1 Corinthians Chapter 11 · Verse 18
For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
Original Language Analysis
μὲν
G3303
μὲν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
συνερχομένων
come together
G4905
συνερχομένων
come together
Strong's:
G4905
Word #:
4 of 17
to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specially), cohabit (conjugally)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκκλησίᾳ
the church
G1577
ἐκκλησίᾳ
the church
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
8 of 17
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
σχίσματα
divisions
G4978
σχίσματα
divisions
Strong's:
G4978
Word #:
10 of 17
a split or gap ("schism"), literally or figuratively
ὑπάρχειν
that there be
G5225
ὑπάρχειν
that there be
Strong's:
G5225
Word #:
13 of 17
to begin under (quietly), i.e., come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, particip
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Roman meals were hierarchically structured: the triclinium (dining room) hosted the elite, while lower-status guests ate in courtyards or received inferior food. Banquet invitations specified food quality by social rank. The Corinthian church, meeting in wealthy patrons' homes, replicated pagan social stratification rather than embodying gospel equality. Paul's earlier rebuke (1:26-29) noted that "not many wise, mighty, or noble" were called—the church was largely poor and enslaved, making wealthy members' dominance especially offensive.
Questions for Reflection
- How do economic and social divisions manifest in modern churches despite gospel proclamations of equality?
- What does it mean practically to 'come together' as church—how should unity be visible?
- How can church leaders address credible reports of division without being judgmental or dismissive?
Analysis & Commentary
For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it—Πρῶτον μέν (first of all) signals the first of multiple charges. Σχίσματα (schismata, divisions) recalls 1:10—the same word for factions plaguing Corinth. Paul had hoped chapter 1-4's discussion resolved this; apparently it persisted, now manifesting at the Table.
I partly believe it (καὶ μέρος τι πιστεύω)—Paul's measured response. He's heard reports (11:18, 1:11) but withholds full judgment. Yet meros ti (in part) suggests the reports are substantially true, even if exaggerated. Paul's pastoral wisdom: believe credible reports enough to address them, but avoid assuming the worst. The divisions were evident in the social stratification at the Table (v. 21)—rich and poor, honored and shamed, divided by economic class rather than united in Christ.