King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 11:29 Mean?

1 Corinthians 11:29 in the King James Version says “For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. da... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 11:29 · KJV


Context

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.

31

For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body—Paul specifies what makes eating unworthy: μὴ διακρίνων τὸ σῶμα (not discerning the body). Diakrinō means to distinguish, judge correctly, recognize. What body? (1) Christ's physical body sacrificed on the cross—failing to see the Table as representing Christ's atoning death; (2) the church as Christ's body (12:12-27)—failing to honor unity and diversity within the congregation. Context favors both: Corinthians dishonored Christ's sacrifice and divided His body.

Eateth and drinketh damnation to himself (κρίμα ἑαυτῷ ἐσθίει καὶ πίνει)—krima means judgment, not necessarily eternal condemnation. Paul clarifies in v. 32: temporal discipline ('chastened') not final damnation. Yet the judgment is real—God doesn't overlook profaning the Table. The same meal that nourishes faith when received worthily brings judgment when received unworthily. This mirrors Israel's wilderness experience: manna sustained the faithful but judgment fell on rebels (1 Corinthians 10:1-12).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The phrase 'not discerning the body' became central in sacramental theology. Catholics emphasized Christ's real presence in the elements; Protestants emphasized the church as Christ's body. The Corinthian context clarifies: they failed to discern both—treating the meal as ordinary food (not Christ's body) and ignoring social divisions (fragmenting Christ's body, the church). Discernment requires theological understanding (this is covenant meal) and ethical response (unity in love).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to 'discern the Lord's body'—recognizing Christ's sacrifice, the church's unity, or both?
  2. How can unworthy eating bring judgment even on believers—what kind of judgment does Paul have in mind?
  3. How should churches teach about the Table's seriousness without inducing fear or scrupulosity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
1 of 17
G3588

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

γὰρ2 of 17

For

G1063

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

ἐσθίει3 of 17

eateth

G2068

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

καὶ4 of 17

and

G2532

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

πίνει5 of 17

drinketh

G4095

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

ἀναξίως,6 of 17

unworthily

G371

irreverently

κρίμα7 of 17

damnation

G2917

a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime"))

ἑαυτῷ8 of 17

to himself

G1438

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

ἐσθίει9 of 17

eateth

G2068

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

καὶ10 of 17

and

G2532

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

πίνει11 of 17

drinketh

G4095

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

μὴ12 of 17

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

διακρίνων13 of 17

discerning

G1252

to separate thoroughly, i.e., (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from, or (by implication) oppose; figuratively, to discriminate (by implication,

τὸ14 of 17
G3588

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

σῶμα15 of 17

body

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

τοῦ16 of 17
G3588

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

κυρίου17 of 17

the Lord's

G2962

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


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 11:29 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 11:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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