1 Corinthians 10:17
For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
For
G3754
ὅτι
For
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 16
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
σῶμα
body
G4983
σῶμα
body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
5 of 16
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πολλοί
being many
G4183
πολλοί
being many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
7 of 16
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
12 of 16
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Cross References
Romans 12:5So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.Colossians 3:15And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.1 Corinthians 12:12For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.1 Corinthians 12:27Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.Ephesians 4:16From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.Ephesians 4:25Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.Ephesians 4:4There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;Colossians 3:11Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.Ephesians 3:6That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
Historical Context
Ancient Mediterranean culture was profoundly corporate—identity came through group belonging. Paul uses this cultural assumption while transforming it: the church's unity isn't ethnic (Jew) or social (guild membership) but sacramental (participation in Christ's body). The one loaf broken for many prefigures and enacts the church's eschatological unity across all human divisions (Galatians 3:28).
Questions for Reflection
- How does communion with Christ necessarily create communion with other believers?
- What practical implications does "being one body" have for how you relate to Christians you disagree with or dislike?
- In what ways might individualistic approaches to faith contradict the corporate reality of being Christ's body?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread—Paul shifts from individual communion with Christ (v. 16) to corporate unity in Christ. The logic is sacramental and ecclesial: because we being many (hoi polloi, οἱ πολλοί, "the many") all partake of one bread (heis artos, εἷς ἄρτος), we constitute one body (hen sōma, ἓν σῶμα).
The single loaf broken and shared among many communicants visibly enacts the church's unity. All Christians, despite diversity, are incorporated into Christ's one body through shared participation in His body (the bread). This is organic union, not mere association—the church is Christ's body (12:27, Ephesians 1:22-23), vitally connected to Him as Head and to each other as members.
Paul's argument gains force: if eating the one bread makes us one body in Christ, then eating at multiple tables with multiple deities creates impossible divided loyalties. You can't be part of Christ's body at the Lord's table and then participate in demon-worship at idol tables. The sacrament unites Christians exclusively to Christ and corporately to each other—there's no room for syncretistic double-dealing.