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1 Corinthians 11

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.

But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.

But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.

For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.

For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.

For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.

Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.

For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.

Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.

For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of god.

Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?

Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?

But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.

But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.

For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.

For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper.

For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.

What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.

For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:

And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.

And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.

What does 1 Corinthians 11:28 mean?

Explanation

1 Corinthians 11:28 is a verse located in a passage where the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of how to properly observe the Lord's Supper, also known as communion, within the Corinthian church.

The verse emphasizes the importance of self-examination prior to participation in the sacrament.

The literal meaning instructs believers to reflect on their own faith and conduct to ensure they are in a worthy state to partake in the communion elements - the bread and the cup, which symbolize the body and blood of Jesus Christ.

The deeper meaning suggests that this self-examination is a spiritual discipline intended to foster sincerity and truthfulness in one’s relationship with God and with fellow believers, recognizing the gravity and holiness of the sacrament.

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Historical Context

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by Paul in the mid-50s A.D. when controversies and moral issues plagued the Christian church in Corinth.

One of the issues Paul addressed was the disunity and improper conduct surrounding the Lord's Supper, where wealthier members would dine and drink excessively, while poorer members were left hungry and humiliated.

This disgraceful behavior undermined the communal and egalitarian nature of the meal, which was originally a full meal known as the "Agape feast", thereby distorting its intended purpose as a remembrance of Jesus' sacrificial death.

Theological Insights

Differing theological perspectives view 1 Corinthians 11:28 through various lenses:

Catholic Theology often highlights the sacredness of the Eucharist and encourages self-examination to ensure one is not in a state of mortal sin before receiving communion.
Protestant Theology may emphasize the significance of personal faith and the grace of God in the act of communion, recognizing self-examination as a means to approach the Lord's Supper worthily.
Reformed Theology, with its doctrine of predestination, might focus on the covenantal aspects of the Lord's Supper, seeing self-examination as a way to reaffirm one's election and participation in the New Covenant.
Pentecostal and Charismatic Theologies can stress the personal relationship with the Holy Spirit and the importance of being led by the Spirit in self-examination, experiencing communion as an intimate encounter with Christ.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse encourages believers to:

Periodically engage in personal reflection on their behavior and spiritual state.
Approach religious observances, especially communion, with reverence and humility.
Consider the impact of one's actions on the community and strive for reconciliation with others before participating in shared sacraments.
Use the discipline of self-examination to grow in faith and to align one’s life more closely with Christian teachings.

Cross-References

Matthew 26:26-28: "And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body."
1 Corinthians 11:27: "Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord."
2 Corinthians 13:5: "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.

Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?"

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "examine" is "δοκιμάζετω" (dokimazeto), which means to test, discern, approve after examination.

The term implies a thorough and honest review of one's moral and spiritual condition.

The Greek words "τοῦ ἄρτου" (tou artou) and "τοῦ ποτηρίου" (tou poteriou) refer to "of the bread" and "of the cup," respectively, highlighting the material elements used in the sacred ritual of communion.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of self-examination before partaking in a communal religious meal is not unique to Christianity.

In various ancient religions, rituals often required a degree of purity or preparation.

For example, in the Eleusinian Mysteries, an initiation ceremony into the cult of Demeter and Persephone in ancient Greece, participants would engage in preparatory fasts and purifications.

However, the Christian emphasis on introspection and acknowledgement of one's shortcomings before communion creates a distinctly personal approach to the sacred.

Scientific Perspectives

In the realm of psychology, self-examination as advocated in 1 Corinthians 11:28 can be associated with self-reflection, a process known to be constructive for personal growth and emotional well-being.

While scientific perspectives would not address the supernatural aspects of communion, they might support the practice of self-examination as a healthy habit for mental and social health.

Commentaries

Different biblical commentators have offered a variety of interpretations of 1 Corinthians 11:28:

John Calvin asserts the necessity of self-examination to avoid profaning the sacrament, arguing that one must inspect their conscience to discern any unrepentant sin.
Matthew Henry emphasizes the need for repentance and the danger of taking the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner, leading to God's judgment.
Charles Spurgeon expounded on the verse by reminding his listeners that self-examination is a continuous duty for all Christians, not only when partaking in communion.

Commentators generally agree on the importance of approaching the Lord's Supper with a heart and mind prepared through sincere self-assessment.

1 Corinthians 11

1 Corinthians 11

What does 1 Corinthians 11:28 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated 1 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does 1 Corinthians 11:28 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated 1 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?