1 Corinthians 11:19

Authorized King James Version

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For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

Original Language Analysis

δεῖ there must G1163
δεῖ there must
Strong's: G1163
Word #: 1 of 14
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
γὰρ For G1063
γὰρ For
Strong's: G1063
Word #: 2 of 14
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
καὶ also G2532
καὶ also
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 3 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αἱρέσεις heresies G139
αἱρέσεις heresies
Strong's: G139
Word #: 4 of 14
properly, a choice, i.e., (specially) a party or (abstractly) disunion
ἐν among G1722
ἐν among
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 5 of 14
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
ὑμῖν you G5213
ὑμῖν you
Strong's: G5213
Word #: 6 of 14
to (with or by) you
εἶναι be G1511
εἶναι be
Strong's: G1511
Word #: 7 of 14
to exist
ἵνα that G2443
ἵνα that
Strong's: G2443
Word #: 8 of 14
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
οἱ G3588
οἱ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 9 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δόκιμοι they which are approved G1384
δόκιμοι they which are approved
Strong's: G1384
Word #: 10 of 14
properly, acceptable (current after assayal), i.e., approved
φανεροὶ manifest G5318
φανεροὶ manifest
Strong's: G5318
Word #: 11 of 14
shining, i.e., apparent (literally or figuratively); neuter (as adverb) publicly, externally
γένωνται may be made G1096
γένωνται may be made
Strong's: G1096
Word #: 12 of 14
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἐν among G1722
ἐν among
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 13 of 14
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
ὑμῖν you G5213
ὑμῖν you
Strong's: G5213
Word #: 14 of 14
to (with or by) you

Analysis & Commentary

For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you—Controversial verse. Δεῖ γάρ (dei gar, for there must be) suggests divine necessity. Αἱρέσεις (haireseis, heresies) originally meant factions or parties (related to schismata, v. 18), not doctrinal error (later technical meaning). God uses even sinful divisions for His purposes: revealing character.

That they which are approved may be made manifest (ἵνα οἱ δόκιμοι φανεροὶ γένωνται)—dokimoi (approved/tested) is a metallurgical term for refined gold. Divisions act as fire that tests and reveals genuine faith versus false profession. Those who pursue unity, love, and humility prove themselves genuine; those who foster division for selfish gain expose their carnal nature. Paul doesn't endorse divisions but acknowledges God's sovereignty in using even sin to refine His church. This echoes Jesus's warning: "offenses must come" (Matthew 18:7).

Historical Context

Greek philosophical schools (Stoics, Epicureans) were rife with factions and personality cults. Corinthian Christians, steeped in this culture, imported divisive attitudes into the church. Paul's theology of testing (1:18-31, 3:10-15) views trials as revelatory—they expose hearts. Persecution, false teaching, and internal division all serve God's refining purpose. First-century believers understood suffering and division as eschatological tribulations preceding Christ's return, testing who would endure.

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