1 Corinthians 11:22
What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.
Original Language Analysis
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
1 of 30
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
γὰρ
What
G1063
γὰρ
What
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 30
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
οἰκίας
houses
G3614
οἰκίας
houses
Strong's:
G3614
Word #:
3 of 30
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)
ἔχοντας
have ye
G2192
ἔχοντας
have ye
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
5 of 30
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 30
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐσθίειν
to eat
G2068
ἐσθίειν
to eat
Strong's:
G2068
Word #:
8 of 30
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκκλησίας
the church
G1577
ἐκκλησίας
the church
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
13 of 30
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
15 of 30
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καταισχύνετε
shame
G2617
καταισχύνετε
shame
Strong's:
G2617
Word #:
18 of 30
to shame down, i.e., disgrace or (by implication) put to the blush
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
20 of 30
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἔχοντας
have ye
G2192
ἔχοντας
have ye
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
21 of 30
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τί
What
G5101
τί
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
22 of 30
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
Cross References
Acts 20:28Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.Proverbs 17:5Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.1 Corinthians 10:32Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
Historical Context
In Roman patron-client society, wealthy patrons displayed generosity publicly to gain honor, but actual resource distribution was unequal. Corinthian wealthy Christians apparently saw church gatherings as opportunities for social display rather than gospel embodiment. By hosting in their homes but not truly sharing resources, they maintained social hierarchy under the guise of Christian fellowship. Paul's rebuke dismantles this: the church of God operates by different economics—radical generosity and equality, reflecting Christ who 'became poor that we might become rich' (2 Corinthians 8:9).
Questions for Reflection
- How do modern churches unwittingly 'despise the church of God' through economic or social stratification?
- What does it mean practically to ensure no one is 'shamed' in church gatherings?
- How should wealthy Christians use their resources in church contexts to reflect gospel values rather than worldly honor-seeking?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not?—Paul's rhetorical questions intensify. Μὴ γὰρ οἰκίας οὐκ ἔχετε (have you not houses?)—if you want to gorge yourselves, do it at home! The church gathering is for mutual edification, not private consumption. Ironically, the wealthy do have houses; the poor don't—making the rich's behavior doubly offensive.
Or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not?—Καταφρονεῖτε (kataphroneite, despise) is strong—treating with contempt. Τῆς ἐκκλησίας τοῦ θεοῦ (the church of God) emphasizes whose assembly this is. To divide the church by class is to despise God Himself. Καταισχύνετε (kataischynete, put to shame) means to humiliate publicly. The poor weren't just hungry; they were shamed before the congregation. Paul's pastoral indignation mirrors Jesus's woes against the Pharisees—religious leaders who 'devour widows' houses' (Mark 12:40). Economic injustice masquerading as worship is hypocrisy.