1 Corinthians 11 22

1 Corinthians 11:22 kjv

What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.

1 Corinthians 11:22 nkjv

What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you.

1 Corinthians 11:22 niv

Don't you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God by humiliating those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? Certainly not in this matter!

1 Corinthians 11:22 esv

What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not.

1 Corinthians 11:22 nlt

What? Don't you have your own homes for eating and drinking? Or do you really want to disgrace God's church and shame the poor? What am I supposed to say? Do you want me to praise you? Well, I certainly will not praise you for this!

1 Corinthians 11 verses

1 Corinthians 11 22 Meaning

This verse admonishes believers not to bring shame upon the Lord's Supper, particularly through behaviors that manifest social or economic division, such as the rich hoarding food and the poor being left hungry. It emphasizes that such actions disrespect the sacred nature of the communion meal and the body of Christ it represents.

1 Corinthians 11 22 Context

In 1 Corinthians chapter 11, Paul is addressing various issues within the Corinthian church concerning their worship services. Specifically, verses 17-34 deal with their observance of the Lord's Supper. It appears the Corinthians were holding their communal meals in a way that led to division and dishonor. This verse immediately follows Paul's stern rebuke that their gatherings were not improving but harming the church, and that divisions were present among them. Paul is now moving to a specific consequence of this disunity: that their Lord's Supper was not truly the Lord's Supper due to their behavior. The preceding verses mention distinct practices related to eating and drinking, highlighting how the wealthy were not waiting for the poor, leading to one group being filled and another going hungry. This verse underscores the spiritual implication of such social stratification within a sacred meal.

1 Corinthians 11 22 Word Analysis

• "if" (Greek: ἐὰν - ean) - A conditional particle, introducing a supposition. It signifies that the following statement is contingent upon a condition.

• "therefore" (Greek: ἄρα - ara) - An inferential particle, connecting a conclusion to preceding premises. It shows that what follows is a logical deduction.

• "when you come together" (Greek: συνερχησθε - synerchesthe) - This refers to their assembling or gathering as a community, specifically for the Lord's Supper.

• "in" (Greek: εἰς - eis) - A preposition indicating movement toward, purpose, or destination. Here, it signifies purpose or the intended manner of their coming together.

• "the" (Greek: τὴν - ten) - The definite article.

• "Lord's" (Greek: κυριακὸν - kyriakon) - Relating to the Lord Jesus Christ; an adjective unique in the New Testament to describe this supper. It signifies that the supper belongs to or is instituted by the Lord.

• "Supper" (Greek: δεῖπνον - deipnon) - Primarily means a "meal," "feast," or "supper." However, in this context, it refers specifically to the Lord's Supper, distinct from their common meals.

• "not" (Greek: οὐ - ou) - A strong negation.

• "to" (Greek: εἰς - eis) - Preposition indicating purpose.

• "eat" (Greek: φαγεῖν - phagein) - To consume food.

• "the" (Greek: τὸ - to) - The definite article.

• "Lord's" (Greek: κυριακὸν - kyriakon) - Belonging to the Lord.

• "Supper" (Greek: δεῖπνον - deipnon) - The meal.

• "shame" (Greek: καταισχύνῃτε - kataischyntēte) - From a root meaning "to bring to shame," "to disgrace," or "to put to shame." It implies causing dishonor, embarrassment, or indignity.

• "disgrace/shame upon the Lord's Supper" - This phrase signifies an action or behavior that renders the sacred meal disgraceful or dishonorable in its practice, undermining its very nature and purpose.

1 Corinthians 11 22 Bonus Section

The use of "kyriakon" (Lord's) for the Supper is unique in the New Testament, emphasizing its exclusive claim by and connection to Jesus Christ. This distinction highlights that it is not merely a human tradition or a regular meal, but a sacred ordinance set apart for Him. The shame is directed not just at the believers' human community but at the divine institution itself, as their actions make a mockery of what the Supper represents. The immediate context of the rich feasting while the poor are neglected vividly illustrates how their conduct violated the fundamental principles of love and equality that Christ taught and exemplified, making their assembly anything but a genuine celebration of Christ’s unifying sacrifice.

1 Corinthians 11 22 Commentary

The verse unequivocally states that when the Corinthian believers gathered, their manner of eating did not allow them to truly partake in the Lord's Supper. Instead, their divisions and selfish behavior turned it into a common meal where social status dictated access and fairness, bringing shame upon the sacred event. Paul argues that such conduct renders the meal not the Lord's, meaning it failed to embody the significance of Christ's sacrifice and the unity of His body. The intention of the Lord's Supper is remembrance and communion with Christ and fellow believers; when it devolves into a demonstration of social inequality, this core purpose is corrupted. Therefore, those who perpetuate such divisions are essentially disavowing the Lord's Supper.

• Practical Application: This verse calls for intentionality and self-examination before partaking in communion. Believers are challenged to assess their attitudes and actions regarding fellow congregants, especially those less fortunate, to ensure their participation is honoring to Christ.