1 Corinthians 11:2 meaning summary explained with word-by-word analysis enriched with context, commentary and Cross References from KJV, NIV, ESV and NLT.
1 Corinthians 11:2 kjv
Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
1 Corinthians 11:2 nkjv
Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you.
1 Corinthians 11:2 niv
I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the traditions just as I passed them on to you.
1 Corinthians 11:2 esv
Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you.
1 Corinthians 11:2 nlt
I am so glad that you always keep me in your thoughts, and that you are following the teachings I passed on to you.
1 Corinthians 11 2 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Thess 2:15 | So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that... | Hold firm to apostolic traditions |
| 2 Thess 3:6 | Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who is walking... not according to the tradition that you received from us. | Adherence to received tradition is commanded |
| 1 Cor 15:1-2 | Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which... | Remembering and holding to the delivered Gospel |
| Phil 4:9 | What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things... | Practicing Paul's received teaching |
| 2 Tim 1:13-14 | Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me... Guard the good deposit entrusted to you. | Guarding the sound teaching |
| Jude 1:3 | ...exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. | Contending for the once-delivered faith |
| 1 Cor 11:23 | For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you... | Paul delivers what he received from the Lord |
| 1 Cor 15:3 | For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins... | Paul transmits foundational Gospel truths |
| Rom 1:8 | First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. | Paul's praise for others' faith/conduct |
| 2 Cor 7:4 | I am full of comfort; in all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy... | Paul expresses commendation and comfort |
| Phil 1:3-5 | I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for all of you... | Paul's thankfulness for believers' partnership |
| Col 1:3-6 | We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you... because of the hope laid up... | Gratitude for faith, love, and hope |
| Gal 1:12 | For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. | Paul's direct source of revelation |
| Acts 20:20-21 | I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable... testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance... | Paul's comprehensive teaching ministry |
| 1 Thess 4:1-2 | Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing... | Received teaching on conduct |
| 2 John 1:6 | And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it. | Walking according to original commands |
| Matt 15:6 | So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God. | Contrast with negative human tradition |
| Mk 7:8-9 | You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men... | Contrast with self-made human traditions |
| 2 Tim 3:10 | You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness... | Following apostolic example and teaching |
| Heb 13:7 | Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. | Remembering and imitating spiritual leaders |
| 1 Thess 5:12-13 | We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord... | Respect for spiritual leaders who teach |
| 1 Cor 4:17 | I sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church. | Being reminded of Paul's consistent teachings |
1 Corinthians 11 verses
1 Corinthians 11 2 meaning
Paul begins a new section of his letter by commending the Corinthian believers. He praises them for two key aspects: consistently remembering him as their spiritual father and the apostle who taught them, and diligently maintaining the established Christian traditions (teachings and practices) precisely as he originally delivered them. This commendation sets a positive foundation before he addresses specific issues requiring correction within their church life.
1 Corinthians 11 2 Context
First Corinthians 11:2 introduces a new section in Paul's letter, shifting from general matters of order and ethics in earlier chapters to specific instructions regarding public worship and communal practices within the Corinthian church. Paul is about to address controversial topics like head coverings (11:3-16) and the Lord's Supper (11:17-34), where the Corinthians exhibited significant disorder. His initial commendation in this verse is a crucial pastoral strategy. By affirming their general faithfulness in remembering him and maintaining the delivered traditions, Paul establishes a baseline of trust and respect. He acknowledges that they have been largely receptive to his core teachings, creating an environment for them to be more open to his coming corrections. The "traditions" mentioned here are not optional customs, but foundational, authoritative teachings and practices rooted in Christ's teaching and passed down by the apostles, essential for healthy church life.
1 Corinthians 11 2 Word Analysis
- Now (De): A conjunction, often serving as a transitional marker, indicating a slight shift in subject or argument. It moves the discourse from the general principles of freedom and responsibility to specific matters of practice in public worship.
- I praise (Epainō): This verb means "to commend," "to approve," or "to speak well of." Paul expresses genuine admiration for a positive aspect of their behavior. It's a genuine compliment, setting a constructive tone before potential criticism.
- you (Hymas): Direct address to the Corinthian believers.
- because (Hoti): Introduces the reason for his praise.
- you remember me (Mnēmōn mou este): Literally, "you are mindful of me." This indicates an active and ongoing recollection of Paul's person, his ministry among them, and his apostolic authority. It suggests they respected him and retained his instructions.
- in everything (En pasin): Denotes comprehensive remembrance. This suggests a broad application of their mindfulness and adherence to his teachings across various aspects of their church and personal lives.
- and maintain (Kai katechete): The verb katechō means "to hold fast," "to retain," "to preserve." It implies active, steadfast adherence to the traditions, guarding them against deviation or erosion. This suggests deliberate effort on their part.
- the traditions (Tas paradoseis): Paradosis refers to "that which is handed down" or "transmitted." In this apostolic context, it denotes foundational Christian teachings, practices, ethical guidelines, and church order that Paul received from the Lord or other apostles and authoritatively passed on. It signifies an authoritative body of truth and practice, distinct from later human customs.
- even as (Kathōs): A comparative particle meaning "just as," "according to," or "in the same manner." It emphasizes exact conformity—they are maintaining the traditions precisely as they were received.
- I delivered them (Paredōka): The verb paradidōmi means "to hand over," "to transmit," or "to pass on." This highlights Paul's role as a faithful steward who conveyed teachings he himself received (e.g., 1 Cor 11:23; 15:3). It emphasizes the authenticity, divine origin, and authority of these "traditions."
- to you (Hymin): Explicitly states that Paul's instruction was personally directed to the Corinthians, establishing his apostolic authority in their lives.
Words-group Analysis:
- "I praise you because you remember me in everything": Paul affirms their personal respect for him and their general mindfulness of his apostolic teachings and authority. This acknowledgement serves to validate his relationship with them before moving to specific admonitions.
- "and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you": This is the heart of the commendation. It applauds their steadfast preservation of the foundational Christian practices and beliefs. The phrase "even as I delivered them" is crucial, underscoring the exactness and fidelity required, ensuring that what they uphold is consistent with the original apostolic transmission.
1 Corinthians 11 2 Bonus Section
The "traditions" Paul refers to are the authoritative, non-negotiable teachings of Christ and the apostles, foundational for Christian faith and practice. They include core Gospel truths (1 Cor 15:3), ethical directives, and instructions for church order (like those pertaining to worship and leadership). These are distinct from man-made "traditions" that can void God's Word (e.g., Mk 7:8-9). Paul consistently emphasized that what he "delivered" was not his own invention but received directly from the Lord (1 Cor 11:23) or other apostolic sources, lending it divine weight and authority. His commendation of the Corinthians in this verse therefore implicitly serves to remind them of the true source of authority for their Christian life—the revealed Word, not their own cultural preferences or innovative practices. This verse lays the groundwork for challenging any behavior that deviated from these established, divine standards, reinforcing the principle that faithfulness to revealed truth is paramount in the Church.
1 Corinthians 11 2 Commentary
1 Corinthians 11:2 is a strategically placed verse in Paul's letter, opening a section that requires considerable correction. Paul masterfully employs a rhetorical approach by beginning with genuine praise for the Corinthians' faithfulness. He commends them for two related aspects: their continued mindfulness of his person and teachings ("you remember me in everything") and their steadfast adherence to the authoritative Christian doctrines and practices he personally handed over to them ("maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you"). The term "traditions" (paradosis) here refers to a divinely authorized body of truth, ethics, and practices rooted in Christ and transmitted through the apostles, distinct from mere human customs. By affirming their adherence to these foundational elements, Paul acknowledges their spiritual grounding. This praise establishes a vital point of agreement and respect, allowing him to transition gracefully into discussing specific areas where their conduct falls short (e.g., head coverings, the Lord's Supper). It sets the stage by reminding them of the true standard—the apostolic teaching they already accepted—against which their current practices should be measured, making the subsequent critiques more palatable and authoritative.
Practical usage examples:
- In Ministry: A church leader might commend the congregation's strong community service outreach before addressing issues like internal strife or gossip, thereby building goodwill for difficult truths.
- In Parenting: A parent might praise a child's consistent effort in school and good manners before discussing an area where they need to improve, like sharing toys.
- In Mentorship: A mentor can acknowledge a mentee's overall progress and dedication before offering specific constructive criticism on a project or skill development.