1 Corinthians 11 28

1 Corinthians 11:28 kjv

But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

1 Corinthians 11:28 nkjv

But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

1 Corinthians 11:28 niv

Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.

1 Corinthians 11:28 esv

Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

1 Corinthians 11:28 nlt

That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup.

1 Corinthians 11 verses

1 Corinthians 11 28 meaning

This verse provides a crucial instruction for all believers approaching the Lord's Supper: an individual must engage in a thorough self-examination before partaking of the bread and the cup. This introspection is not to achieve perfect worthiness through self-merit, but to ensure one approaches the sacred ordinance with proper understanding, genuine repentance, sincere faith, and a right attitude towards both Christ's sacrifice and fellow believers, thereby honoring the sanctity of the communion.

1 Corinthians 11 28 Context

First Corinthians chapter 11 primarily addresses two areas of disorder within the Corinthian church. The initial section (vv. 2-16) concerns head coverings during worship, highlighting themes of submission and spiritual order. Paul then transitions to a more severe problem: abuses surrounding the Lord's Supper (vv. 17-34). The Corinthian believers were converting the communal "love feast" (agape feast) that accompanied the Lord's Supper into a divisive occasion. The wealthier members would eat their fill, neglecting the poor who had little, leading to hunger, gluttony, and even drunkenness. This disregard for one another, the very "body of Christ" as the church, meant they were failing to "discern the Lord's body" both in its sacrificial meaning and in the fellowship of believers. Verses 23-26 reiterate the solemn institution of the Supper, emphasizing its significance as a proclamation of Christ's death until His return. Building on this, verses 27-29 issue stern warnings about the spiritual consequences of partaking unworthily. Verse 28 serves as the explicit instruction, a safeguard against such unworthiness, directing each individual to personally prepare their heart before participating, thereby taking personal responsibility for their communion with Christ and His body.

1 Corinthians 11 28 Word analysis

• But (Δὲ - De): This Greek particle introduces a transition, often signifying a contrast or a new point in the discourse. Here, it shifts from the corporate issues and divine judgment previously discussed (e.g., v. 27, "guilty of the body and blood of the Lord") to the individual responsibility required to prevent such judgment. It pivots the focus to personal conduct and preparation.
• let a man (ἄνθρωπος - anthrōpos): The Greek term is general, meaning a human being, male or female. It highlights that this command applies universally to every individual believer, emphasizing personal accountability and inclusivity in preparation for communion, regardless of status or gender.
• examine (δοκιμαζέτω - dokimazetō): An imperative verb derived from the root dokimazo. This word is profound; it doesn't mean a casual glance but a rigorous testing, proving, or scrutinizing. It was used in ancient times for assaying metals to ensure their purity, or coins to verify their authenticity. In this context, it signifies a thorough and honest self-assessment, probing one's spiritual state, motives, and conduct against the standard of God's Word. This is an active and deliberate process, seeking to determine one's genuine disposition before God.
• himself (ἑαυτόν - heauton): This reflexive pronoun underscores the intensely personal and inward nature of the examination. The focus is exclusively on one's own heart and life, not on the scrutiny or judgment of others. It mandates introspection, not external critique.
• and so (καὶ οὕτως - kai houtōs): This phrase conveys a conditional sequence or logical consequence. It means "and in this way" or "and then." The self-examination is presented as a prerequisite or necessary action that must occur before proceeding. It establishes the proper order: test first, then partake.
• let him eat (ἐσθιέτω - esthietō): This imperative verb denotes the physical act of eating. It refers directly to partaking of the bread in the Lord's Supper.
• of that bread (ἐκ τοῦ ἄρτου - ek tou artou): "From the bread." This specifically refers to the loaf of bread used in the Lord's Supper, which symbolizes the broken body of Christ given for the forgiveness of sins (1 Cor 11:24). The use of the definite article ("the") points to a specific, sacred item.
• and drink (πινέτω - pinetō): An imperative verb, referring to the physical act of drinking. It directs the believer to partake of the cup.
• of that cup (ἐκ τοῦ ποτηρίου - ek tou potēriou): "From the cup." This refers to the cup shared in the Lord's Supper, symbolizing the blood of Christ that sealed the new covenant (1 Cor 11:25). As with "the bread," "the cup" is a sacred element with deep symbolic meaning, requiring discerning participation.

• Words-Group Analysis:
• "let a man examine himself": This phrase establishes the non-negotiable personal responsibility of self-scrutiny. It's an internal discipline, a deep dive into one's own heart and life to ensure spiritual readiness, faith, and a right standing with God and others before approaching the holy meal. It implicitly warns against mechanical or thoughtless participation.
• "and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup": This grouping articulates the permitted action consequent upon the preceding examination. Only after such examination can one reverently and worthily partake in the elements that represent Christ's ultimate sacrifice. This underscores the solemnity and sacred nature of the Lord's Supper, requiring mindful, discerning, and prepared participation. It implies that if the self-examination reveals significant unconfessed sin, lack of faith, or unrepentance, then partaking should be abstained from until proper repentance and reconciliation.

1 Corinthians 11 28 Bonus section

The concept of "examining oneself" (δοκιμαζέτω ἑαυτόν) stands in stark contrast to human tendency to judge others. Paul redirects the Corinthians' critical gaze from their neighbors to their own hearts, recognizing that spiritual accountability begins within. This is not about self-righteousness but about a profound sense of one's own sinfulness and absolute reliance on Christ's atoning work for worthiness. The outcome of such an examination isn't necessarily withdrawal from communion indefinitely, but rather, if true sin is found, it leads to confession and repentance, and if faith and genuine desire for Christ are present, it enables a more profound and sanctifying participation. The imperative is not merely to detect flaws but to re-align oneself with God's will and grace before drawing near to this most sacred ordinance. Furthermore, the act of "discerning the body" (1 Cor 11:29), closely linked to self-examination, encapsulates both the profound theological truth of Christ's physical sacrifice on the cross and the practical, interpersonal truth of respecting and honoring fellow believers as members of His spiritual body, especially pertinent given the social divisions at Corinth.

1 Corinthians 11 28 Commentary

First Corinthians 11:28 delivers a timeless and foundational command for every Christian partaking in the Lord's Supper. Before we consume the sacred elements of bread and wine, representing the very body and blood of Christ, each individual is enjoined to "examine himself." This isn't a call for self-perfection, which is unattainable, but for a profound and honest spiritual inventory. It involves assessing our current spiritual state, confessing any unconfessed sins (1 Jn 1:9), seeking reconciliation with fellow believers if needed (Matt 5:23-24), and reaffirming our faith in Christ's atoning sacrifice. The purpose of this "dokimazo" examination, which is like testing a metal for purity, is to ensure that we approach the Supper not lightly or ritually, but with genuine repentance, sincere faith, humble gratitude, and a proper understanding—"discerning the Lord's body" (1 Cor 11:29) both as His broken physical body and as the corporate body of believers (the church). To partake without such introspection and discernment risks eating and drinking judgment upon oneself, as the Corinthian church experienced due to their divisive and irreverent practices (1 Cor 11:29-30). Thus, this verse acts as a spiritual guardrail, urging a conscious, holy preparation that honors Christ and protects the participant.

• Examples for Practical Usage:
  • Before communion, pause and pray, asking God to reveal any unconfessed sins or unrighteous attitudes.
  • Consider relationships with other believers; forgive those who have wronged you, or seek forgiveness if you've wronged someone.
  • Reflect on the deep meaning of Christ's sacrifice—His body broken, His blood shed—and renew your gratitude and commitment.