1 Corinthians 11:31
For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἑαυτοὺς
ourselves
G1438
ἑαυτοὺς
ourselves
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
3 of 7
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
διεκρίνομεν
we would judge
G1252
διεκρίνομεν
we would judge
Strong's:
G1252
Word #:
4 of 7
to separate thoroughly, i.e., (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from, or (by implication) oppose; figuratively, to discriminate (by implication,
Cross References
1 John 1:9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.1 Corinthians 11:28But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.Revelation 2:5Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
Historical Context
Jewish Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) emphasized self-examination and confession to avoid divine judgment. Jesus taught self-judgment to avoid hypocrisy (Matthew 7:1-5, remove plank from your own eye). Paul extends this: self-judgment prevents divine discipline. Early church practices included regular confession (James 5:16), mutual accountability (Galatians 6:1-2), and church discipline for unrepentant sin (Matthew 18:15-20). Self-judgment was communal, not merely individual—the body helps members see blind spots.
Questions for Reflection
- What does biblical self-judgment look like practically—how do you examine yourself without becoming morbidly introspective?
- How does self-judgment relate to God's judgment—can we really avoid divine discipline through self-examination?
- What role does the church community play in helping individuals practice self-judgment and accountability?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged—Prevention of divine judgment through self-judgment. Εἰ δὲ ἑαυτοὺς διεκρίνομεν (if we would judge/discern ourselves)—conditional sentence (contrary to fact): if we had judged ourselves (but we didn't). Diakrinomai (same root as 'discerning' in v. 29) means critically evaluate, sift, distinguish. Self-judgment involves recognizing sin, repenting, reconciling, and correcting behavior.
We should not be judged (οὐκ ἂν ἐκρινόμεθα)—by God. Divine judgment is avoidable through self-examination and repentance. This isn't works-righteousness but covenant faithfulness—those in Christ are called to walk worthy of their calling (Ephesians 4:1). God's fatherly discipline (v. 32) is corrective, not punitive, but it's still real. Proactive self-judgment (v. 28) prevents reactive divine judgment (v. 30). This principle applies beyond the Table: Christians must examine themselves in all areas (2 Corinthians 13:5, Galatians 6:4), confess sin (1 John 1:9), and pursue holiness (Hebrews 12:14).