King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 11:34 Mean?

1 Corinthians 11:34 in the King James Version says “And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in orde...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

1 Corinthians 11:34 · KJV

Context

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

Read 1 Corinthians 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation—Final instruction. Εἴ τις πεινᾷ (if anyone is hungry)—if your primary purpose is satisfying physical hunger, eat at home. The church gathering isn't for gluttony but worship. This distinguishes agape feast (fellowship meal) from the Lord's Supper proper (sacramental meal). Over time, the church separated these—communion became distinct from common meals.

That ye come not together unto condemnation (ἵνα μὴ εἰς κρίμα συνέρχησθε)—the stakes are high. Church assemblies should edify, not incur judgment (v. 17: 'not for the better, but for the worse'). Paul's concern is pastoral: he wants the Corinthians' gatherings to bless, not curse them. And the rest will I set in order when I come (τὰ δὲ λοιπὰ ὡς ἂν ἔλθω διατάξομαι)—other issues await Paul's visit, but these needed immediate written correction. This hints at ongoing problems in Corinth (see 2 Corinthians) and Paul's apostolic authority to set church order.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The early church's agape feast combined fellowship meal with Eucharist. By the second century, they were separated—communion became liturgical, while communal meals continued separately. Paul's instruction here may have prompted this development. The distinction protected the Table's sacredness while maintaining Christian fellowship meals. Ignatius, Pliny's letter to Trajan, and Justin Martyr's writings show this evolution. Paul's teaching shaped Christian worship: the Table is sacred, not casual, and church gatherings are for mutual edification, not selfish consumption.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the proper relationship between fellowship meals and the Lord's Supper—should they be combined or separate?
  2. How can churches ensure their gatherings are 'for the better' (edifying) rather than 'for the worse' (incurring judgment)?
  3. What does Paul's promise to 'set in order' other things teach about apostolic authority and church governance?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
εἰ1 of 19
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ2 of 19

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

τις3 of 19
G5100

some or any person or object

πεινᾷ4 of 19

“hunger”

G3983

to famish (absolutely or comparatively); figuratively, to crave

ἐν5 of 19

“at”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

οἴκῳ6 of 19

“home”

G3624

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

ἐσθιέτω7 of 19

“let him eat”

G2068

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

ἵνα8 of 19
G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μὴ9 of 19
G3361

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

εἰς10 of 19

“unto”

G1519

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

κρίμα11 of 19

“condemnation”

G2917

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

συνέρχησθε.12 of 19

“together”

G4905

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

Τὰ13 of 19
G3588

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

δὲ14 of 19

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

λοιπὰ15 of 19

“the rest”

G3062

remaining ones

ὡς16 of 19

“when”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἂν17 of 19
G302

whatsoever

ἔλθω18 of 19

“I come”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

διατάξομαι19 of 19

“will I set in order”

G1299

to arrange thoroughly, i.e., (specially) institute, prescribe, etc

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 11:34 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 11:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 11:21-221 Corinthians 7:171 Corinthians 4:191 Corinthians 16:2Titus 1:51 Corinthians 16:5

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Corinthians 11 with CommentaryAll 1 Corinthians ChaptersComplete 1 Corinthians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes