1 Corinthians 11:17
Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.
Original Language Analysis
παραγγέλλων
that I declare
G3853
παραγγέλλων
that I declare
Strong's:
G3853
Word #:
3 of 15
to transmit a message, i.e., (by implication) to enjoin
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
6 of 15
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
8 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κρεῖττον
the better
G2909
κρεῖττον
the better
Strong's:
G2909
Word #:
10 of 15
stronger, i.e., (figuratively) better, i.e., nobler
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
11 of 15
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Hebrews 10:25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.1 Corinthians 11:22What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.1 Corinthians 14:23If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?1 Peter 2:14Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.1 Corinthians 11:2Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.Leviticus 19:17Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.
Historical Context
The early church celebrated the Lord's Supper within a communal meal called the agape feast (love feast, Jude 12). Wealthier members brought abundant food and wine; poorer members (slaves, laborers) arrived late and hungry. Instead of sharing resources, the rich ate and drank luxuriously while the poor went hungry—blatant class discrimination. This violated the gospel's leveling power (Galatians 3:28, James 2:1-9) and profaned the Table, which symbolizes Christ's broken body given for all equally.
Questions for Reflection
- How can corporate worship become spiritually harmful rather than edifying?
- What modern parallels exist to Corinthian class divisions at the Table (segregated services, exclusive membership, economic stratification)?
- How should churches examine whether their gatherings are 'for the better' or 'for the worse'?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse—Sharp pivot from head coverings to the Lord's Supper. Οὐκ ἐπαινῶ (I praise not) contrasts with 11:2 ("I praise you"). Paul's tone hardens because the Corinthians' abuse of the Table is more severe than head-covering confusion. Συνέρχομαι (synerchomai, come together) repeats five times (vv. 17, 18, 20, 33, 34)—corporate gathering is central to Paul's concern.
Not for the better, but for the worse (οὐκ εἰς τὸ κρεῖττον ἀλλὰ εἰς τὸ ἧττον)—their assemblies were spiritually harmful, not edifying. This is devastating—worship should build up the body (14:26), but Corinthian practice was tearing it down. The comparative (better/worse) implies worship has directionality: it either forms Christlikeness or deforms it. Neutral worship doesn't exist. The Corinthian abuse of the Table—class divisions, drunkenness, gluttony (vv. 21-22)—made gatherings occasions for sin, not sanctification.