King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 11:31 Mean?

1 Corinthians 11:31 in the King James Version says “For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 11:31 · KJV

Context

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.

32

But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

33

Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged—Prevention of divine judgment through self-judgment. Εἰ δὲ ἑαυτοὺς διεκρίνομεν (if we would judge/discern ourselves)—conditional sentence (contrary to fact): if we had judged ourselves (but we didn't). Diakrinomai (same root as 'discerning' in v. 29) means critically evaluate, sift, distinguish. Self-judgment involves recognizing sin, repenting, reconciling, and correcting behavior.

We should not be judged (οὐκ ἂν ἐκρινόμεθα)—by God. Divine judgment is avoidable through self-examination and repentance. This isn't works-righteousness but covenant faithfulness—those in Christ are called to walk worthy of their calling (Ephesians 4:1). God's fatherly discipline (v. 32) is corrective, not punitive, but it's still real. Proactive self-judgment (v. 28) prevents reactive divine judgment (v. 30). This principle applies beyond the Table: Christians must examine themselves in all areas (2 Corinthians 13:5, Galatians 6:4), confess sin (1 John 1:9), and pursue holiness (Hebrews 12:14).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) emphasized self-examination and confession to avoid divine judgment. Jesus taught self-judgment to avoid hypocrisy (Matthew 7:1-5, remove plank from your own eye). Paul extends this: self-judgment prevents divine discipline. Early church practices included regular confession (James 5:16), mutual accountability (Galatians 6:1-2), and church discipline for unrepentant sin (Matthew 18:15-20). Self-judgment was communal, not merely individual—the body helps members see blind spots.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does biblical self-judgment look like practically—how do you examine yourself without becoming morbidly introspective?
  2. How does self-judgment relate to God's judgment—can we really avoid divine discipline through self-examination?
  3. What role does the church community play in helping individuals practice self-judgment and accountability?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 7 words
εἰ1 of 7

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

γὰρ2 of 7

“For”

G1063

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

ἑαυτοὺς3 of 7

“ourselves”

G1438

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

διεκρίνομεν4 of 7

“we would judge”

G1252

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

οὐκ5 of 7

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἂν6 of 7

“we should”

G302

whatsoever

ἐκρινόμεθα·7 of 7

“be judged”

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

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 11:31 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 11:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 John 1:9Psalms 32:3-51 Corinthians 11:28Revelation 2:5Revelation 3:2-3Luke 15:18-20

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