What does 1 Corinthians 11:34 mean?

Explanation

1 Corinthians 11:34 addresses an issue concerning the manner in which the Corinthians were partaking in the Lord's Supper.

The Apostle Paul is correcting their behavior, as some were eating and drinking excessively at the communal meals that accompanied the observance, while others were going hungry.

The deeper meaning here reflects a call to propriety and respect for the sacred nature of the gathering.

Paul's instruction is clear: communal worship should not be an occasion for selfish indulgence.

If someone is hungry, they should eat at home so that the gathering may proceed in an orderly and respectful way, avoiding judgement or "condemnation."

Historical Context

This verse is part of a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the Corinthian church in the mid-first century.

Corinth was a cosmopolitan city of the Roman Empire, known for its diversity and cultural wealth.

During this period, it was common for early Christian communities to gather for a meal known as the "agape feast," which included the remembrance of the Lord's Supper.

The social disparities among the members led to abuses during these meals, which mirrored the broader societal inequalities. Paul sought to rectify these irregularities and encourage unity and equality within the Christian assembly.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, the verse emphasizes the importance of reverence for the sacraments and the gathering of believers.

It touches upon the idea of Christian community and fellowship, as well as personal responsibility and consideration for others.

The condemnation Paul refers to may suggest both the social judgment by the community and divine judgement.

It underscores that worship should not reinforce social divisions, but rather, manifest the unity of the body of Christ.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be applied in several ways.

In a communal setting, such as a church or group gathering, it emphasizes the importance of maintaining a spirit of unity and avoiding behaviors that could cause division or offense.

On a personal level, it encourages self-reflection before participating in significant ceremonies and advises addressing personal needs in private when they might otherwise disrupt or disrespect communal harmony.

Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 11:21-22: "For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken."
• 1 Corinthians 11:20: "When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper."
• 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 10:31: "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
• Romans 14:1-3: "Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations."

Language Study

In this verse, the original Greek language carries significant meaning in the keywords used:

• "hunger" or "peinaō" (πεινάω) conveys a sense of physical hunger or need.
• "eat" or "esthiō" (ἐσθίω) denotes the act of eating.
• "at home" or "en oikō" (ἐν οἴκῳ) emphasizes the personal or private space as opposed to the communal setting.
• "condemnation" or "krima" (κρίμα) implies judgment, which could be social or divine.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In cultural and religious comparisons, the early Christian practice of communal meals shares similarities with Jewish fellowship meals and Greco-Roman symposia.

However, the Christian emphasis on unity and equality during these gatherings contrasts with the often stratified and hierarchical nature of non-Christian contemporary meals.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly intersect with scientific concepts, modern nutritional science emphasizes the importance of individual dietary needs and eating habits, indirectly supporting the idea that individuals should manage their personal needs, such as hunger, appropriately and privately.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer insight into this verse:

• John Calvin emphasized the right ordering of the Lord's Supper and the need to avoid profaning it by addressing physical needs in a separate context.
• Gordon D.

Fee, in his commentary on 1 Corinthians, notes the social implications of the verse, pointing out that the wealthy in Corinth may have been shaming the poor.

• Richard B.

Hays, in 'First Corinthians,' underscores the corrective nature of Paul's message, urging for an egalitarian and communal sensibility in worship practices.