King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 11:28 Mean?

1 Corinthians 11:28 in the King James Version says “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 11:28 · KJV

Context

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.

29

For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. damnation: or, judgment

30

For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

Read 1 Corinthians 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup—The solution to unworthy eating: self-examination. Δοκιμαζέτω δὲ ἄνθρωπος ἑαυτόν (let a man examine himself)—dokimazō means to test, prove, scrutinize (metallurgical term, testing metals for purity). This isn't morbid introspection but honest self-assessment before God. The examination focuses on: attitudes toward others (divisions, v. 18), treatment of the poor (v. 22), and discernment of Christ's body (v. 29).

And so let him eat (καὶ οὕτως... ἐσθιέτω)—after examination, participate. The goal isn't to scare believers away from the Table but to prepare them to approach worthily. Self-examination should produce repentance, reconciliation, and faith—then eat. The Table is for sinners who know they're sinners, not for the self-righteous. Calvin called this "fencing the Table"—protecting it from profanation while welcoming the penitent.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish Passover preparation included searching homes for leaven (symbol of sin, Exodus 12:15). Paul spiritualizes this: search your heart for sin before the Christian Passover. Early church liturgies included confession of sin and mutual reconciliation before communion (Matthew 5:23-24, Didache 14:1-2). The church father Chrysostom preached that unreconciled Christians should abstain from the Table until they reconcile. This self-examination wasn't individualistic but communal—assessing how one's attitudes and actions affected the body of Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. What should self-examination before the Lord's Supper focus on—personal sins, attitudes toward others, or both?
  2. How can churches practice corporate self-examination without becoming legalistic or introspective?
  3. What role should church leaders play in helping members examine themselves—pastoral counsel, fencing the Table, liturgical preparation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
δοκιμαζέτω1 of 15

“examine”

G1381

to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve

δὲ2 of 15

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἄνθρωπος3 of 15

“a man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἑαυτόν4 of 15

“himself”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

καὶ5 of 15

“and”

G2532

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

οὕτως6 of 15

“so”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

ἐκ7 of 15

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ8 of 15
G3588

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

ἄρτου9 of 15

“that bread”

G740

bread (as raised) or a loaf

ἐσθιέτω10 of 15

“let him eat”

G2068

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

καὶ11 of 15

“and”

G2532

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

ἐκ12 of 15

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ13 of 15
G3588

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

ποτηρίου14 of 15

“that cup”

G4221

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

πινέτω·15 of 15

“drink”

G4095

to imbibe (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 11:28 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 11:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 6:42 Corinthians 13:5Lamentations 3:40Matthew 5:23-241 Corinthians 11:31Haggai 1:7

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