King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 11:34 Mean?

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 · King James Version


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


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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?
KS
Written by KJV Study CommentaryBiblical Commentary

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
εἰ
1 of 19
G1487
if, whether, that, etc
δὲ
2 of 19

And

G1161
but, and, etc
τις
3 of 19
G5100
some or any person or object
πεινᾷ
4 of 19

hunger

G3983
to famish (absolutely or comparatively); figuratively, to crave
ἐν
5 of 19

at

G1722
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
οἴκῳ
6 of 19

home

G3624
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
ἐσθιέτω
7 of 19

let him eat

G2068
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
ἵνα
8 of 19
G2443
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
μὴ
9 of 19
G3361
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
εἰς
10 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
κρίμα
11 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)
Τὰ
13 of 19
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δὲ
14 of 19

And

G1161
but, and, etc
λοιπὰ
15 of 19

the rest

G3062
remaining ones
ὡς
16 of 19

when

G5613
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἂν
17 of 19
G302
whatsoever
ἔλθω
18 of 19

I come

G2064
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
διατάξομαι
19 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

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