1 Corinthians Chapter 11 · Verse 34
And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.
Original Language Analysis
πεινᾷ
hunger
G3983
πεινᾷ
hunger
Strong's:
G3983
Word #:
4 of 19
to famish (absolutely or comparatively); figuratively, to crave
οἴκῳ
home
G3624
οἴκῳ
home
Strong's:
G3624
Word #:
6 of 19
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
ἐσθιέτω
let him eat
G2068
ἐσθιέτω
let him eat
Strong's:
G2068
Word #:
7 of 19
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
9 of 19
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
κρίμα
condemnation
G2917
κρίμα
condemnation
Strong's:
G2917
Word #:
11 of 19
a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime"))
συνέρχησθε.
together
G4905
συνέρχησθε.
together
Strong's:
G4905
Word #:
12 of 19
to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specially), cohabit (conjugally)
Τὰ
G3588
Τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὡς
when
G5613
ὡς
when
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
16 of 19
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 4:19But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.1 Corinthians 7:17But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.1 Corinthians 16:2Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.Titus 1:5For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
Historical Context
The early church's agape feast combined fellowship meal with Eucharist. By the second century, they were separated—communion became liturgical, while communal meals continued separately. Paul's instruction here may have prompted this development. The distinction protected the Table's sacredness while maintaining Christian fellowship meals. Ignatius, Pliny's letter to Trajan, and Justin Martyr's writings show this evolution. Paul's teaching shaped Christian worship: the Table is sacred, not casual, and church gatherings are for mutual edification, not selfish consumption.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the proper relationship between fellowship meals and the Lord's Supper—should they be combined or separate?
- How can churches ensure their gatherings are 'for the better' (edifying) rather than 'for the worse' (incurring judgment)?
- What does Paul's promise to 'set in order' other things teach about apostolic authority and church governance?
Analysis & Commentary
And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation—Final instruction. Εἴ τις πεινᾷ (if anyone is hungry)—if your primary purpose is satisfying physical hunger, eat at home. The church gathering isn't for gluttony but worship. This distinguishes agape feast (fellowship meal) from the Lord's Supper proper (sacramental meal). Over time, the church separated these—communion became distinct from common meals.
That ye come not together unto condemnation (ἵνα μὴ εἰς κρίμα συνέρχησθε)—the stakes are high. Church assemblies should edify, not incur judgment (v. 17: 'not for the better, but for the worse'). Paul's concern is pastoral: he wants the Corinthians' gatherings to bless, not curse them. And the rest will I set in order when I come (τὰ δὲ λοιπὰ ὡς ἂν ἔλθω διατάξομαι)—other issues await Paul's visit, but these needed immediate written correction. This hints at ongoing problems in Corinth (see 2 Corinthians) and Paul's apostolic authority to set church order.