King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 11:18 Mean?

1 Corinthians 11:18 in the King James Version says “For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

1 Corinthians 11:18 · KJV

Faith

Context

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

20

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it—Πρῶτον μέν (first of all) signals the first of multiple charges. Σχίσματα (schismata, divisions) recalls 1:10—the same word for factions plaguing Corinth. Paul had hoped chapter 1-4's discussion resolved this; apparently it persisted, now manifesting at the Table.

I partly believe it (καὶ μέρος τι πιστεύω)—Paul's measured response. He's heard reports (11:18, 1:11) but withholds full judgment. Yet meros ti (in part) suggests the reports are substantially true, even if exaggerated. Paul's pastoral wisdom: believe credible reports enough to address them, but avoid assuming the worst. The divisions were evident in the social stratification at the Table (v. 21)—rich and poor, honored and shamed, divided by economic class rather than united in Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman meals were hierarchically structured: the triclinium (dining room) hosted the elite, while lower-status guests ate in courtyards or received inferior food. Banquet invitations specified food quality by social rank. The Corinthian church, meeting in wealthy patrons' homes, replicated pagan social stratification rather than embodying gospel equality. Paul's earlier rebuke (1:26-29) noted that "not many wise, mighty, or noble" were called—the church was largely poor and enslaved, making wealthy members' dominance especially offensive.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do economic and social divisions manifest in modern churches despite gospel proclamations of equality?
  2. What does it mean practically to 'come together' as church—how should unity be visible?
  3. How can church leaders address credible reports of division without being judgmental or dismissive?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
πρῶτον1 of 17

“first of all”

G4412

firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)

μὲν2 of 17
G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

γὰρ3 of 17

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

συνερχομένων4 of 17

“come together”

G4905

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

ὑμῶν5 of 17

“when ye”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἐν6 of 17

“among”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ7 of 17
G3588

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

ἐκκλησίᾳ8 of 17

“the church”

G1577

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

ἀκούω9 of 17

“I hear”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

σχίσματα10 of 17

“divisions”

G4978

a split or gap ("schism"), literally or figuratively

ἐν11 of 17

“among”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ὑμῖν12 of 17

“you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὑπάρχειν13 of 17

“that there be”

G5225

to begin under (quietly), i.e., come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, particip

καὶ14 of 17

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

μέρος15 of 17

“I partly”

G3313

a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application)

τι16 of 17

“it”

G5100

some or any person or object

πιστεύω17 of 17

“believe”

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

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 11:18 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 11:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 3:31 Corinthians 1:10-121 Corinthians 5:11 Corinthians 6:1

Test Your Knowledge

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