King James Version
What Does 1 Corinthians 11:21 Mean?
“For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.”
1 Corinthians 11:21 · KJV
Context
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.
22
What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. have not: or, are poor?
23
For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryFor in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken—Paul specifies the abuse. Ἕκαστος γὰρ τὸ ἴδιον δεῖπνον προλαμβάνει (each one takes beforehand his own supper)—prolambanei means to take beforehand, eat ahead of others. Instead of waiting and sharing, the wealthy consumed their private meals immediately, ignoring latecomers.
And one is hungry, and another is drunken (καὶ ὃς μὲν πεινᾷ, ὃς δὲ μεθύει)—the devastating result. Peinao (is hungry) describes literal physical hunger; methyō (is drunken) means intoxication from wine. The contrast is stark: poverty and wealth, deprivation and excess, shame and indulgence—all at the Table meant to proclaim unity in Christ's death. This wasn't merely bad manners but covenant violation. The Lord's Supper signifies Christ's body broken for all equally; Corinthian practice signaled that some mattered more than others. Economic injustice desecrated the gospel.
And one is hungry, and another is drunken (καὶ ὃς μὲν πεινᾷ, ὃς δὲ μεθύει)—the devastating result. Peinao (is hungry) describes literal physical hunger; methyō (is drunken) means intoxication from wine. The contrast is stark: poverty and wealth, deprivation and excess, shame and indulgence—all at the Table meant to proclaim unity in Christ's death. This wasn't merely bad manners but covenant violation. The Lord's Supper signifies Christ's body broken for all equally; Corinthian practice signaled that some mattered more than others. Economic injustice desecrated the gospel.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Roman convivium (banquet) practices included heavy drinking, with social elites consuming superior wine while lower-status guests received inferior or watered wine. Drunkenness at pagan feasts was common, even celebrated. Slaves and poor laborers worked long hours, arriving at evening gatherings exhausted and hungry, only to find the wealthy had already eaten. Paul's outrage reflects both Jewish sobriety (drunkenness is shameful, Proverbs 23:20-21, Ephesians 5:18) and Christian egalitarianism (the Table erases social hierarchy, Galatians 3:28).
Reflection Questions
- How does the Corinthian abuse of the Table violate the gospel's core message of grace for all equally?
- What modern expressions of economic injustice in churches parallel the Corinthian situation?
- How should congregations practicing the Lord's Supper ensure it reflects Christ's inclusive, self-giving love?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 16 wordsγὰρ2 of 16
“For”
G1063properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἴδιον4 of 16
“other his own”
G2398pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
προλαμβάνει6 of 16
“taketh before”
G4301to take in advance, i.e., (literally) eat before others have an opportunity; (figuratively) to anticipate, surprise
καὶ10 of 16
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὲν12 of 16
“one”
G3303properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
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 11:21 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 11:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge