King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 11:17 Mean?

1 Corinthians 11:17 in the King James Version says “Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 11:17 · King James Version

Context

15

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

16

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

17

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

18

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

19

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

Read 1 Corinthians 11 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse—Sharp pivot from head coverings to the Lord's Supper. Οὐκ ἐπαινῶ (I praise not) contrasts with 11:2 ("I praise you"). Paul's tone hardens because the Corinthians' abuse of the Table is more severe than head-covering confusion. Συνέρχομαι (synerchomai, come together) repeats five times (vv. 17, 18, 20, 33, 34)—corporate gathering is central to Paul's concern.

Not for the better, but for the worse (οὐκ εἰς τὸ κρεῖττον ἀλλὰ εἰς τὸ ἧττον)—their assemblies were spiritually harmful, not edifying. This is devastating—worship should build up the body (14:26), but Corinthian practice was tearing it down. The comparative (better/worse) implies worship has directionality: it either forms Christlikeness or deforms it. Neutral worship doesn't exist. The Corinthian abuse of the Table—class divisions, drunkenness, gluttony (vv. 21-22)—made gatherings occasions for sin, not sanctification.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The early church celebrated the Lord's Supper within a communal meal called the agape feast (love feast, Jude 12). Wealthier members brought abundant food and wine; poorer members (slaves, laborers) arrived late and hungry. Instead of sharing resources, the rich ate and drank luxuriously while the poor went hungry—blatant class discrimination. This violated the gospel's leveling power (Galatians 3:28, James 2:1-9) and profaned the Table, which symbolizes Christ's broken body given for all equally.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can corporate worship become spiritually harmful rather than edifying?
  2. What modern parallels exist to Corinthian class divisions at the Table (segregated services, exclusive membership, economic stratification)?
  3. How should churches examine whether their gatherings are 'for the better' or 'for the worse'?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Τοῦτο1 of 15

“in this”

G5124

that thing

δὲ2 of 15

“Now”

G1161

but, and, etc

παραγγέλλων3 of 15

“that I declare”

G3853

to transmit a message, i.e., (by implication) to enjoin

οὐκ4 of 15

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐπαινῶ5 of 15

“unto you I praise”

G1867

to applaud

ὅτι6 of 15

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὐκ7 of 15

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

εἰς8 of 15

“for”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ9 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κρεῖττον10 of 15

“the better”

G2909

stronger, i.e., (figuratively) better, i.e., nobler

ἀλλ'11 of 15

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

εἰς12 of 15

“for”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ13 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἧττον14 of 15

“the worse”

G2276

worse (as noun); by implication, less (as adverb)

συνέρχεσθε15 of 15

“ye come together”

G4905

to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specially), cohabit (conjugally)

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 11:17 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 11:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 10:251 Corinthians 11:221 Corinthians 14:23Isaiah 58:1-41 Peter 2:141 Corinthians 11:2

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