1 Corinthians 11:27

Authorized King James Version

Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Ὥστε

G5620

Wherefore

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

ὃς

G3739

whosoever

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἂν

G302

whatsoever

ἐσθίῃ

G2068

shall eat

used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄρτον

G740

bread

bread (as raised) or a loaf

τοῦτον

G5126

this

this (person, as objective of verb or preposition)

ἢ

G2228

and

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

πίνῃ

G4095

drink

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

#10

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#11

ποτήριον

G4221

this cup

a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate

#12

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#13

κυρίου

G2962

of the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

#14

ἀναξίως

G371

unworthily

irreverently

#15

ἔνοχος

G1777

guilty

liable to (a condition, penalty or imputation)

#16

ἔσται

G2071

shall be

will be

#17

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#18

σώματος

G4983

of the body

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

#19

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#20

αἵματος

G129

blood

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

#21

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#22

κυρίου

G2962

of the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Corinthians, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Corinthians.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Love