King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 11:26 Mean?

1 Corinthians 11:26 in the King James Version says “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. ye do: or, shew ye” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. ye do: or, shew ye”

1 Corinthians 11:26 · KJV

Context

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.

26

For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. ye do: or, shew ye

27

Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

28

But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

Read 1 Corinthians 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come—Ὁσάκις γὰρ ἐὰν ἐσθίητε... καὶ πίνητε (as often as you eat... and drink)—Paul emphasizes regularity without mandating frequency. Each celebration is proclamation: καταγγέλλετε (katangellō, you proclaim/announce). The Table is kerygmatic—it preaches the gospel.

Ye do shew the Lord's death—the Table is visual sermon. Τὸν θάνατον τοῦ κυρίου (the death of the Lord) is central: not His teachings, not His example, but His substitutionary death. Till he come (ἄχρι οὗ ἔλθῃ)—eschatological orientation. The Table looks backward (remembrance, v. 24) and forward (return, v. 26). Between Christ's first and second comings, the Table sustains the church, proclaiming His death until He returns to consummate the kingdom. Communion is pilgrimage meal—nourishment for the journey home.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Early Christians expected Christ's imminent return (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Revelation 22:20). The phrase marana tha ('Our Lord, come!', 1 Corinthians 16:22) likely accompanied communion liturgy. The Table oriented believers eschatologically—already participating in new covenant blessings (forgiveness, Spirit) but not yet in full kingdom reality (glorified bodies, new creation). This 'already/not yet' tension shaped early Christian hope and holiness. The Table's regular celebration reminded believers they were 'strangers and exiles' (1 Peter 2:11) awaiting their King.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Lord's Supper 'proclaim' the gospel—what does this meal communicate that words alone cannot?
  2. What difference does it make to approach the Table with eschatological expectation ('till He come') rather than mere nostalgia?
  3. How should the Table's dual orientation (remembrance and anticipation) shape Christian living between Christ's comings?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
ὁσάκις1 of 21
G3740

how (i.e., with g0302, so) many times as

γὰρ2 of 21

“For”

G1063

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

ἂν3 of 21

“as often as”

G302

whatsoever

ἐσθίητε4 of 21

“ye eat”

G2068

used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)

τὸν5 of 21
G3588

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

ἄρτον6 of 21

“bread”

G740

bread (as raised) or a loaf

τοῦτον7 of 21

“this”

G5126

this (person, as objective of verb or preposition)

καὶ8 of 21

“and”

G2532

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

τὸ9 of 21
G3588

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

ποτήριον10 of 21

“cup”

G4221

a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate

τοῦτο11 of 21

“this”

G5124

that thing

πίνητε12 of 21

“drink”

G4095

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

τὸν13 of 21
G3588

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

θάνατον14 of 21

“death”

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ15 of 21
G3588

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

κυρίου16 of 21

“the Lord's”

G2962

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

καταγγέλλετε17 of 21

“ye do shew”

G2605

to proclaim, promulgate

ἄχρις18 of 21

“till”

G891

(of time) until or (of place) up to

οὗ19 of 21

“he”

G3739

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

ἂν20 of 21

“as often as”

G302

whatsoever

ἔλθῃ21 of 21

“come”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and 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 11:26 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 11:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 9:28Revelation 1:7John 14:3Acts 1:112 Peter 3:10John 21:22

Test Your Knowledge

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

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