King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 11:19 Mean?

1 Corinthians 11:19 in the King James Version says “For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. heresies: or, se...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 11:19 · King James Version

Context

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

21

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

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Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you—Controversial verse. Δεῖ γάρ (dei gar, for there must be) suggests divine necessity. Αἱρέσεις (haireseis, heresies) originally meant factions or parties (related to schismata, v. 18), not doctrinal error (later technical meaning). God uses even sinful divisions for His purposes: revealing character.

That they which are approved may be made manifest (ἵνα οἱ δόκιμοι φανεροὶ γένωνται)—dokimoi (approved/tested) is a metallurgical term for refined gold. Divisions act as fire that tests and reveals genuine faith versus false profession. Those who pursue unity, love, and humility prove themselves genuine; those who foster division for selfish gain expose their carnal nature. Paul doesn't endorse divisions but acknowledges God's sovereignty in using even sin to refine His church. This echoes Jesus's warning: "offenses must come" (Matthew 18:7).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Greek philosophical schools (Stoics, Epicureans) were rife with factions and personality cults. Corinthian Christians, steeped in this culture, imported divisive attitudes into the church. Paul's theology of testing (1:18-31, 3:10-15) views trials as revelatory—they expose hearts. Persecution, false teaching, and internal division all serve God's refining purpose. First-century believers understood suffering and division as eschatological tribulations preceding Christ's return, testing who would endure.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God use church divisions and conflicts to reveal genuine versus false faith?
  2. What distinguishes those 'approved' by God versus those who fail the test of division?
  3. How should churches respond to inevitable conflicts—with despair, or with trust in God's refining purposes?

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

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
δεῖ1 of 14

“there must”

G1163

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

γὰρ2 of 14

“For”

G1063

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

καὶ3 of 14

“also”

G2532

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

αἱρέσεις4 of 14

“heresies”

G139

properly, a choice, i.e., (specially) a party or (abstractly) disunion

ἐν5 of 14

“among”

G1722

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

ὑμῖν6 of 14

“you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

εἶναι7 of 14

“be”

G1511

to exist

ἵνα8 of 14

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

οἱ9 of 14
G3588

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

δόκιμοι10 of 14

“they which are approved”

G1384

properly, acceptable (current after assayal), i.e., approved

φανεροὶ11 of 14

“manifest”

G5318

shining, i.e., apparent (literally or figuratively); neuter (as adverb) publicly, externally

γένωνται12 of 14

“may be made”

G1096

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

ἐν13 of 14

“among”

G1722

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

ὑμῖν14 of 14

“you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

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 11:19 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 11:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 John 2:19Titus 3:10Acts 20:30Deuteronomy 13:3Luke 17:1Matthew 18:7

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