1 Corinthians 11:19 kjv
For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
1 Corinthians 11:19 nkjv
For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you.
1 Corinthians 11:19 niv
No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God's approval.
1 Corinthians 11:19 esv
for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.
1 Corinthians 11:19 nlt
But, of course, there must be divisions among you so that you who have God's approval will be recognized!
1 Corinthians 11 19 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Cor 1:10 | That you may all speak in the same speech... | Unity and division in Corinth |
| 1 Cor 11:18 | For first of all, when you come together as a church... | Divisions in worship |
| Gal 3:28 | There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free... | Unity in Christ |
| John 17:21 | That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me... | Jesus' prayer for unity |
| Acts 4:32 | Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart... | Early church unity |
| 1 Cor 10:17 | For we who are many are one bread, one body... | Spiritual unity |
| 1 Cor 10:18 | Consider Israel according to the flesh... | Association and division |
| Rom 12:5 | So we, being many, are one body in Christ... | Body of Christ |
| Rom 16:17 | Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions... | Warning against divisiveness |
| Phil 1:27 | Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ... | Unity in standing firm |
| Eph 4:3 | endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. | Keep the unity of the Spirit |
| 1 Cor 3:3 | For you are still fleshly. For where there are envy, strife... | Carnality and divisions |
| 1 Cor 1:12 | Now this I say, that each of you says, "I am of Paul"... | Factionalism |
| Matt 18:7 | Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come... | Offenses and the world |
| 1 Pet 1:6-7 | That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious... | Testing of faith |
| Prov 17:10 | Rebuke is more effective on one who has sense... | Rebuke and wisdom |
| Heb 5:14 | But solid food is for those who are of full age... | Maturity and discernment |
| 2 Tim 2:15 | Be diligent to present yourself approved to God... | Diligence and approval |
| 1 John 4:1 | Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits... | Testing of spirits |
| 1 Cor 5:11 | But now I have written to you not to keep company... | Dealing with divisions/immorality |
| Tit 3:10 | Now a factious man after the first and second admonition reject. | Reject a factious person |
| James 1:18 | Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth... | God's will and truth |
| Eph 2:22 | in whom the whole building, being fitted together... | Building up the body |
| Col 2:19 | not holding the Head, from which all the body, supplied... | Holding the Head |
1 Corinthians 11 verses
1 Corinthians 11 19 Meaning
This verse explains the necessity of divisions within the Corinthian church. It states that in order for those who are genuine and approved among believers to become evident, divisions must arise. This highlights that perceived separation within the church community serves a divine purpose, revealing the true nature of faith and faithfulness.
1 Corinthians 11 19 Context
In 1 Corinthians chapter 11, Paul addresses issues related to worship practices, specifically focusing on the conduct of men and women, head coverings, and the Lord's Supper. The preceding verses discuss disruptive behavior during the communal meal, the Lord's Supper, leading to divisions and the condemnation of the unworthy. This verse, 1 Corinthians 11:19, functions as a diagnostic statement within this broader discussion of unity and division within the Corinthian church. Paul acknowledges that these "heresies" or factions are not unexpected but are permitted by God to discern the truly faithful. The Corinthian church was struggling with factions, with people aligning themselves with different leaders (Paul, Apollos, Cephas). This verse addresses the reality of these divisions and their underlying spiritual significance.
1 Corinthians 11 19 Word Analysis
- epan (ἐὰν): If, when. This is a conditional particle, setting up the circumstance for the following statement.
- genesthai (γενέσθαι): To happen, to come to pass, to arise. Refers to the coming into being or manifestation of something.
- schismata (σχίσματα): Schisms, divisions, factions, sects. This Greek word implies ruptures or divisions within a group, leading to distinct parties. It can range from a mere difference of opinion to a complete separation.
- en humois (ὑμῖν): Among you, in you. Indicates that these divisions are occurring within the Corinthian church community.
- hopos (ὥστε): So that, in order that. Introduces the purpose or result of the divisions.
- hoi dokimoi (οἱ δόκιμοι): Approved, genuine, tried, tested. Refers to those who have been proven to be authentic in their faith and character, those who withstand the testing. This relates to the concept of "dokimazo" (to test, to approve).
- phaneroi (φαvεροὶ): Manifest, evident, visible, clear. These individuals will be made known through the existing divisions.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "For it is necessary that there should be factions among you...": The term "necessary" (anagke - ἀνάγκη) implies not an arbitrary occurrence, but something that serves a divine purpose or allowance, even if the means are unfortunate. The existence of factions (schismata) is framed as a divine allowance to bring about a positive outcome.
- "...so that those who are genuine among you may be revealed.": The purpose (hopos) of these divisions is to reveal (phaneroi) the approved (dokimoi). This implies that the true nature of one's faith is often made apparent not in times of easy unity, but under the pressure and challenges brought about by division. It highlights a divine testing mechanism.
1 Corinthians 11 19 Bonus Section
The concept of "schismata" in 1 Corinthians points to the complex interpersonal dynamics within the Corinthian church, often manifesting through loyalty to human leaders. This verse can be understood in the context of the larger theological discussion on election and human responsibility. God allows such circumstances not to condone division itself, but to allow for the exposure of a deeper spiritual reality concerning adherence to truth versus adherence to persons. The term "dokimoi" carries the connotation of being "tested and found to be good," like a coin proven to be of true metal. The testing here isn't necessarily a judgment upon them, but a revelation of them, as their faith shines brighter when contrasted with differing, perhaps less faithful, positions.
1 Corinthians 11 19 Commentary
Divisions within the church are not ideal, but they are sometimes permitted by God to clarify who is truly devoted to Christ. This verse underscores that superficial unity is not the ultimate goal; rather, the authentication of genuine faith is. The process of being "approved" or "genuine" involves testing, and the resulting divisions can serve as this crucible. Therefore, while striving for unity, believers should understand that outward divisions can inadvertently expose underlying issues and reveal those whose commitment is tested and true, ultimately glorifying God.