament.

The word "guilty" (Greek: ἔνοχος, enochos) carries a legal connotation, implying liability or culpability. It indicates that mistreatment of the sacred rite incurs responsibility for Jesus' body and blood, as if one were contributing to His suffering and death.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient religions, ritual purity was a significant concern before offering sacrifices or participating in religious activities.

Similarly, the concept of approaching gods or sacred rituals in an unworthy manner could be seen in various ancient cultures, including Judaism, wherein the Temple practices required purification.

This verse's emphasis on worthiness has parallels with such practices, even if the Christian understanding of "worthiness" relates more to faith and reverence than ritual purity.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse does not directly relate to scientific perspectives but can intersect with psychological studies on ritual, symbolism, and the human need for confession and self-reflection.

These aspects can be examined through the lens of psychology and their effects on human behavior and community building.

Commentaries

Diverse interpretations arise in biblical commentaries:

• John Calvin commented that people should not abstain from the sacrament due to a sense of unworthiness but should seek to partake worthily through reverence and self-examination.
• The Geneva Bible notes provide that the sacraments require faith in the participants and that without understanding and faith, the sacrament becomes a condemnation.
• Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the grave nature of profaning the holy ordinance by not distinguishing it from common meals and the importance of self-examination.

Different commentaries highlight the care with which individuals should approach the Lord's Supper, underlining its significance and the necessary attitude of the participant.