1 Corinthians Chapter 11 · Verse 32
But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
Original Language Analysis
κρινόμενοι
when we are judged
G2919
κρινόμενοι
when we are judged
Strong's:
G2919
Word #:
1 of 11
by implication, to try, condemn, punish
ὑπὸ
of
G5259
ὑπὸ
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
3 of 11
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
κυρίου
the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
4 of 11
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
παιδευόμεθα
we are chastened
G3811
παιδευόμεθα
we are chastened
Strong's:
G3811
Word #:
5 of 11
to train up a child, i.e., educate, or (by implication), discipline (by punishment)
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
7 of 11
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
σὺν
with
G4862
σὺν
with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
8 of 11
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Revelation 3:19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.Psalms 118:18The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death.Deuteronomy 8:5Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee.1 Corinthians 11:30For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.Jeremiah 7:28But thou shalt say unto them, This is a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the LORD their God, nor receiveth correction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth.1 John 5:19And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
Historical Context
Hebrews 12:5-11 expounds this theology: God disciplines sons, not illegitimate children. Discipline proves sonship. This was countercultural: Greco-Roman religions featured capricious gods who punished arbitrarily. Biblical theology presents a covenant God who disciplines His people redemptively, not vindictively. Deuteronomy 8:5 ('As a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you') shaped Jewish and Christian understanding. Paul applies this to Table discipline: sickness and death (v. 30) are paternal correction, not divine abandonment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding God's judgment as fatherly discipline change your response to suffering or setbacks?
- What distinguishes discipline (for believers) from condemnation (for unbelievers)—how do motives and outcomes differ?
- How should churches practice discipline in a way that reflects God's redemptive, not punitive, purposes?
Analysis & Commentary
But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world—Paul clarifies the nature of divine judgment on believers. Κρινόμενοι δὲ ὑπὸ τοῦ κυρίου παιδευόμεθα (being judged by the Lord we are disciplined)—paideuō means to train, educate, discipline (like a father disciplines a child, Hebrews 12:5-11). This isn't wrath but fatherly correction.
That we should not be condemned with the world (ἵνα μὴ σὺν τῷ κόσμῳ κατακριθῶμεν)—katakrithōmen (condemned) is final judicial verdict. God's children won't face eschatological condemnation (Romans 8:1: 'no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus'). But temporal discipline prevents apostasy and keeps believers on the narrow path. The 'world' (kosmos) represents rebellious humanity under judgment. Believers are distinguished from the world not by sinlessness but by repentance under divine discipline. Judgment on believers is remedial; judgment on the world is final.