King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 11:33 Mean?

1 Corinthians 11:33 in the King James Version says “Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 11:33 · KJV

Context

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.

34

And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come. condemnation: or, judgment

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another—Paul concludes with practical instruction. Ὥστε, ἀδελφοί μου (wherefore, my brothers)—affectionate address after stern correction. Συνερχόμενοι φαγεῖν (coming together to eat)—the fifth use of synerchomai in this section (vv. 17, 18, 20, 33, 34), emphasizing corporate dimension.

Tarry one for another (ἀλλήλους ἐκδέχεσθε)—ekdechomai means to wait for, receive hospitably. The wealthy shouldn't start eating before the poor arrive. This simple command addresses the root problem: selfishness, class division, and contempt for poorer members. Waiting embodies the gospel: Christ waited for us (Romans 5:6-8, 'while we were still sinners'), so we wait for each other. The Table is communal, not individualistic. Mutual love must characterize the meal, or it's not the Lord's Supper (v. 20). This applies beyond the Table—all Christian community should be marked by patience, preference of others, and mutual love (Philippians 2:3-4).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman meals were rigidly timed and stratified. The elite dined early; lower classes ate later with inferior food. Paul demands countercultural practice: wait. This seemingly small act undermined Roman social hierarchy and embodied gospel equality. Early church agape feasts were meant to display radical generosity and unity across social classes (Acts 2:44-46, 4:32-35). Paul calls the Corinthians back to this vision: the Table unites rich and poor, slave and free, Jew and Gentile (Galatians 3:28) in Christ's broken body.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the simple act of 'waiting for one another' embody the gospel and challenge cultural norms?
  2. What modern practices in churches subtly divide rich and poor, honored and marginalized—and how can they be corrected?
  3. How can congregations cultivate patience, mutual honor, and genuine community around the Lord's Table and beyond?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
ὥστε1 of 9

“Wherefore”

G5620

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

ἀδελφοί2 of 9

“brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

μου3 of 9

“my”

G3450

of me

συνερχόμενοι4 of 9

“when ye come together”

G4905

to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specially), cohabit (conjugally)

εἰς5 of 9

“to”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ6 of 9
G3588

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

φαγεῖν7 of 9

“eat”

G5315

to eat (literally or figuratively)

ἀλλήλους8 of 9

“one for another”

G240

one another

ἐκδέχεσθε9 of 9

“tarry”

G1551

to accept from some source, i.e., (by implication) to await

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 11:33 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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