King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 11:1 Mean?

1 Corinthians 11:1 in the King James Version says “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 11:1 · KJV

Context

1

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

2

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

3

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.

Read 1 Corinthians 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ (μιμηταί μου γίνεσθε, καθὼς κἀγὼ Χριστοῦ)—Paul uses mimētai (imitators), calling believers to pattern their lives after his example. This is not arrogance but apostolic authority grounded in his own imitation of Christ. The comparative kathōs kagō (even as I also) shows the chain of discipleship: Christ → Paul → Corinthians.

This verse concludes Paul's discussion of Christian liberty (chapters 8-10), where he modeled self-limitation for others' sake—refusing idol meat (8:13), forgoing apostolic rights (9:12-18), becoming all things to all people (9:19-23). Paul's life embodied the cross-shaped wisdom he preached (1:18-25). His call to imitation is specifically Christological imitation: self-sacrificing love that seeks others' edification over personal freedom. The Corinthians, obsessed with their rights and status, needed a lived model of cruciform discipleship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written around AD 55 from Ephesus, 1 Corinthians addressed a church fractured by factions, immorality, and misuse of freedom. Corinth was a wealthy commercial port where Greek philosophical pride met Roman social stratification. Paul planted this church during his 18-month ministry there (Acts 18:1-18, circa AD 50-51). The letter responds to oral reports (1:11, 11:18) and written questions (7:1) about controversies dividing the congregation.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what specific areas is God calling you to limit your freedom for the sake of weaker believers' consciences?
  2. How does Paul's pattern of imitating Christ challenge modern individualism and the 'authentic self' narrative?
  3. Who are you discipling through the example of your life, and what are they learning from watching you?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 6 words
μιμηταί1 of 6

“ye followers”

G3402

an imitator

μου2 of 6

“of me”

G3450

of me

γίνεσθε3 of 6

“Be”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

καθὼς4 of 6

“even as”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

κἀγὼ5 of 6

“I also”

G2504

so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.

Χριστοῦ6 of 6

“am of Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 11:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 11:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philippians 3:171 Thessalonians 1:61 Corinthians 4:16Ephesians 5:1-2Hebrews 6:12Philippians 2:4-5

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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