1 Corinthians 11 17

1 Corinthians 11:17 kjv

Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.

1 Corinthians 11:17 nkjv

Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse.

1 Corinthians 11:17 niv

In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good.

1 Corinthians 11:17 esv

But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse.

1 Corinthians 11:17 nlt

But in the following instructions, I cannot praise you. For it sounds as if more harm than good is done when you meet together.

1 Corinthians 11 verses

1 Corinthians 11 17 meaning

In this verse, Paul introduces a significant rebuke to the Corinthian church. He unequivocally states that, concerning the instructions he is about to deliver, he cannot commend them. He criticizes their congregational gatherings, specifically noting that their assemblies, intended for spiritual good, were instead yielding negative, even harmful, results. Their manner of coming together was not for improvement or edification, but rather for deterioration and detriment.

1 Corinthians 11 17 Context

1 Corinthians chapter 11 primarily addresses matters of order and decorum in congregational worship. The initial section (vv. 2-16) discusses the issue of head coverings for women during prayer or prophesying, with Paul praising the Corinthians for generally maintaining traditions (v. 2). However, verse 17 marks a sharp and dramatic shift in tone and subject. Paul pivots from specific rules about appearance to a direct, unreserved condemnation of their behavior during their corporate gatherings, specifically the Lord's Supper and the communal meal (agape feast) associated with it. This verse serves as a crucial bridge, introducing a severe problem that undermines the very purpose and sanctity of their Christian assembly. Historically, early Christian communities gathered not just for teaching but also for communal meals and the observance of the Lord's Supper, which sometimes suffered from social stratification prevalent in Greco-Roman society. In Corinth, wealthier members would often eat their fill (sometimes to excess) while poorer members, who had little or no food to bring and might arrive late due to work, went hungry, creating division and dishonoring the Christ-centered nature of the meal.

1 Corinthians 11 17 Word analysis

• But (τοῦτο δὲ - touto de): The Greek de here functions as a transition, often rendered "now" or "and," but in this context, combined with touto (this/these things), it signals a shift to a new and critical point that builds upon (or contrasts with) what precedes it.
• in the following instructions (παραγγέλλων - parangellōn): A participle, literally "instructing" or "commanding." This implies Paul is giving not merely advice but a formal directive, carrying the weight of apostolic authority. It suggests a serious, authoritative address on what is to follow.
• I do not commend you (οὐκ ἐπαινῶ - ouk epainō): Ouk (not) and epainō (to praise, commend). This is a stark, direct rebuke. It powerfully contrasts with Paul's positive commendation in 1 Cor 11:2 ("I praise you...") and signals the extreme seriousness of the issues at hand, demonstrating that despite some good practices, a core problem exists.
• because (ὅτι - hoti): Introduces the reason for his condemnation, clarifying the specific nature of their misconduct.
• when you come together (συνέρχεσθαι - synerchesthai): From synerchomai, meaning "to come together, assemble." This refers to their regular congregational meetings, specifically those including the communal meal and the Lord's Supper, which formed a central part of early Christian corporate worship.
• it is not for the better (οὐκ εἰς τὸ κρεῖττον - ouk eis to kreitton): Ouk (not), eis (for/to), to kreitton (the better, the more excellent). Kreitton is the comparative form of agathos (good). Their assembly, rather than promoting spiritual growth, unity, or good, was failing in its intended purpose.
• but for the worse (ἀλλ᾽ εἰς τὸ ἧττον - all' eis to hētton): All' (but), eis (for/to), to hētton (the worse, the less). Hētton is the comparative form of kakos (bad, evil). This is a strong, negative assessment. Their gatherings were not simply ineffective but actively detrimental, causing harm, division, and sin within the community.

Words-group analysis:

• "But in the following instructions, I do not commend you": This phrase marks an emphatic shift from positive affirmation to severe censure. The contrast between Paul's praise earlier in the chapter and this direct rebuke underscores the profound spiritual failure in their corporate life concerning the Lord's Supper. Paul exercises his apostolic authority to command and correct.
• "because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse": This statement serves as the core indictment. The Corinthians' corporate worship, rather than building up and edifying the body of Christ, was in fact tearing it down and creating greater problems. It highlights that the very act of assembling, meant for communal blessing, had become a source of division and spiritual harm due to their selfish and unloving conduct.

1 Corinthians 11 17 Bonus section

The authoritative language of parangellōn (instructing/commanding) implies that the instructions to follow are not suggestions but binding apostolic directives for the church's conduct. This indicates the gravity of the spiritual decline Paul perceived in Corinth regarding their communal meals. The severity of their congregational conduct during these meetings was so great that it actually hindered rather than advanced the work of the Holy Spirit among them. Their synerchesthai (coming together) was essentially an exercise in practical unbelief and self-exaltation, counteracting the very essence of the Lord's Supper which is rooted in Christ's selfless sacrifice for all, irrespective of social standing. Paul highlights that their spiritual benefit or detriment hinges critically on the spirit and manner in which they engage in corporate worship and fellowship.

1 Corinthians 11 17 Commentary

1 Corinthians 11:17 marks a sharp and authoritative turning point in Paul's letter to the Corinthian church. After dealing with specific matters, he pivots to a more grievous concern: their conduct during their sacred communal gatherings, particularly the Lord's Supper. His abrupt "I do not commend you" is a strong rhetorical device, a deliberate counterpoint to his earlier, qualified praise (v. 2), signaling an issue of paramount importance where no commendation is possible.

The core problem, as elaborated in the subsequent verses, was a profound failure in demonstrating Christian love and unity, particularly towards the economically disadvantaged within the community, during what should have been an act of fellowship and remembrance of Christ's sacrifice. Their coming together was characterized by social divisions and selfish indulgence rather than the sacrificial, unifying spirit of the gospel. Therefore, their gatherings were not fostering spiritual growth, strengthening the body of Christ, or drawing them closer to God ("not for the better"). Instead, they were causing division, scandal, and spiritual harm, leading them into greater sin and bringing disrepute upon the name of Christ ("but for the worse"). This verse sets the stage for Paul's detailed correction regarding the proper observance and theological significance of the Lord's Supper.

Examples:

• A church assembly where the wealthy visibly flaunt their possessions, while the poor are overlooked.
• A fellowship meal where cliques form, and some groups intentionally exclude others.
• Corporate worship where individuals are focused solely on personal preferences, causing disunity rather than communal reverence.