1 Corinthians 11:27
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 11:27
27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 11 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, worship, salvation. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-34: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 11:27
27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
Analysis
Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord—Solemn warning. Ὥστε (wherefore) draws conclusion from vv. 23-26. Ἀναξίως (anaxiōs, unworthily) is adverb—it modifies how one eats, not who is worthy (no one is inherently worthy!). Unworthy eating includes divisions, gluttony, drunkenness (vv. 21-22), and failing to discern the Lord's body (v. 29).
Shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord (ἔνοχος ἔσται τοῦ σώματος καὶ τοῦ αἵματος τοῦ κυρίου)—enochos means guilty, liable to judgment, answerable for. Unworthy participation makes one guilty of sinning against Christ Himself—akin to participation in His crucifixion. This echoes Hebrews 6:6 (crucifying Christ afresh) and 10:29 (trampling the Son of God underfoot). The Table is sacred; treating it casually or divisively profanes Christ's sacrifice. This isn't legalism but reverence—the meal signifies Christ's death and demands heart preparation.
Historical Context
Jewish temple worship distinguished clean/unclean, worthy/unworthy participation. Passover required participants to be ceremonially clean (Exodus 12:43-49, Numbers 9:6-14). Paul transfers this holiness requirement to the Christian Table—not ritual purity but heart purity, specifically unity and self-examination. The early church developed fencing practices (1 Clement, Didache)—excluding unrepentant sinners from the Table to preserve its holiness and the church's witness. Paul's warning shaped Christian liturgy and discipline.
Reflection
- What does 'unworthy' participation in the Lord's Supper look like practically—what attitudes or actions profane the Table?
- How is being 'guilty of the body and blood' different from merely eating a meal disrespectfully?
- How should churches balance the Table's invitation (grace) with its warning (judgment) without falling into either presumption or legalism?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master
Cross-References
- References Lord: 1 Corinthians 10:21, Numbers 9:10, 9:13
- Blood: Hebrews 10:29
- Parallel theme: Matthew 22:11, John 6:51