1 Corinthians Chapter 11 · Verse 28
But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
Original Language Analysis
δοκιμαζέτω
examine
G1381
δοκιμαζέτω
examine
Strong's:
G1381
Word #:
1 of 15
to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve
ἑαυτόν
himself
G1438
ἑαυτόν
himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
4 of 15
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
7 of 15
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐσθιέτω
let him eat
G2068
ἐσθιέτω
let him eat
Strong's:
G2068
Word #:
10 of 15
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
12 of 15
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Galatians 6:4But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.2 Corinthians 13:5Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?Lamentations 3:40Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.1 Corinthians 11:31For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.Haggai 1:7Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.Haggai 1:5Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.
Historical Context
Jewish Passover preparation included searching homes for leaven (symbol of sin, Exodus 12:15). Paul spiritualizes this: search your heart for sin before the Christian Passover. Early church liturgies included confession of sin and mutual reconciliation before communion (Matthew 5:23-24, Didache 14:1-2). The church father Chrysostom preached that unreconciled Christians should abstain from the Table until they reconcile. This self-examination wasn't individualistic but communal—assessing how one's attitudes and actions affected the body of Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- What should self-examination before the Lord's Supper focus on—personal sins, attitudes toward others, or both?
- How can churches practice corporate self-examination without becoming legalistic or introspective?
- What role should church leaders play in helping members examine themselves—pastoral counsel, fencing the Table, liturgical preparation?
Analysis & Commentary
But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup—The solution to unworthy eating: self-examination. Δοκιμαζέτω δὲ ἄνθρωπος ἑαυτόν (let a man examine himself)—dokimazō means to test, prove, scrutinize (metallurgical term, testing metals for purity). This isn't morbid introspection but honest self-assessment before God. The examination focuses on: attitudes toward others (divisions, v. 18), treatment of the poor (v. 22), and discernment of Christ's body (v. 29).
And so let him eat (καὶ οὕτως... ἐσθιέτω)—after examination, participate. The goal isn't to scare believers away from the Table but to prepare them to approach worthily. Self-examination should produce repentance, reconciliation, and faith—then eat. The Table is for sinners who know they're sinners, not for the self-righteous. Calvin called this "fencing the Table"—protecting it from profanation while welcoming the penitent.