King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 11:23 Mean?

1 Corinthians 11:23 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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:

1 Corinthians 11:23 · KJV


Context

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:

24

And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. in: or, for a remembrance

25

After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—Paul pivots from rebuke to institution narrative. Παρέλαβον ἀπὸ τοῦ κυρίου (I received from the Lord)—technical language of apostolic tradition (cf. 15:3). Did Paul receive this directly via revelation or through apostolic testimony? Both: the tradition came through the apostles, but Paul's authority to transmit it came from Christ Himself.

The Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed (ὁ κύριος Ἰησοῦς ἐν τῇ νυκτὶ ᾗ παρεδίδετο)—paredideto (was betrayed/handed over) is imperfect tense: the action of betrayal was in process. This solemnizes the meal—instituted at Jesus's darkest hour, surrounded by treachery, abandonment, and impending crucifixion. Yet Jesus didn't cancel the meal or despair; He instituted a sacred ordinance pointing to His death as substitutionary atonement. The Corinthians' abuse of this meal, instituted in such gravity, is especially heinous.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper during Passover (Matthew 26:17-30, Mark 14:12-26, Luke 22:7-23). The Passover context is critical: lamb's blood saved Israel from judgment (Exodus 12). Jesus reinterprets Passover christologically—His body and blood are the true sacrifice that delivers from sin's judgment. Paul's account, written circa AD 55 (about 25 years after Jesus's death), is the earliest written testimony to the Last Supper, predating the Synoptic Gospels. This shows how central the Eucharist was to early Christian worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the betrayal context of the Last Supper deepen its meaning—Christ instituted covenant even as He was being betrayed?
  2. What does it mean that Paul 'received from the Lord' this tradition—how do apostolic authority and direct revelation interact?
  3. How should remembering the solemnity of the Last Supper's institution affect how we approach the Table today?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
Ἐγὼ1 of 21

I

G1473

i, me

γὰρ2 of 21

For

G1063

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

παρέλαβον3 of 21

have received

G3880

to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn

ἀπὸ4 of 21

of

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τοῦ5 of 21
G3588

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

κύριος6 of 21

the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

7 of 21

that which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

καὶ8 of 21

also

G2532

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

παρεδίδοτο9 of 21

I delivered

G3860

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

ὑμῖν10 of 21

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὅτι11 of 21

That

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

12 of 21
G3588

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

κύριος13 of 21

the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Ἰησοῦς14 of 21

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ἐν15 of 21

in

G1722

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

τῇ16 of 21
G3588

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

νυκτὶ17 of 21

the same night

G3571

"night" (literally or figuratively)

18 of 21

that which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

παρεδίδοτο19 of 21

I delivered

G3860

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

ἔλαβεν20 of 21

took

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

ἄρτον21 of 21

bread

G740

bread (as raised) or a loaf


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 11:23 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 11:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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