1 Corinthians Chapter 11 · Verse 21
For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἴδιον
other his own
G2398
ἴδιον
other his own
Strong's:
G2398
Word #:
4 of 16
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
δεῖπνον
supper
G1173
δεῖπνον
supper
Strong's:
G1173
Word #:
5 of 16
dinner, i.e., the chief meal (usually in the evening)
προλαμβάνει
taketh before
G4301
προλαμβάνει
taketh before
Strong's:
G4301
Word #:
6 of 16
to take in advance, i.e., (literally) eat before others have an opportunity; (figuratively) to anticipate, surprise
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὃς
another
G3739
ὃς
another
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
11 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
μὲν
one
G3303
μὲν
one
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
πεινᾷ
is hungry
G3983
πεινᾷ
is hungry
Strong's:
G3983
Word #:
13 of 16
to famish (absolutely or comparatively); figuratively, to crave
Cross References
2 Peter 2:13And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;Jude 1:12These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
Historical Context
Roman convivium (banquet) practices included heavy drinking, with social elites consuming superior wine while lower-status guests received inferior or watered wine. Drunkenness at pagan feasts was common, even celebrated. Slaves and poor laborers worked long hours, arriving at evening gatherings exhausted and hungry, only to find the wealthy had already eaten. Paul's outrage reflects both Jewish sobriety (drunkenness is shameful, Proverbs 23:20-21, Ephesians 5:18) and Christian egalitarianism (the Table erases social hierarchy, Galatians 3:28).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Corinthian abuse of the Table violate the gospel's core message of grace for all equally?
- What modern expressions of economic injustice in churches parallel the Corinthian situation?
- How should congregations practicing the Lord's Supper ensure it reflects Christ's inclusive, self-giving love?
Analysis & Commentary
For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken—Paul specifies the abuse. Ἕκαστος γὰρ τὸ ἴδιον δεῖπνον προλαμβάνει (each one takes beforehand his own supper)—prolambanei means to take beforehand, eat ahead of others. Instead of waiting and sharing, the wealthy consumed their private meals immediately, ignoring latecomers.
And one is hungry, and another is drunken (καὶ ὃς μὲν πεινᾷ, ὃς δὲ μεθύει)—the devastating result. Peinao (is hungry) describes literal physical hunger; methyō (is drunken) means intoxication from wine. The contrast is stark: poverty and wealth, deprivation and excess, shame and indulgence—all at the Table meant to proclaim unity in Christ's death. This wasn't merely bad manners but covenant violation. The Lord's Supper signifies Christ's body broken for all equally; Corinthian practice signaled that some mattered more than others. Economic injustice desecrated the gospel.