1 Corinthians 1:11
For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
Original Language Analysis
γάρ
For
G1063
γάρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
4 of 15
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
6 of 15
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ὑπὸ
by
G5259
ὑπὸ
by
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
8 of 15
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τῶν
them which are of the house
G3588
τῶν
them which are of the house
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
11 of 15
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Cross References
1 Corinthians 3:3For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?Proverbs 18:6A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.1 Timothy 6:4He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,Galatians 5:26Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Historical Context
Chloe was likely a woman of some means (possibly a businesswoman or patroness) whose household had contact with both Corinth and Ephesus. In a culture where women rarely appeared in public documents, her naming is significant. That her household reported the factions suggests they were concerned Christians, not gossips—and Paul trusted their account enough to act on it.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's willingness to name his source (Chloe's household) model transparency and accountability in addressing church conflict?
- What is the difference between healthy theological debate and sinful "contentions" or factions?
- How do we discern when church conflicts are worth addressing publicly versus handling privately?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you (emenythe gar moi, ἐμηνύθη γάρ μοι)—The verb menyomai (μηνύω, "to inform, report") indicates Paul received credible intelligence, not vague rumors. The house of Chloe (ἡ Χλόης) likely refers to a household that included slaves, freedpersons, and family members—possibly a house church or business contacts who traveled between Corinth and Ephesus. That Paul names them publicly suggests they were willing to be identified, lending weight to the report.
That there are contentions among you (erides en hymin eisin, ἔριδες ἐν ὑμῖν εἰσιν)—The noun eris (ἔρις, "strife, quarrel, contention") appears in Paul's vice lists (Rom 1:29, Gal 5:20) alongside jealousy, anger, and dissension. These were not theological debates but sinful quarrels—the "works of the flesh" manifesting in a Spirit-filled church. Paul addresses this as sin, not legitimate diversity.