1 Corinthians 11 31

1 Corinthians 11:31 kjv

For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

1 Corinthians 11:31 nkjv

For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.

1 Corinthians 11:31 niv

But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment.

1 Corinthians 11:31 esv

But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged.

1 Corinthians 11:31 nlt

But if we would examine ourselves, we would not be judged by God in this way.

1 Corinthians 11 verses

1 Corinthians 11 31 meaning

This verse teaches that if believers would critically examine and discern their own spiritual condition, motives, and actions, particularly concerning their participation in the Lord's Supper, they would avoid the disciplinary judgment of God. It encourages introspective self-assessment and repentance to prevent divine correction.

1 Corinthians 11 31 Context

First Corinthians chapter 11 primarily addresses two crucial issues within the Corinthian church: head coverings during worship (verses 2-16) and, more significantly for this verse, the proper observance of the Lord's Supper (verses 17-34). The immediate context of verse 31 follows Paul's strong admonition in verses 27-30 concerning the Corinthians' misuse and irreverence during the Supper. They were partaking in an "unworthy manner," creating divisions, ignoring the poor, and failing to discern the sacred significance of Christ's body and blood. This unholy approach had led to God's disciplinary hand, causing illness and even death among them. Verse 31 offers a corrective measure, a preventative solution to avoid this divine discipline.

Culturally, the early church in Corinth often integrated the Lord's Supper into a larger communal meal. However, the existing social stratification in Corinthian society meant wealthier members were feasting while poorer members were left hungry, turning a sacred act of unity and remembrance into a divisive and gluttonous display. This self-serving attitude fundamentally desecrated the symbolism of Christ's unified body, both His physical sacrifice and the community of believers.

1 Corinthians 11 31 Word analysis

• For (γάρ - gar): This conjunction introduces the reason or explanation for the preceding statement, specifically the divine judgment mentioned in 1 Corinthians 11:29-30. It logically links the action of self-judgment to the avoidance of God's judgment.

• if (εἰ - ei): This conditional particle introduces a hypothetical situation, presenting self-judgment as a condition for avoiding divine judgment. It emphasizes the volitional aspect and individual responsibility.

• we would judge (διεκρίνομεν - diekrinomen): This Greek term, diakrino, is profound. It implies more than simply "judging" in a condemnatory sense; it means to "discern," "evaluate critically," "distinguish," or "carefully examine." In this context, it refers to a deep, honest spiritual introspection—weighing one's motives, attitudes, and actions against God's standards, specifically in relation to the sacredness of the Lord's Supper and the unity of Christ's body. The imperfect tense here suggests a continuous or habitual action, an ongoing process of spiritual discernment rather than a one-time assessment.

• ourselves (ἑαυτοὺς - heautous): This reflexive pronoun emphasizes that the focus of judgment is internal and personal. Each believer is responsible for examining their own spiritual state and readiness before God.

• we should not be judged (οὐκ ἂν ἐκριβόμεθα - ouk an ekrinometha):

  • not (οὐκ - ouk): A straightforward negation.
  • ἂν (an): This particle, combined with the imperfect passive indicative, creates a hypothetical result: the absence of divine judgment.
  • be judged (ἐκριβόμεθα - ekrinometha): This is the passive form of krino, meaning "to be judged," "condemned," or "disciplined" by an external authority—in this case, God. This judgment is understood as corrective discipline, not eternal damnation, as explained in the subsequent verse (1 Cor 11:32).

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "For if we would judge ourselves": This phrase establishes the central action Paul advocates: proactive, personal, and continuous spiritual discernment. It is a call to take individual responsibility for one's spiritual health and preparedness. This "judging" is a form of self-correction, distinguishing between one's spiritual state and God's holy requirements.
  • "we should not be judged": This segment presents the promised consequence or desired outcome. By engaging in honest self-examination and repentance, believers preempt the need for God's disciplinary intervention. It highlights God's preference for His children to self-correct and avoid the harsher hand of His judgment.

1 Corinthians 11 31 Bonus section

• The concept of self-judgment as a means to avoid external judgment has roots in Old Testament wisdom, where acknowledging and repenting of one's sins was crucial to restoring favor with God (e.g., Ps 32:5). This verse emphasizes the wisdom of anticipating God's judgment by proactively dealing with one's own spiritual condition.
• The "judgment" that believers avoid here is primarily temporal discipline in this life (e.g., sickness, death in 1 Cor 11:30), designed to purify them, not eternal condemnation (Rom 8:1). Paul implies that God would rather we correct ourselves willingly than Him having to intervene directly through chastening.

1 Corinthians 11 31 Commentary

Paul's injunction in 1 Corinthians 11:31 provides a compassionate yet firm pathway to avert God's disciplinary action. The core principle is proactive spiritual vigilance. Instead of passively awaiting divine correction, believers are called to active, discerning introspection before participating in the Lord's Supper. "Judging ourselves" involves an honest confrontation with one's sins, selfish motives, unholy divisions, and any attitudes that disrespect Christ's sacrifice or fracture the unity of His body. This self-discernment leads to repentance, confession, and a renewed commitment to walk in holiness. By taking this internal corrective measure, individuals demonstrate reverence for the sacred ordinance and avoid the corrective discipline that God, in His love, applies to His erring children. It is a powerful lesson that personal spiritual responsibility can prevent harsher consequences from a loving God who desires our purity and communion. For example, before partaking, a believer might reflect on their relationships, confess unresolved anger, and commit to forgiveness, thereby bringing themselves into alignment with the spirit of Christ's unity.