King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 11:2 Mean?

1 Corinthians 11:2 in the King James Version says “Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. ordi...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

1 Corinthians 11:2 · KJV

Salvation

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.

4

Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.

Read 1 Corinthians 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you—Paul begins with qualified commendation (contrast v. 17: "I praise you not"). The Greek παραδόσεις (paradoseis, ordinances/traditions) refers to authoritative apostolic teaching passed down orally and in writing. Paul uses technical rabbinic terminology: paredōka (I delivered, v. 23) and katechete (ye keep/hold fast). This isn't human tradition but apostolic tradition rooted in Christ's own words and actions.

The commendation is strategic—Paul will immediately correct their practice of these traditions regarding head coverings (vv. 3-16) and the Lord's Supper (vv. 17-34). The Corinthians remembered his teaching intellectually but applied it badly, revealing their underlying problems: gender confusion in worship and class divisions at the Table. Orthodoxy without orthopraxy is deficient discipleship.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In first-century culture, apostolic tradition carried authority before the New Testament canon was complete. Paul's oral and written teaching functioned as living tradition for early churches. The Corinthian church had received foundational instruction during Paul's 18-month founding visit (Acts 18), but false teachers and cultural pressures were distorting his message. This letter aims to re-establish apostolic authority and correct aberrant practices.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'traditions' or teachings have you received from Scripture and faithful teachers—and are you keeping them faithfully or selectively?
  2. How can a church balance honoring historic Christian teaching while avoiding mere traditionalism?
  3. Where might you be intellectually affirming biblical truth while practically denying it in your lifestyle?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Ἐπαινῶ1 of 15

“I praise”

G1867

to applaud

δὲ2 of 15

“Now”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὑμᾶς3 of 15

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἀδελφοί4 of 15

“brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ὅτι5 of 15

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

πάντα6 of 15

“in all things”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

μου7 of 15

“me”

G3450

of me

μέμνησθε8 of 15

“ye remember”

G3415

to bear in mind, i.e., recollect; by implication, to reward or punish

καὶ9 of 15

“and”

G2532

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

καθὼς10 of 15

“as”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

παρέδωκα11 of 15

“I delivered”

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

ὑμῖν12 of 15

“them to you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

τὰς13 of 15
G3588

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

παραδόσεις14 of 15

“the ordinances”

G3862

transmission, i.e., (concretely) a precept; specially, the jewish traditionary law

κατέχετε15 of 15

“keep”

G2722

to hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively)

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 11:2 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 11:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Thessalonians 2:151 Corinthians 4:17Proverbs 31:28-312 Thessalonians 3:61 Corinthians 11:171 Corinthians 11:22

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Corinthians 11 with CommentaryAll 1 Corinthians ChaptersComplete 1 Corinthians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes