1 Corinthians 11:29
For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐσθίει
eateth
G2068
ἐσθίει
eateth
Strong's:
G2068
Word #:
3 of 17
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κρίμα
damnation
G2917
κρίμα
damnation
Strong's:
G2917
Word #:
7 of 17
a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime"))
ἑαυτῷ
to himself
G1438
ἑαυτῷ
to himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
8 of 17
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
ἐσθίει
eateth
G2068
ἐσθίει
eateth
Strong's:
G2068
Word #:
9 of 17
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
12 of 17
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
διακρίνων
discerning
G1252
διακρίνων
discerning
Strong's:
G1252
Word #:
13 of 17
to separate thoroughly, i.e., (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from, or (by implication) oppose; figuratively, to discriminate (by implication,
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σῶμα
body
G4983
σῶμα
body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
15 of 17
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
Cross References
1 Corinthians 11:27Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.1 Corinthians 11:30For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.Hebrews 5:14But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.Ecclesiastes 8:5Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment.Romans 13:2Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.1 Corinthians 11:24And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.James 3:1My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
Historical Context
The phrase 'not discerning the body' became central in sacramental theology. Catholics emphasized Christ's real presence in the elements; Protestants emphasized the church as Christ's body. The Corinthian context clarifies: they failed to discern both—treating the meal as ordinary food (not Christ's body) and ignoring social divisions (fragmenting Christ's body, the church). Discernment requires theological understanding (this is covenant meal) and ethical response (unity in love).
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to 'discern the Lord's body'—recognizing Christ's sacrifice, the church's unity, or both?
- How can unworthy eating bring judgment even on believers—what kind of judgment does Paul have in mind?
- How should churches teach about the Table's seriousness without inducing fear or scrupulosity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body—Paul specifies what makes eating unworthy: μὴ διακρίνων τὸ σῶμα (not discerning the body). Diakrinō means to distinguish, judge correctly, recognize. What body?
Context favors both: Corinthians dishonored Christ's sacrifice and divided His body.
Eateth and drinketh damnation to himself (κρίμα ἑαυτῷ ἐσθίει καὶ πίνει)—krima means judgment, not necessarily eternal condemnation. Paul clarifies in v. 32: temporal discipline ('chastened') not final damnation. Yet the judgment is real—God doesn't overlook profaning the Table. The same meal that nourishes faith when received worthily brings judgment when received unworthily. This mirrors Israel's wilderness experience: manna sustained the faithful but judgment fell on rebels (1 Corinthians 10:1-12).