1 Corinthians 11:33
Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.
Original Language Analysis
ὥστε
Wherefore
G5620
ὥστε
Wherefore
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
1 of 9
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
2 of 9
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
συνερχόμενοι
when ye come together
G4905
συνερχόμενοι
when ye come together
Strong's:
G4905
Word #:
4 of 9
to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specially), cohabit (conjugally)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 9
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Historical Context
Roman meals were rigidly timed and stratified. The elite dined early; lower classes ate later with inferior food. Paul demands countercultural practice: wait. This seemingly small act undermined Roman social hierarchy and embodied gospel equality. Early church agape feasts were meant to display radical generosity and unity across social classes (Acts 2:44-46, 4:32-35). Paul calls the Corinthians back to this vision: the Table unites rich and poor, slave and free, Jew and Gentile (Galatians 3:28) in Christ's broken body.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the simple act of 'waiting for one another' embody the gospel and challenge cultural norms?
- What modern practices in churches subtly divide rich and poor, honored and marginalized—and how can they be corrected?
- How can congregations cultivate patience, mutual honor, and genuine community around the Lord's Table and beyond?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another—Paul concludes with practical instruction. Ὥστε, ἀδελφοί μου (wherefore, my brothers)—affectionate address after stern correction. Συνερχόμενοι φαγεῖν (coming together to eat)—the fifth use of synerchomai in this section (vv. 17, 18, 20, 33, 34), emphasizing corporate dimension.
Tarry one for another (ἀλλήλους ἐκδέχεσθε)—ekdechomai means to wait for, receive hospitably. The wealthy shouldn't start eating before the poor arrive. This simple command addresses the root problem: selfishness, class division, and contempt for poorer members. Waiting embodies the gospel: Christ waited for us (Romans 5:6-8, 'while we were still sinners'), so we wait for each other. The Table is communal, not individualistic. Mutual love must characterize the meal, or it's not the Lord's Supper (v. 20). This applies beyond the Table—all Christian community should be marked by patience, preference of others, and mutual love (Philippians 2:3-4).